FoM:L5 - Antibiotic resistance

Question 1

What are the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance?

Answer 1

1) specific enzymes inactivate antibiotic
2) cell envelope modified (becomes impermeable)
3) efflux systems expel drugs
4) target is modified so drug binds less
5) mechanism by-passed by changing metabolic pathway

Question 2

What are beta-lactamases?

Answer 2

enzymes secreted by bacteria that damage and inactivate beta-lactam containing antibiotics

Question 3

What are ESBLs?

Answer 3

• extended spectrum beta lactamases that are effective against more potnt drugs

Question 4

What are carbapenemases?

Answer 4

enzymes that inactivate even very potent, otherwise very effective antibiotics

Question 5

What is plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance?

Answer 5

• mutations leading to antibiotics can be on plasmid DNA
• this can be shared/exported with other bacterium