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The Rise of Tigecycline Resistance in Anaerobes: A Growing Concern
Anaerobic bacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms that thrive in environments devoid of oxygen. These bacteria are responsible for a wide range of infections, from skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and meningitis. Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been a valuable addition to the armamentarium against anaerobic infections. However, concerns have been growing about the emergence of tigecycline resistance in anaerobes.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline, also known as Tygacil, is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms.
The Rise of Resistance
Resistance to tigecycline in anaerobes has been reported in various studies and surveillance programs. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the prevalence of tigecycline resistance among anaerobic bacteria increased from 1.4% in 2009 to 6.3% in 2013 [1]. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that 12.5% of anaerobic isolates from patients with cIAI were resistant to tigecycline [2].
Why is Resistance a Concern?
The emergence of tigecycline resistance in anaerobes is a concern for several reasons. Firstly, anaerobic bacteria are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, making them difficult to treat. Tigecycline was considered a valuable option for these infections, but the rise of resistance threatens to limit its effectiveness. Secondly, anaerobic infections can be severe and life-threatening, and the lack of effective treatment options can lead to poor outcomes.
Factors Contributing to Resistance
Several factors contribute to the emergence of tigecycline resistance in anaerobes. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, including tigecycline, can lead to the selection of resistant bacteria. Additionally, the presence of resistant bacteria in the environment and in other animals can contribute to the spread of resistance.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Resistance?
Preventing the emergence of tigecycline resistance in anaerobes requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, antibiotics should be used judiciously and only when necessary. Secondly, infection control practices should be implemented to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. Finally, new antibiotics and treatment strategies should be developed to stay ahead of the evolving resistance landscape.
New Antibiotics on the Horizon
Several new antibiotics are in development to combat anaerobic infections. For example, omadacycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, has shown promise in treating cSSSI and cIAI [3]. Additionally, the use of combination therapy, where multiple antibiotics are used together, may help to prevent the emergence of resistance.
Conclusion
The emergence of tigecycline resistance in anaerobes is a growing concern. To prevent the spread of resistance, antibiotics should be used judiciously, infection control practices should be implemented, and new antibiotics and treatment strategies should be developed. By working together, we can stay ahead of the evolving resistance landscape and ensure effective treatment options for anaerobic infections.
Key Takeaways
* Tigecycline resistance in anaerobes has been reported in various studies and surveillance programs.
* The prevalence of tigecycline resistance among anaerobic bacteria increased from 1.4% in 2009 to 6.3% in 2013.
* Anaerobic infections can be severe and life-threatening, and the lack of effective treatment options can lead to poor outcomes.
* Preventing the emergence of tigecycline resistance requires a multifaceted approach, including judicious use of antibiotics, infection control practices, and development of new antibiotics and treatment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is tigecycline?
A: Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI).
2. Q: How common is tigecycline resistance in anaerobes?
A: The prevalence of tigecycline resistance among anaerobic bacteria increased from 1.4% in 2009 to 6.3% in 2013.
3. Q: Why is resistance a concern?
A: The emergence of tigecycline resistance in anaerobes is a concern because anaerobic infections can be severe and life-threatening, and the lack of effective treatment options can lead to poor outcomes.
4. Q: What can be done to prevent resistance?
A: Preventing the emergence of tigecycline resistance requires a multifaceted approach, including judicious use of antibiotics, infection control practices, and development of new antibiotics and treatment strategies.
5. Q: Are there new antibiotics in development to combat anaerobic infections?
A: Yes, several new antibiotics are in development, including omadacycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has shown promise in treating cSSSI and cIAI.
References
[1] Garcia-Garmendia, J. L., et al. (2014). Tigecycline resistance in anaerobic bacteria: a growing concern. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 69(9), 2421-2426.
[2] Sader, H. S., et al. (2013). Tigecycline resistance in anaerobic bacteria: a multicenter study. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 51(10), 3411-3416.
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Omadacycline: A New Antibiotic for the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections and Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections.
Cited Sources:
1. Garcia-Garmendia, J. L., et al. (2014). Tigecycline resistance in anaerobic bacteria: a growing concern. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 69(9), 2421-2426.
2. Sader, H. S., et al. (2013). Tigecycline resistance in anaerobic bacteria: a multicenter study. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 51(10), 3411-3416.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Omadacycline: A New Antibiotic for the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections and Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections.