Molecular and Physiological Characterization of Bacterial Macrolide Resistance Mechanisms as an Approach of Infection Control

Abstract

The rational use of antimicrobials is the cornerstone of good clinical practice; in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy, and minimize the risk of treatment failure and emergence of resistant microorganisms. Due to the abuse and overuse of antibiotics in Egyptian healthcare settings, there is significant development of bacterial resistance to most antibiotics. Macrolide (MAC) antibiotics are polyketides that stop bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis. They are among the antibacterial agents that are highly recommended for treatment of bacterial infections. As with other drugs, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics lead to development of resistance among the most important pathogens. The aim of our study was to detect the genes coding for the enzymes responsible for macrolide resistance (mainly from Gram-positive bacteria), followed by purification and characterization of these enzymes, and studying the use of different combinations for the purpose of infection control.