Selectomics to monitor and predict the emergence of resistance to antibiotics
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OverviewThis new approach will use the human intestinal microbiome to predict the emergence of resistance genes to antibiotics that would have the potential to be transferred to pathogen agents. The developed tools will permit to evaluate the potential of new chemical compounds to select the resistance. |
The development of antibiotic resistance is a challenging problem that jeopardizes clinical medicine and poses a serious threat to human health. The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms is worrisome, as it hinders our ability to treat bacterial infections and develop new antimicrobial agents.
Historically, bacterial pathogens were
the primary focus of studies on antibiotic
resistance genes. Dr. Bergeron’s team,
on the other hand, proposes that human
microflora, normally considered innocuous
or even beneficial, could be playing
a detrimental role in human health by
transferring resistance genes to pathogens.
He will lead his research team in a
novel approach designed to investigate
commensal gut bacteria and their potentialas resistance gene reservoirs. Researchers
will study the gut ecosystem to see if
it can be used to predict the emergence
of resistance to antimicrobial agents in vivo and to determine whether antibiotic
exposure has the potential to alter this
reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes.
This study will increase our understanding
of the mechanisms involved in lateral gene
transfer. Ultimately, the project will yield an
unprecedented database and tools that will
facilitate early screening for the resistance
potential of new antimicrobials before their
efficacy in clinical trials is assessed.
Impact on the drug discovery process
- Evaluate the potential for resistance
to various antimicrobials in vivo,
hence guide drug development for
more effective treatments - Develop better, faster diagnostic tools
- Personalize antibiotic treatments
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