MOLECULAR BASIS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE EVOLUTION IN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has become a serious global health issue of concern that greatly diminishes the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial treatments and advances morbidity and mortality related to infectious illness. Complex genomic and evolutionary processes, such as the mutation of genes, the acquisition of resistance determinants and horizontal gene transfer facilitated by mobile genetic elements, determine the molecular basis of this resistance. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is used in this study to study pathogenic bacterial isolates in a completely analytical manner to profile their resistome. The technique allows distinguishing antibiotic resistance genes, chromosomal mutations, and mobile genetic units like plasmids, integrons, and transposons contributing to the evolution of resistance in a high-resolution manner. The results indicate the dynamism of bacterial adaptation to antibiotic pressure and the role of rearrangements in genomes in the rapid appearance of multidrug-resistant strains. In general, this research underlines the need to consider genomic monitoring as part of clinical microbiology to enhance diagnostic quality, monitor the development of resistance, and implement effective antimicrobial stewardship practices.