Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the field of healthcare, with bacteria developing resistance to multiple drugs. A recent study by researchers at the John Innes Centre has shed light on how exposure to low doses of quinolone antibiotics can contribute to this resistance. The study, published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, delved into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Quinolones are a class of antibiotics that target the enzyme DNA gyrase in bacteria, essential for their survival. The research team, led by Professor Tony Maxwell, aimed to investigate the reported Quinolone-induced antibiotic resistance (QIAR) and understand which types of quinolones were involved. They exposed E. coli bacteria to non-lethal concentrations of four quinolones and then challenged them with other antibiotics. The results showed that all tested quinolones, except moxifloxacin, exhibited QIAR.
Further analysis through whole genome sequencing revealed a range of mutations in the bacterial DNA induced by the quinolone treatment. This resistance mechanism highlights the importance of avoiding exposure to low doses of quinolones, particularly in scenarios of misuse or overuse in human medicine, agriculture, or pharmaceutical industries.
The implications of this study extend beyond understanding antibiotic resistance. It underscores the need for antibiotic stewardship and research and development of new antibiotics to combat this global threat. If left unchecked, antimicrobial resistance could lead to 10 million deaths per year and cost the world economy trillions of dollars by 2050.
The World Health Organization has identified these areas as crucial in addressing antimicrobial resistance and safeguarding public health. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance and emphasize the importance of responsible antibiotic use in both medical and non-medical settings.
For more information, the study titled “Insights into antibiotic resistance promoted by quinolone exposure” can be found in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. The research conducted by the John Innes Centre contributes to our understanding of antimicrobial resistance and the strategies needed to develop effective new drugs.
