Multidrug-resistant microbes (MDRs)

Definition

Multidrug-resistant microbes (MDRs) are pathogens that have acquired resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs. This resistance makes infections caused by these microbes difficult to treat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MDRs can result from genetic mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer.
2. Common examples of MDR microbes include MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci).
3. Hospital environments are significant reservoirs for MDR microbes due to high antibiotic usage.
4. Efflux pumps, enzyme production, and target modification are mechanisms used by microbes to resist multiple drugs.
5. Combating MDR infections often requires the use of combination therapy or last-resort antibiotics like carbapenems.

Review Questions

• What are two primary mechanisms by which microbes develop multidrug resistance?
• Name two common examples of multidrug-resistant microbes.
• Why are hospital environments particularly vulnerable to the spread of multidrug-resistant microbes?

Related terms

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of a microbe to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.

Horizontal Gene Transfer:

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Efflux Pump: A protein that bacteria use to transport antibiotics and other harmful substances out of their cells.