Diverse genetic alterations responsible for post-exposure colistin resistance in populations of the same strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae

The lack of effective antimicrobial agents against infections by gram-negative pathogens has led to a revival of treatment with polymyxins (polymyxin B and colistin) [1]. The modification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through cationic substitution is the most common mechanism of colistin resistance in many gram-negative pathogens, including K. pneumoniae [2]. LPS modification relies on the activation of the PhoPQ and PmrAB two-component signaling system [3, 4]. In Klebsiella pneumoniae, PmrD can mediate PhoP and PmrA activation, or activated PhoP can direct activate pbgP operon (or arnBCADTEF or pmrHFIJKLM) [5, 6].
Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research