Multidrug-resistant

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) refers to the phenomenon where a microorganism or cancer cell develops resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs or chemotherapy drugs, respectively. This resistance can occur through various mechanisms, including alterations in the target site of the drug, decreased drug uptake, increased drug efflux, or enzymatic degradation of the drug.

Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance[edit | edit source]

The mechanisms of multidrug resistance in microorganisms and cancer cells are complex and multifactorial. They can be broadly classified into four categories:

Alterations in the target site of the drug: This occurs when the drug target in the cell changes in a way that reduces the drug's effectiveness. For example, in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a change in the target protein PBP2a reduces the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics.
Decreased drug uptake: This occurs when the cell reduces the amount of drug that enters the cell. This can be due to changes in cell membrane permeability or active transport mechanisms.
Increased drug efflux: This occurs when the cell increases the amount of drug that is pumped out of the cell. This is often due to the overexpression of efflux pumps, such as the P-glycoprotein in cancer cells.
Enzymatic degradation of the drug: This occurs when the cell produces enzymes that can break down the drug, rendering it ineffective. For example, beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria can break down beta-lactam antibiotics.

Implications of Multidrug Resistance[edit | edit source]

Multidrug resistance has significant implications for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. It can lead to treatment failure, increased healthcare costs, and increased mortality. In the case of infectious diseases, it can also lead to the spread of drug-resistant infections.

Prevention and Management of Multidrug Resistance[edit | edit source]

Prevention and management of multidrug resistance involve a combination of strategies, including appropriate use of antimicrobial and chemotherapy drugs, infection control measures, surveillance of drug resistance, and research into new drugs and treatment strategies.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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