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Veterinary Pathogen Antimicrobial Resistance Phenotypic Characterization
Antibiotic susceptibility is significantly influenced by the pathogen's metabolism, and global metabolic regulators can alter the phenotypes. By understanding how these regulators modulate the phenotype, novel therapeutic approaches can be developed based on the actual susceptibility of pathogens during infection. Unlike genotypic methods, which focus on genetic markers of resistance, phenotypic characterization captures the actual behavior of pathogens in the presence of drugs. BioVenic has a team of experts, who employs advanced techniques to uncover the resistance mechanisms of various veterinary pathogens by phenotypic characterization, facilitating treatment regimen research and development for animal infectious pathogens.
Phenotypic Mechanism of Antimicrobial Resistance
Resistance in veterinary pathogens is based on both genetic changes and phenotypic adaptations. Phenotypic resistance mechanisms are particularly intriguing as they do not necessarily involve permanent genetic alterations but can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
| Biofilm Formation | Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria encased in a protective matrix. This matrix shields bacteria from antibiotics and the host's immune system, leading to persistent infections. Biofilm-associated bacteria exhibit heightened resistance, requiring higher antibiotic doses for effective treatment. |
| Microbial Drug Persistence | Within bacterial populations, a subset known as persisters can survive antibiotic treatment without genetic resistance. These persisters can resume growth once the antibiotic pressure is removed, posing challenges in eradicating infections. This transient resistance is a key focus in phenotypic characterization. |
| Microbial Drug Indifference | Some bacteria exhibit indifference to certain drugs, not due to resistance mechanisms but due to their physiological state. This can include dormancy or slow growth, where antibiotics targeting actively dividing cells are less effective. |
| Change in Permeability to Drugs | Pathogen permeability to antibiotics can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and outer membrane vesicles. Alterations in the number or type of bacterial porins and the activity of multiple efflux pumps also play a significant role. |
Veterinary AMR Phenotypic Characterization Services
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Microbiology Cell Culture
We provide broth and agar culture, growth analysis, CFU, adherence assays, internalization, macrophage/phagocytosis assays, transfection services for veterinary pathogen antimicrobial phenotypic characterization services. -
Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST)
AST is a fundamental method for determining the susceptibility of bacterial isolates to various antibiotics. It involves exposing bacterial cultures to different antibiotics and measuring their growth response. Our comprehensive AST services include dilution diffusion, gradient test, chromogenic media testing, etc. -
Biofilm Assays
We provide a wide range of biofilm assays for biofilm-related antimicrobial resistance analysis, such as microtiter dish biofilm formation assay, drip flow systems, catheter method, minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) testing, shear flow assay, and custom in vivo and in vitro biofilm models and assays for your research requirements. -
Persister Cell Assays
Persister cell assays aim to identify and quantify the presence of persister cells within bacterial populations. We provide time-kill assays, dormancy assays, toxin-antitoxin system to detect persister cells and dormant persister cells.
Fig.1 Transiently arrested growth and regrowth of persisters after antibiotic treatment.1
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Efflux Pump Activity Assays
We offer efflux pump activity assays, such as antimicrobial substrate fluorometric assays Real-Time assays, directly or indirectly detect the efflux pump activity. Different major efflux pumps are related to antimicrobial resistance, include the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), the small MDR (SMR) family, the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family, the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family, and the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) family. Substrates include Doxorubicin, 1,2'-Dinaphthylamine, Hoechst DNA-intercalating dye, ethidium bromide, Nile Red, fluoroquinolones.
Fig.2 Ethidium bromide accumulation.2
Fig.3 Direct measurement of ethidium bromide efflux over time.2
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Custom Permeability Assays
Drug permeability assays provide valuable insights into how effectively antibiotics penetrate pathogen cells and reach their targets. We provide tailored permeability assays, include outer membrane permeability assays, efflux pump activity assays, biofilm penetration assays, pathogen proteomics and metabolomics analysis, etc.
Choosing BioVenic will elevate your research and development project. We specialize in veterinary pathogen antimicrobial resistance phenotypic characterization, offering advanced techniques to uncover resistance mechanisms and optimize therapeutic strategies. Our comprehensive approach includes biofilm assays, persistence studies, and permeability analysis, providing detailed insights into phenotypic resistance. By leveraging our expertise, you will enhance the efficacy of your treatment development, develop innovative anti-biofilm and anti-persister strategies, and gain a competitive edge in veterinary medicine. Please contact us to learn more details about our services and ensure your project's success and make significant strides in combating antimicrobial resistance.
References
- Kaldalu, Niilo, et al. "In vitro studies of persister cells." Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews 84.4 (2020): 10-1128.
- Blair, Jessica MA, and Laura JV Piddock. "How to measure export via bacterial multidrug resistance efflux pumps." MBio 7.4 (2016): 10-1128.