Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the medical field, as bacteria are evolving to become resistant to multiple drugs. A recent study by researchers at the John Innes Centre has shed light on how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, specifically quinolones. Quinolones are a common type of antibiotic that target the enzyme DNA gyrase in bacteria, essential for their survival.
The research team, led by Professor Tony Maxwell, investigated the phenomenon of Quinolone-induced antibiotic resistance (QIAR). They exposed E. coli bacteria to non-lethal doses of four different quinolones – ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, oxolinic acid, and norfloxacin. The results showed that all tested quinolones, except moxifloxacin, exhibited QIAR when the bacterial colonies were challenged with non-quinolone antibiotics.
Further analysis through whole genome sequencing revealed that the resistance developed by the bacteria was due to mutations in their DNA induced by the quinolone treatment. Interestingly, the study also suggested that moxifloxacin may kill E. coli through a different mechanism compared to other quinolones. These findings have important implications for understanding multidrug resistance in bacteria and the development of new antibiotics.
Professor Maxwell emphasized the importance of avoiding exposure to low doses of quinolones, as misuse or overuse of these antibiotics can lead to the development of resistance. This misuse can occur in human medicine, agriculture, or even through environmental contamination in the pharmaceutical industry. Antimicrobial resistance is a natural process but has been accelerated due to the misuse of antibiotics, posing a significant threat to global public health.
If steps are not taken to address antimicrobial resistance, it is estimated that by 2050, it could cause 10 million deaths annually and cost the world economy 10 trillion USD in economic output. The World Health Organization has identified antibiotic stewardship and research and development as crucial in combating this growing threat.
This study, published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and highlights the need for responsible antibiotic use in both medical and non-medical settings. By understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, researchers can work towards developing effective strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance and safeguard public health.
