IIT Roorkee Researchers Decode Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms; Check Details Here
Introduction
Recently, a study was conducted by the research group led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. The study has shown significant insights into bacterial resistance mechanisms. The study identified L, D-transpeptidase A (LdtA), a specific bacterial protein as a crucial factor, enabling bacteria to evade the effects of antibiotics targeting the rod complex, including mecillinam. Mecillinam is a widely used antibiotic, particularly effective in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli. The research shows that when LdtA levels increase, bacteria can develop resistance to this critical antibiotic, making it less effective.
The study revealed that prolonged exposure of bacteria to a newly developed rod complex-targeting compound, IITR07865, over 30 days led to the emergence of specific mutations. These mutations, combined with the overproduction of the protein L, D-transpeptidase A (LdtA), enhanced the bacteria's resilience. As a result, the bacteria become resistant not only to IITR07865 but also to mecillinam, an antibiotic typically used to target the bacterial cell wall. The findings of this study have been published in the prestigious ACS Infectious Diseases journal.
“Our research brings us closer to dismantling the defences bacteria use to evade antibiotics. This breakthrough is a vital step toward developing smarter and more resilient treatment strategies to protect global health and preserve the power of antibiotics for future generations.”, said Prof. Ranjana Pathania.
Professor Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee said, “Our work on antibiotic resistance underscores IIT Roorkee’s commitment to addressing critical challenges in healthcare. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of resistance mechanisms but also points towards innovative treatment options for bacterial infections, safeguarding public health for the future.”
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