Bacterial “superbugs” may enhance human resistance to antibiotics due to their active infections in individuals. Recent research indicates that advancements in the treatment of these severe infectious diseases can be achieved by monitoring the genetic changes occurring as bacteria evolve.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate that tracking bacterial evolution in real-time through genome sequencing can uncover the methods bacteria employ to survive,” stated Dr. Stefano Julieri, a clinician researcher and infectious disease specialist at the Doherty Institute in Melbourne, Australia. He added in a statement.
The research was published in Natural Communication in May, focusing on Staphylococcus aureus. About 30% of people carry this bacterium, which is typically harmless, but excessive infections can lead to antibiotic resistance. When bacteria resist certain antibiotics, they are classified as Dangerous Superbugs.
For effective treatment of a superbug infection, it’s essential to identify whether it is classified as “persistent” or “recurrent.” In persistent infections, patients test positive for more than five days post-treatment. Conversely, recurrent infections show initial improvement but later detect the same or a new strain of bacteria. Understanding the type of infection helps doctors choose the appropriate treatment.
To assess if genetic analysis can aid in these decisions, the researchers examined S. aureus samples from 11 patients who did not respond to antibiotic treatment, encompassing 60 bacterial strains.
Related: How swiftly can antibiotic resistance develop?
Utilizing genetic analysis, the team determined whether each patient’s sample showcased bacteria of the same or genetically distinct strains. They conducted tests to identify adaptive evolution markers, indicating traits that enhance the microorganisms’ survival. This adaptive evolution enables bacteria to thrive even in the presence of antibiotics.
However, questions remain. Would this information genuinely aid doctors in treating superbug infections?
To explore this, researchers created a survey based on 11 patient cases, providing explanations with and without evolutionary analysis. They enlisted 25 infectious disease specialists from across the globe to complete the survey. Of those given an evolutionary report, 34% of physicians modified their initial antibiotic regimen suggestions, switched medications, or kept patients on the same drug.
These results imply that monitoring bacterial evolution can improve physicians’ assessments of antibiotic failures and subsequent treatment decisions in real clinical scenarios.
While the study has limitations, including a small sample size, it serves as a “proof of concept” for employing evolutionary analysis in tackling antibiotic-resistant infections, according to the authors of the study.
“This tool could significantly influence the decision-making process,” stated Dr. Quyen Nguyen, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, who was not part of the research. “We welcome innovations that can provide more accurate data rapidly and enhance confidence in decision-making,” Nguyen shared with Live Science via email.
Currently, the costs and turnaround times for genomic sequencing pose challenges in utilizing this method routinely for patients. Future studies must explore the application framework and its effectiveness in broader patient groups, the study authors concluded.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Source: www.livescience.com