Er antibiotikaresistens reverserbart?

04.02.2010

Omtale av Tromsø-artikkel om antibiotikaresistens i Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening.

Det siste nummeret av Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening omtaler en artikkel av forskere ved UIT og GenØk nylig publisert i Lancet Infectious Diseases. Artikkelen omhandler faktorene som påvirker reversering av antibiotikaresistens.

Tre av artikkelforfatterne. Fra venstre Kaare M. Nielsen, Pål J. Johnsen og Gunnar S. Simonsen. Foto Thomas Bøhn

Abstract
The persistence or loss of acquired antimicrobial-drug resistance in bacterial populations previously exposed to drug-selective pressure depends on several biological processes. We review mechanisms promoting or preventing the loss of resistance, including rates of reacquisition, effects of resistance traits on bacterial fitness, linked selection, and segregational stability of resistance determinants. As a case study, we discuss the persistence of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci in Norwegian and Danish poultry farms 12 years after the ban of the animal growth promoter avoparcin. We conclude that complete eradication of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations following relaxed drug-selective pressures is not straightforward. Resistance determinants may persist at low, but detectable, levels for many years in the absence of the corresponding drugs.

Referanse
Johnsen PJ, Townsend JP, Bøhn T et al. Factors affecting the reversal of antimicrobial-drug resistance. Lancet Infect Dis 2009; 9: 357–64.