Honors Program
Document Type
Thesis
Date of this Version
5-2023
Citation
Runge, C. 2023. Antimicrobial Resistance in ESKAPE Pathogens and its Effect on Modern Medicine and Treatment. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Abstract
Abstract
ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter
spp.) are seeing a growing resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have played directly into the resistance observed, and the problem is growing exponentially. Antibiotic resistance is partially due to several intrinsic factors limiting the drug's uptake. These include efflux pumps, increased biofilm production, and reduced cell wall permeability in the resistant bacteria. ESKAPE pathogens also acquire resistance through horizontal gene transfer and plasmids. As antibiotics have become less effective, the bacteria can continue to thrive, leading to a detrimental outcome of previously treatable infections. Antibiotic resistance has increased the importance of new drug development, greater development of therapies, and improved education surrounding ESKAPE pathogens.
Key Words: ESKAPE pathogens, microbiology, antibiotic resistance
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Gifted Education Commons, Higher Education Commons, Microbial Physiology Commons
Comments
Copyright Cameran Runge 2023.