Antimicrobials: Resistance, Susceptibility Testing & Use Flashcards
Explain why antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a clinical and societal problem.
It’s a clinical problem because it’s difficult to treat and eradicate the infection.
It’s a societal problem because these bacteria can be spread to the rest of the population.
Explain the difference between intrinsic and acquired resistance
Intrinsic resistance is the resistance due to structural or functional traits present in all members of a given bacterial species or group. Whereas acquired resistance only occurs in select members.
What is MRSA and what are its implications to public and animal health
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus - has acquired the resistance gene (mecA) encoding a penicillin-binding protein (PBP2A) with low affinity to most beta-lactams (penicillins & cephalosporins). It is mainly found in pigs but can cause infection in other species (companion animals and dairy cows).
Pig farmers can introduce infection to the community.
What is MRSP and what are its implications to public and animal health.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Pseudointermedius - has acquired mecA gene (same as MRSA).
This is mainly found in dogs and can cause animal infection. It is resistant to all antimicrobials licensed for veterinary use. Human infections are rare and generally due to transmission from the household pet.
What is ESBL and what are its implications to public and animal health?
Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase - enzyme hydrolyzing/inactivating most beta-lactams (except carbapenems) produced by gram-negative bacteria. This can affect all animal species and has a high risk of transmission via food/meat.
How can bacteria acquire resistance?
Mutation
Horizontal gene transfer (transformation, transduction, conjugation)
What is transformation?
uptake of freely circulating DNA by a bacteria.
What is transduction?
gene transfer mediated from phage delivery.
What mechanism does ESBL use to confer drug resistance?
enzymatic drug inactivation
What mechanism does MRSA/MRSP use to confer drug resistance?
Target modification
What are the (6) mechanisms bacteria can confer drug resistance?
Target modification - target is changed so the drug no longer can bind to it or has a change in affinity
Target protection
Drug trapping - drug affinity for the “trap” is higher than the target
Enzymatic drug inactivation
Reduced permability - the cell will no longer admit drug entry
Active efflux of the drug - drug is actively pumped out of the cell
Salmonella is a clinically-relevant (how is it transmitted) bacteria that is resistant to ___.
Foodborne bacteria
Resistant to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones.
Campylobacter is a clinically relevant ___ bacteria that is resistant to ____.
Foodborne bacteria
Resistant to macrolides and fluoroquinolones.
For salmonella and campylobacter that is resistant to fluoroquinolones, what situations should fluoroquinolone be used as therapy?
Invasive infections
What is the term used to describe a pathogen that is acquired mainly in hospitals?
Nosocomial pathogen
What are the most common infections associated with ESBL-producing E. coli in dogs and cats?
UTI
What are the most common infections associated with ESBL-producing E. coli in horses?
post-surgical (abdominal) infections.