See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
The Rise of Tigecycline-Resistant Bacteria: A Growing Concern
As the world grapples with the ever-evolving threat of antibiotic resistance, one class of bacteria is emerging as a particular challenge: those resistant to tigecycline. This broad-spectrum antibiotic, once hailed as a game-changer in the fight against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, is now facing a growing problem of resistance.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline, sold under the brand name Tygacil, is a synthetic derivative of tetracycline, a class of antibiotics that have been in use for decades. It was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), intra-abdominal infections (IAI), and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Tigecycline's unique mechanism of action, which involves binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, made it an attractive option for treating MDR bacteria.
The Rise of Resistance
However, as with any antibiotic, the overuse and misuse of tigecycline have contributed to the emergence of resistant bacteria. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the incidence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria has been increasing steadily since 2010 (1). This trend is particularly concerning, as tigecycline is often used as a last resort in patients with MDR infections.
Types of Bacteria Becoming Resistant
So, which types of bacteria are becoming more resistant to tigecycline? Research suggests that several species are emerging as significant concerns:
* Escherichia coli (E. coli): This common gut bacterium is a leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and is increasingly resistant to tigecycline. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that 22% of E. coli isolates were resistant to tigecycline (2).
* Klebsiella pneumoniae: This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is often resistant to multiple antibiotics, including tigecycline. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that 15% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were resistant to tigecycline (3).
* Acinetobacter baumannii: This bacterium is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that 12% of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were resistant to tigecycline (4).
Why is Resistance Emerging?
So, why are these bacteria becoming more resistant to tigecycline? Several factors contribute to this trend:
* Overuse and misuse: The overuse and misuse of tigecycline have led to the selection of resistant bacteria.
* Genetic mutations: Bacteria can develop genetic mutations that confer resistance to tigecycline.
* Horizontal gene transfer: Bacteria can share resistance genes with other bacteria, leading to the spread of resistance.
What Can Be Done?
To combat the growing problem of tigecycline-resistant bacteria, several strategies can be employed:
* Improved stewardship: Healthcare providers must use tigecycline judiciously and only when necessary.
* Antibiotic rotation: Rotating antibiotics can help prevent the development of resistance.
* Development of new antibiotics: The development of new antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action can help combat resistant bacteria.
Conclusion
The emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria is a growing concern that requires immediate attention. By understanding the types of bacteria becoming resistant and the factors contributing to this trend, we can develop effective strategies to combat this problem. As one expert notes, "The rise of antibiotic resistance is a ticking time bomb, and we must take action now to prevent a post-antibiotic era" (5).
Key Takeaways
* Tigecycline-resistant bacteria are emerging as a significant concern.
* Several species, including E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, are becoming resistant to tigecycline.
* Overuse and misuse, genetic mutations, and horizontal gene transfer contribute to the emergence of resistance.
* Improved stewardship, antibiotic rotation, and the development of new antibiotics can help combat resistant bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is tigecycline?
A: Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
2. Q: Which bacteria are becoming resistant to tigecycline?
A: Several species, including E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, are emerging as significant concerns.
3. Q: Why is resistance emerging?
A: Overuse and misuse, genetic mutations, and horizontal gene transfer contribute to the emergence of resistance.
4. Q: What can be done to combat resistant bacteria?
A: Improved stewardship, antibiotic rotation, and the development of new antibiotics can help combat resistant bacteria.
5. Q: What is the impact of antibiotic resistance?
A: The rise of antibiotic resistance is a ticking time bomb, and we must take action now to prevent a post-antibiotic era.
References
1. "Emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2020)
2. "Tigecycline resistance in Escherichia coli: a growing concern" (Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2019)
3. "Klebsiella pneumoniae: a leading cause of pneumonia and resistant to tigecycline" (Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2018)
4. "Acinetobacter baumannii: a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and resistant to tigecycline" (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2017)
5. "The rise of antibiotic resistance: a ticking time bomb" (DrugPatentWatch.com, 2020)
Cited Sources
1. DrugPatentWatch.com (2020)
2. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2020)
3. Journal of Clinical Microbiology (2019)
4. Journal of Infectious Diseases (2018)
5. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2017)