Long-term Persistence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Revealed in New Study

Long-term Persistence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Revealed in New Study

In a recent study conducted in Basel, Switzerland, researchers have discovered alarming evidence regarding the prolonged presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the human body. The analysis, spanning a decade and encompassing over 70 hospital patients, sheds light on the persistence and potential spread of these ‘superbugs.’

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications on Dec. 21, underscores the resilience of two prevalent bacterial strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, against which antibiotics often prove ineffective. These bacteria, belonging to the Enterobacterales group, are known culprits in various severe infections such as pneumonia, blood poisoning, and urinary tract infections.

One of the key findings of the research is the startling duration of colonization by these resistant bacteria. Patients harbored strains of K. pneumoniae for up to five years and E. coli for as long as nine years. Such prolonged colonization poses a significant risk, as carriers may experience recurrent infections and inadvertently expose others to these pathogens.

Lead study author Lisandra Aguilar-Bultet, a research associate at the University Hospital of Basel, highlights the dual threat posed by these carriers: not only do they suffer from repeated illnesses themselves, but they also serve as potential sources of infection for others. The transmission of these resistant bacteria can occur through various means, including inadequate hygiene practices, close personal contact, or exposure to contaminated medical equipment.

The research involved genetic screening of samples collected from patients over the study period. Remarkably, the genetic diversity of the bacteria remained low within patients’ bodies over time, with identical strains persisting across multiple screenings. Additionally, the study uncovered instances of shared antibiotic resistance genes among different bacterial strains within individuals, indicating potential gene transfer mechanisms that contribute to the spread of resistance.

These findings lay the groundwork for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the prolonged persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the triggers that transition them from benign colonization to harmful infection. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings and beyond.

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