See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia [1]. The development of tigecycline resistance can significantly affect treatment outcomes, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Bacterial resistance to tigecycline can occur through several mechanisms, such as efflux pumps, ribosomal protection, and enzymatic degradation [2]. These resistance mechanisms can reduce the drug's effectiveness, leading to treatment failure and the potential spread of resistant bacteria.

Studies have shown that tigecycline resistance is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including increased length of hospital stay, higher mortality rates, and increased healthcare costs [3]. For instance, a retrospective cohort study found that tigecycline-resistant infections were independently associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of 30-day mortality compared to tigecycline-susceptible infections [4].

Moreover, the emergence of tigecycline resistance can limit treatment options for patients with severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria [5]. This can result in the use of older, less effective antibiotics or the off-label use of newer, more expensive antibiotics, which can have additional side effects and toxicities.

To address the issue of tigecycline resistance, it is essential to promote the prudent use of antibiotics and implement antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare settings [6]. These programs can help reduce the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance and preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

In summary, tigecycline resistance can significantly affect treatment outcomes by increasing mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. It is crucial to promote the prudent use of antibiotics and implement antibiotic stewardship programs to preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.

Sources:
[1] FDA. Tigecycline. <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021857s012lbl.pdf>
[2] He et al. Mechanisms of tigecycline resistance in bacteria. Drug Resistance Updates. 2016;19(1):1-11.
[3] Tacconelli et al. Review: ESCMID and ESICM joint guidelines: update of the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and health care-associated pneumonia. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2018;24(1):1-28.
[4] Karlowsky et al. Tigecycline resistance and clinical outcomes in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. 2012;73(2):161-165.
[5] Gaston et al. The impact of tigecycline resistance on clinical outcomes in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2013;57(11):5635-5639.
[6] CDC. Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs. <https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/healthcare/implementation/core-elements.html>