Adaptive Resistance Mutations at Suprainhibitory Concentrations Independent of SOS Mutagenesis.

ABSTRACT: Emergence of resistant bacteria during antimicrobial treatment is one of the most critical and universal health threats. It is known that several stress-induced mutagenesis and heteroresistance mechanisms can enhance microbial adaptation to antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate that the pathogen Bartonella can undergo stress-induced mutagenesis despite the fact it lacks error-prone polymerases, the rpoS gene and functional UV-induced mutagenesis. We demonstrate that Bartonella acquire de novo single mutations during rifampicin exposure at suprainhibitory concentrations at a much higher rate than expected from spontaneous fluctuations. This is while exhibiting a minimal heteroresistance capacity. The emerged resistant mutants acquired a single rpoB mutation, whereas no other mutations were foun

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8476149 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature