We are fighting what seems to be a losing battle againstantibiotic-resistant Gram negative bacteria, such as“beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaeceae†(BLPE). BLPE seemedto arise all of a sudden in response to the common use ofpenicillin to treat infections caused by Enterobacteriaeceae.
A. BLPE are resistant to all of the following antibiotics. Foreach, state the antibiotic’s mode of action, and explain the mostlikely resistance mechanism. Ceftriaxone TetracyclineAminoglycosides Vancomycin
B. If we only overused Penicillin, how could that lead suddenlyto the development of resistance to all of these differentantibiotics, especially Tetracycline and Aminoglycosides?
C. BLPE can still be treated with Polymyxins. How do Polymyxinswork, and why would physicians be reluctant to use them in apatient unless absolutely necessary?
