Beta-lactam resistance and the effectiveness of antimicrobial peptides against KPC-producing bacteria

Author(s)

de Souza, Guilherme da Costa ; Roque-Borda, Cesar Augusto ; Pavan, Fernando R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Drug Development Research; v. 83, n. 7, p. 21-pg., 2022-08-30.

Abstract

Bacterial resistance is a problem that is giving serious cause for concern because bacterial strains such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are difficult to treat and highly opportunistic. These bacteria easily acquire resistance genes even from other species, which confers greater persistence and tolerance towards conventional antibiotics. These bacteria have the highest death rate in hospitalized intensive care patients, so strong measures must be taken. In this review, we focus on the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an alternative to traditional drugs, due to their rapid action and lower risk of generating resistance by microorganisms. We also present an overview of beta-lactams and explicitly explain the activity of AMPs against carbapenemase-producing bacteria as potential alternative agents for infection control. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/14603-5 - Drug discovery and design: antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 analogs promising against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Roque Borda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/13497-4 - Search for the mechanism of action and therapeutic effect of new classes of drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Fernando Rogério Pavan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/16573-3 - In vitro and in vivo studies of antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 analogs encapsulated in colon-specific microparticles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Roque Borda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate