Clinically Relevant Bacterial Chromosomally Encoded Clinically Relevant Bacterial Chromosomally Encoded Multi-Drug Resistance Efflux Pumps

Laura Piddock

Research output: Contribution to journalReview article

736 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Efflux pump genes and proteins are present in both antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Pumps may be specific for one substrate or may transport a range of structurally dissimilar compounds (Including antibiotics of multiple classes); such pumps can be associated with multiple drug (antibiotic) resistance (MDR). However, the clinical relevance of efflux-mediated resistance is species, drug, and infection dependent. This review focuses on chromosomally encoded pumps in bacteria that cause infections in humans. Recent structural data provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of drug transport. MDR efflux pumps contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria in several ways: (i) inherent resistance to an entire class of agents, (ii) inherent resistance to specific agents, and (iii) resistance conferred by overexpression of cm efflux pump. Enhanced efflux can be mediated by mutations in (i) the local repressor gene, (ii) a global regulatory gene, (iii) the promoter region of the transporter gene, or (iv) insertion elements upstream of the transporter gene. Some data suggest that resistance nodulation division systems are important in pathogenicity and/or survival in a particular ecological niche. Inhibitors of various efflux pump systems have been described; typically these are plant alkaloid., but as yet no product has been marketed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)382-402
Number of pages21
JournalClinical Microbiology Reviews
Volume19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2006

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