The ESKAPE pathogens
Infectious Diseases Society of America recently highlighted a clique of microorganisms – acronymically termed 'the ESKAPE pathogens' – capable of 'escaping' the biocidal action of antibiotics and collectively representing new paradigms in pathogenesis, transmission and resistance. The ESKAPE pathogens will be of increasing relevance to antimicrobial chemotherapy in the coming years, not only due to the clinical threat they pose, but the anticipated honing of academic and industrial interests towards them. An increasing understanding of virulence, resistance, transmission and pathogenicity in these microbes may lead to innovative strategies for the development of new antimicrobial options. Directing attention towards the most tenacious and pathogenic microorganisms will help to focus the expansive challenge of antimicrobial resistance and permit efficient critical evaluation of novel antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, converging with a focused transferable knowledge base will support a coordinated effort against these pathogens and facilitate multidisciplinary advances. The group comprises the following pathogens:Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter Species.1
The identification of hits by the BIOLAB group are performed by serial broth dilutions of synthetic molecules against the ESKAPE pathogens following the guidelines and recommendations for antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against veterinary mycoplasma species.2
If your group is interested in having compounds screened against the ESKAPE panel, please contact Prof. Silveira.
1. Pendleton, J. N.; Gorman, S. P.; Gilmore, B. F. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2013, 11, 297.
2. Hannan, P. C. T. Vet. Res. 2000, 31, 373.