Desafios sobre o desenvolvimento de resistência de Escherichia coli a antibióticos: uma revisão sobre linhagens patogênicas

Abstract

Microbial resistance to antibiotics is a public health problem, causing significant damage to the health of the population. In addition, there are political and economic implications. In society, there are consequences to anthropic actions, even the most subtle ones, which contribute to the resistance of microbial agents. Among them are the unconscious use of antibiotics, incorrect prescription, the spread of microorganisms among the world population, the encouragement of self-medication and the lack of access to basic sanitation. In this sense, the relationship between microorganisms and human beings can become extremely harmful, as it facilitates the formation and development of harmful biofilms. Microorganism communities produce this structure for adhesion to a surface, which in turn expands until reaching maturation and later dispersion. This formation aims to protect from external factors and symbiotic relationships, providing the flow of gene exchange and consequent increase in resistance to survival. Several works have been published on resistance to antimicrobial agents and biofilm formation. The impacts, consequences and forms of retention and prevention of biofilms will be analyzed to broaden the understanding of minimizing the damage caused. The biofilms of the bacterium Escherichia coli, which inhabit the gastrointestinal system of birds and mammals mostly in a commensal way, will be used as object of study, but some strains can cause moderate to severe diseases in all age groups. The analysis of factors that facilitate the sharing and distribution of resistance genes in E. coli biofilms and their consequences are necessary to verify the next steps for its minimization.