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Title: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): Antibiotic-Resistance and the Biofilm Phenotype
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an asymptomatic colonizer of 30% of all human beings. While generally benign, antibiotic resistance contributes to the success of S. aureus as a human pathogen. Resistance is rapidly evolved through a wide portfolio of mechanisms including horizontal gene transfer and chromosomal mutation. In addition to traditional resistance mechanisms, a special feature of S. aureus pathogenesis is its ability to survive on both biotic and abiotic surfaces in the biofilm state. Due to this characteristic, S. aureus is a leading cause of human infection. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in particular has emerged as a widespread cause of both community- and hospital-acquired infections. Currently, MRSA is responsible for 10-fold more infections than all multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens combined. Recently, MRSA was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of twelve priority pathogens that threaten human health. In this targeted mini-review, we discuss MRSA biofilm production, the relationship of biofilm production to antibiotic resistance, and front-line techniques to defeat the biofilm-resistance system.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1847804
PAR ID:
10088108
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
MedChemComm
ISSN:
2040-2503
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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