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Antibiotics
Special Issues
ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance
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ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 8009

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Marta Mollerach

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1.Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina
2. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina
Interests: ESKAPE pathogen; antimicrobial resistance; molecular epidemiology; virulence; infectious diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infectious diseases have been a continuing threat to human health throughout history. The discovery and development of antibiotics revolutionized medicine and allowed us to effectively combat many deadly pathogens. However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, presenting an alarming global health crisis. Among these resistant pathogens, the ESKAPE bacteria—Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species—have taken center stage in the fight against infection and antibiotic resistance.

The ESKAPE pathogens are notorious for their remarkable ability to "escape" the effects of antibiotics, rendering common treatment strategies ineffective. In response to this growing challenge, the scientific and medical communities have intensified their efforts towards understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in order to develop novel antimicrobial agents and implement effective infection control measures.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives to address the multifaceted issue of ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance. By exploring the latest findings and breakthroughs in this field, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and the direction of future research. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses a wide range of topics including, but not limited to:

  1. Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance: Delving into the molecular and genetic mechanisms that ESKAPE pathogens employ to evade the effects of antibiotics, including efflux pumps, beta-lactamases, and modifications to antibiotic targets;
  2. Surveillance and Epidemiology: Analyzing the global spread and prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens and their resistance profiles and trends over time in order to inform effective control strategies;
  3. Novel Therapeutic Approaches: Highlighting the development of new antibiotics, adjuvant therapies, and alternative treatment options to combat ESKAPE pathogens;
  4. Host–Pathogen Interactions: Investigating the host immune response, virulence factors, and pathogenesis of ESKAPE infections to better understand disease progression;
  5. Infection Control and Prevention: Discussing strategies for preventing ESKAPE pathogen infections, including hospital infection control measures, vaccination, and public health interventions;
  6. One Health Perspective: Addressing the interplay of antibiotic resistance and ESKAPE pathogens in the context of human, animal, and environmental health;
  7. Antimicrobial Stewardship: Examining strategies to optimize antibiotic use and reduce the emergence of resistance.

We invite researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and experts in the field to contribute their knowledge, insights, and research findings to this Special Issue. By sharing the latest advancements and encouraging collaboration, we hope to advance our collective understanding of ESKAPE pathogen infections and antibiotic resistance, ultimately working towards more effective strategies to combat these pathogens and protect global public health.

Prof. Dr. Marta Mollerach
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ESKAPE pathogens
  • antibiotics resistance
  • epidemiology
  • treatment
  • infection

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2594 KiB  
Article
Genetic and Phenotypic Changes Related to the Development of mec-Independent Oxacillin Non-Susceptibility in ST8 Staphylococcus aureus Recovered after Antibiotic Therapy in a Patient with Bacteremia
by Sabrina Di Gregorio, Gabriela Weltman, Carolina Fabbri, Silvina Fernández, Soledad Zárate, Jorgelina Smayevsky, Pablo Power, Josefina Campos, Leticia Irene Llarrull and Marta Mollerach
Antibiotics 2024, 13(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13060554 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1299
Abstract
The mec-independent oxacillin non-susceptible S. aureus (MIONSA) strains represent a great clinical challenge, as they are not easily detected and can lead to treatment failure. However, the responsible molecular mechanisms are still very little understood. Here, we studied four clinical ST8-MSSA-t024 [...] Read more.
The mec-independent oxacillin non-susceptible S. aureus (MIONSA) strains represent a great clinical challenge, as they are not easily detected and can lead to treatment failure. However, the responsible molecular mechanisms are still very little understood. Here, we studied four clinical ST8-MSSA-t024 isolates recovered during the course of antibiotic treatment from a patient suffering successive episodes of bacteremia. The first isolates (SAMS1, SAMS2, and SAMS3) were susceptible to cefoxitin and oxacillin. The last one (SA2) was susceptible to cefoxitin, resistant to oxacillin, lacked mec genes, and had reduced susceptibility to teicoplanin. SA2 showed higher β-lactamase activity than SAMS1. However, β-lactamase hyperproduction could not be linked to oxacillin resistance as it was not inhibited by clavulanic acid, and no genetic changes that could account for its hyperproduction were found. Importantly, we hereby report the in vivo acquisition and coexistence of different adaptive mutations in genes associated with peptidoglycan synthesis (pbp2, rodA, stp1, yjbH, and yvqF/vraT), which is possibly related with the development of oxacillin resistance and reduced susceptibility to teicoplanin in SA2. Using three-dimensional models and PBP binding assays, we demonstrated the high contribution of the SA2 PBP2 Ala450Asp mutation to the observed oxacillin resistance phenotype. Our results should be considered as a warning for physicians and microbiologists in the region, as MIONSA detection and treatment represent an important clinical challenge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance)
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20 pages, 1661 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypes and Genotypes in Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Isolates from the Academic Hospital of Jaén, Spain
by Laura Morales, Antonio Cobo, María Pilar Frías, Antonio Gálvez and Elena Ortega
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050429 - 9 May 2024
Viewed by 1831
Abstract
The heterogenicity of antimicrobial resistance genes described in clinically significant bacterial isolates and their potential role in reducing the efficacy of classically effective antibiotics pose a major challenge for global healthcare, especially in infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. We analyzed 112 multidrug-resistant (MDR) [...] Read more.
The heterogenicity of antimicrobial resistance genes described in clinically significant bacterial isolates and their potential role in reducing the efficacy of classically effective antibiotics pose a major challenge for global healthcare, especially in infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. We analyzed 112 multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates from clinical samples in order to detect high resistance profiles, both phenotypically and genotypically, among four Gram-negative genera (Acinetobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas). We found that 9.8% of the total selected isolates were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) (six isolates identified as A. baumannii and five among P. pneumoniae isolates). All other isolates were classified as MDR. Almost 100% of the isolates showed positive results for blaOXA-23 and blaNDM-1 genes among the A. baumannii samples, one resistance gene (blaCTX-M) among E. coli, and two genetic determinants (blaCTX-M and aac(6′)-Ib) among Klebsiella. In contrast, P. aeruginosa showed just one high-frequency antibiotic resistance gene (dfrA), which was present in 68.42% of the isolates studied. We also describe positive associations between ampicillin and cefotaxime resistance in A. baumannii and the presence of blaVEB and blaGES genes, as well as between the aztreonam resistance phenotype and the presence of blaGES gene in E. coli. These data may be useful in achieving a better control of infection strategies and antibiotic management in clinical scenarios where these multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens cause higher morbidity and mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance)
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12 pages, 3310 KiB  
Article
Detection of Vancomycin Resistance among Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Recovered from Children with Invasive Diseases in a Reference Pediatric Hospital
by Lorena Pardo, María Inés Mota, Andrés Parnizari, Adriana Varela, Gabriela Algorta and Gustavo Varela
Antibiotics 2024, 13(4), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13040298 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
Vancomycin is the cornerstone in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. However, therapeutic failures can occur when MRSA strains with decreased susceptibility to glycopeptides (DSG) are involved. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize DSG in MRSA recovered from children [...] Read more.
Vancomycin is the cornerstone in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. However, therapeutic failures can occur when MRSA strains with decreased susceptibility to glycopeptides (DSG) are involved. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize DSG in MRSA recovered from children with invasive diseases at a reference pediatric hospital between 2009 and 2019. Fifty-two MRSA strains were screened using agar plates with vancomycin 3 and 4 mg/L (BHI-3 and BHI-4); the VITEK2 system; and standard and macro E-tests. Suspicious hVISA were studied by population analysis profiling–area under the curve (PAP-AUC), and wall thickness was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Neither VRSA nor VISA were detected in this set. As only three strains met the hVISA criteria, the PAP-AUC study included 12 additional MRSA strains that grew one colony on BHI-4 plates or showed minimum inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin and/or teicoplanin ≥ 1.5 mg/L. One strain was confirmed as hVISA by PAP-AUC. The wall thickness was greater than the vancomycin-susceptible control strain; it belonged to ST30 and carried SCCmec IV. As expected, a low frequency of hVISA was found (1.9%). The only hVISA confirmed by PAP-AUC was not detected by the screening methods, highlighting the challenge that its detection represents for microbiology laboratories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance)
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12 pages, 957 KiB  
Article
Great Plasticity in a Great Pathogen: Capsular Types, Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation in ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Pediatric Infections in Uruguay
by Lucía Araújo, Romina Papa-Ezdra, Pablo Ávila, Victoria Iribarnegaray, Inés Bado, Hector Telechea, Virginia Garcia-Fulgueiras and Rafael Vignoli
Antibiotics 2024, 13(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13020170 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1744
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is widely recognized as an opportunistic hospital and community pathogen. It is one of the priority microorganisms included in the ESKAPE group, and its antibiotic resistance related to extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) is a global public health concern. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) [...] Read more.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is widely recognized as an opportunistic hospital and community pathogen. It is one of the priority microorganisms included in the ESKAPE group, and its antibiotic resistance related to extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) is a global public health concern. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotype, in combination with pathogenicity factors, could enhance the ability of this pathogen to cause clinical infections. The aim of this study was to characterize pathogenicity factors and biofilm formation in ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae from pediatric clinical infections. Capsular types, virulence factors, and sequence types were characterized by PCR. Biofilm formation was determined by a semiquantitative microtiter technique. MDR phenotype and statistical analysis were performed. The K24 capsular type (27%), virulence factors related to iron uptake fyuA (35%) and kfuBC (27%), and sequence types ST14 (18%) and ST45 (18%) were the most frequently detected. Most of the strains were biofilm producers: weak (22%), moderate (22%), or strong (12%). In 62% of the strains, an MDR phenotype was detected. Strains with K24 capsular type showed an association with ST45 and the presence of fyuA; strains with kfuBC showed an association with moderate or strong biofilm production and belonging to ST14. Weak or no biofilm producers were associated with the absence of kfuBC. The MDR phenotype was associated with the main ESBL gene, blaCTX-M-15. The high plasticity of K. pneumoniae to acquire an MDR phenotype, in combination with the factors exposed in this report, could make it even more difficult to achieve a good clinical outcome with the available therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ESKAPE Pathogen Infection and Antibiotic Resistance)
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