Multidrug Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic Resistance happens when bacteria or fungi become resistant to the antibiotic drugs used to treat infections. These resistant bacteria and fungi, called multidrug resistant organisms or MDROs, are difficult and sometimes impossible to control with currently available antibiotics. Per a CDC report, in the United States more than 2.8 million antimicrobial resistant infections occur every year.

Bacteria and fungi develop defense strategies to counteract antibiotics and antifungal medications. These defense strategies are called resistance mechanisms. Resistance mechanisms are created from specific proteins through the translation of the organisms’ DNA. These resistant bacteria can share their resistance mechanisms with other bacteria and fungi that have not been exposed to antimicrobial or antifungal medication. The overprescribing and misuse of antibiotics has accelerated this process.

Treatment for Multidrug Antibiotic Resistance typically includes administering a combination of existing antibiotics or in some cases taking a chance on a novel drug candidate. Treatment options are often limited, and achieving an adequate response can require long hospital stays and thorough follow-up care.

ACT research partners at Emory University are studying the safety and effectiveness of Microbiota Transplant Therapy as a treatment for Multidrug Antibiotic Resistance. Replacing MDROs with susceptible strains has the potential to combat resistant infections and heal the gut after antibiotic exposure.