This group has
been involved for several years in the research of the main mechanisms
of antibiotic resistance exhibited by pathogenic bacteria, and at the present
time, this important biological phenomenon has been focused on a molecular
biology basis. For the time being, the main aspects covered by the activities
of the group deals with the genetic basis and hospital flux of antibiotic
resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., the most important bacteria
causing nosocomial infection, specially in intensive care units of Chilean
hospitals. In a current research project, the group is investigating the
presence, prevalence and potential role of integrons, antibiotic resistant
gene cassettes, plasmids and transposons in the resistance of these microorganisms
against antibiotics. Also, the most prevalent extended-spectrum ß-lactamases,
the newly described inhibitor-resistant ß-lactamases mutants and
aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes are being searched in nosocomial Gram-negative
bacteria. The group has been engaged in the study of some virulence factors
of A. baumannii, which might contribute to its prevalence in Chilean hospitals.
Thus the group intends to contribute in the improving of the knowledge
of the main mechanisms of pathogenicity of this important opportunistic
Gram-negative bacilli.
The aim of the
antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases research is to investigate
the epidemiological and ecological aspects of antibiotic resistance of
bacterial pathogens causing those prevalent and most important infectious
diseases in Chile. In this way, we expect to collaborate in the improvement
in the knowledge of infectious diseases considered being prevalent in Chile,
as well as offering better possibilities for their control. |
