MECHANISMS OF COLISTIN RESISTANCE AMONG ENTEROBACTERIACEAE

ABSTRACT

Colistin is an effective antibiotic for treatment of most multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It is used currently as a last-line drug for infections due to severe Gram-negative bacteria followed by an increase in resistance among Gram-negative bacteria.The aim of this seminar is to access the different mechanisms of colistin resistance among Enterobacteriaceae. Google search engines and journals were used in gathering pertinent information for this seminar. The result from this search shows that the colistin resistance mechanisms among Enterobacteriaceae is either Intrinsic or Acquired. Colistin resistance has been considered a serious problem, due to a lack of alternative antibiotics. Although there has been a significant recent increase in data gathered on colistin, focusing on its chemistry, antibacterial activity, mechanism of action and resistance, and new clinical application, the prevalence of colistin resistance has been very little. Enterobacteriaceae members, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella spp. have an acquired resistance against colistin. However, other bacteria, including Serratia spp., Proteus spp. and Burkholderia spp. are naturally resistant to this antibiotic. In conclusion, combination therapies of colistin with other antibiotics will help prevent the development of colistin-resistant strains, and eventually improve clinical and microbiological outcomes.