Pseudomonas And Acinetobacter From Drug Resistance To Pathogenesis

Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter: From Drug Resistance to Pathogenesis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are among the most common non-lactose-fermenting Gram-negative pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired infections, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). The treatment of infections caused by these bacteria is complicated due to the emergence of multi-drug resistance as the two species are noted for their intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents and their ability to acquire genetic elements that encode for resistance determinants. In both species, resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobial agents can seriously compromise the ability to treat infected patients, especially the immunocompromised. Consequently, very few antimicrobials remain as treatment options. Mechanisms of resistance in both of these pathogens include the production of β-lactamases and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes as well as reduced or lack of expression of outer membrane proteins, mutations in topoisomerases, and up-regulation of efflux pumps. To that purpose, the findings of the studies included in this book deal with the prevalence of resistant isolates to various antimicrobial agents in both P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii, their underlying mechanisms of resistance, their virulence factors, their pathogenesis, and prospective treatment options. Special thanks are due to Mr. Bassam El-Hafi for facilitating procedures involved in this publication.

Genetics of Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance in Animal and Zoonotic Pathogens

Development and spread of antimicrobial resistance is the result of an evolutionary process by which microorganisms adapt to antibiotics through several mechanisms including alteration of drug target by mutation and horizontal transfer of resistance genes. The concomitant occurrence of independent antimicrobial resistance mechanisms is a serious threat to human health and has appeared in several emerging epidemic clones over the past decade in humans and also in animals. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial drug resistance among animal and zoonotic foodborne pathogens is of particular concern for public health. In this Ebook, we gathered a collection of articles which deal with the most important aspects of the genetics of acquired antimicrobial resistance extending from medically-important resistance, emerging epidemic resistant clones, main mobile genetic elements spreading resistance, resistomes, dissemination between animals and humans, to the “One Health” concept.

Genomic Basis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence in Acinetobacter