A key mechanism for the formation of resistance of mycobacteria to antibiotics was discovered
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists from the United States managed to find a key mechanism for the formation of resistance of the causative agent of tuberculosis to antibiotics, reports Medical Xpress.
Tuberculosis is extremely difficult to treat - even in uncomplicated cases, therapy for this disease involves the simultaneous administration of a set of antibiotics (usually four to six) for at least six months. In this case, over time, an increasing number of strains of the pathogen (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) becomes resistant to existing drugs.
The main reason for this is the special structure of the bacterial cell wall. One of its components are mycolic acids, which provide reliable protection of the microbe from external influences. Without these acids, the mycobacterium dies.
It is known that mycolic acids are synthesized inside a bacterial cell, after which they exit through the membrane into the cell wall. However, the transmembrane transporter molecule was not found for a long time, despite the efforts of many scientists.
Researchers from the Colorado State University have tested many different substances for antibiotic activity against the causative agent of tuberculosis for 30 years. Recently, their search resulted in success - one of the substances extremely effectively suppressed the growth of mycobacteria in the nutrient medium.
A detailed study of this compound and the mechanism of its action showed that it blocks the desired transmembrane transporter of mycolic acids, which, in this way, was also detected. The discovery of this carrier protein gives a new direction in the search for highly effective drugs, since its blockade leads to the death of the mycobacterium.
A detailed description of the mycolic acid transporter is not yet given - a newly discovered molecule must first be studied in detail. The substance, through which it was discovered, is not called.
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