Antibiotic Resistance

By Canfield High School Chapter

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to combat and survive antibiotics that would ordinarily kill them. This transpires as a result of the overuse, or misuse, of antibiotics (i.e. not finishing a prescribed course of treatment). As the antibiotic–resistant bacteria proliferate, the strongest bacteria survive and multiply, passing on their resistant traits to the new bacteria. Consequently, infections that were previously easy to treat become much more difficult to manage, and at times, leading to infections that are nearly impossible to treat. In the United States, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections spread each year, and according to the CDC’s 2019 report, more than 35,000 cases are fatal. As of now, ongoing research is being done to develop a solution to antibacterial resistance, however there have been minimal successes. 

Examples of antibacterial-resistant infections are:

• Group A streptococci, macrolide-resistant

• Group B streptococci, penicillin-resistant

• Streptococcus pneumoniae, macrolide-resistant

Group A streptococci (GAS) is a common form of bacteria in cases of strep throat, scarlet fever, and skin infections. Macrolide resistant forms of this bacteria are strains resistant to macrolide antibiotics (antibiotics that work against bacterial infection). These antibiotics include erythromycin, clarithromycin  and azithromycin. After a GAS infection, people become susceptible to rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, and nervous system.  

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), more routinely known as Group B Strep, is transmitted through direct contact. It is most often found within pregnant women colonized with GBS, as they can transmit the bacteria to their newborns at the time of birth. GBS is penicillin resistant, and recent studies in the United States and Hong Kong present the resistance is increasing. Common symptoms include UTI’s, soft tissue infections, and bloodstream infections. If newborns contract GBS, they can suffer from fever, troubled breathing, and lethargy. Presently, the only treatment for GBS is antibiotics. 

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a bacteria, typically found in pairs, which contributed to pneumonia in the late 19th century, where the bacteria colonizes in healthy carriers and infects the sinuses, nasal cavity, and respiratory tract. If the bacteria colonizes into an individual with a weaker immune system, it could lead to disease and infection that spreads to other body parts. If this bacteria becomes pathogenic, people with streptococcus pneumoniae can contract neonatal infections. The bacteria resists macrolides such as ribosomal dimethylation from erm(B) encoded enzymes, consisting of two component efflux pumps, and, in rare situations, a mutation can occur in the ribosomal target site of macrolides. Infection to weaker immune systems by streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to pneumonia, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, sinusitis, bacteraemia, otitis media, and meningitis. 

Other bacterias with high antibiotic resistances:

• Salmonella Typhi, fluoroquinolone-resistant

• Shigella spp., fluoroquinolone-resistant 

• Enterococcus faecium, vancomycin-resistant

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant

• Non-typhoidal Salmonella, fluoroquinolone-resistant

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae, third-generation cephalosporin- and/or fluoroquinolone-resistant

• Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant

• Haemophilus influenzae, ampicillin-resistant

• vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

• Deinococcus radiodurans-(most resistant)

What are some product ideas?

 The best option for cattle is to selectively breed against the resistance because all you need to do is see if they have the desired gene. For humans, it is more complicated. Ideas for humans include vaccines, adaptable antibiotics, or selective gene editing for a better natural immune response. Ethical concerns arise from any solutions because they are deemed too “invasive” in many cases. Scientists have to jump through many hoops to find funding for research which also adds to the complexity for the solution.

Future Implications?

Hypothetically, if we are able to develop a method for fighting infectious bacteria with no resistance, we can increase their survival immensely. This also opens up many more doors of research for other issues of concerns on human and animal health. The market of big pharma loves antibiotic resistance because it means people must buy more. Our research has the potential to take a shot at big pharma and save millions world wide time, money, suffering, and frustration.

In Summary…

Once again, this research is an urgent issue. If we act now, we can save countless lives, but if we wait, it will be quite the contrary. With the help of funding for developmental and testing purposes, we can help rid the world of bacterial resistance altogether and open the door for more breakthroughs to come.