免疫系统,抗生素,顽固细菌 z-bo 2020-10-08 305

　　Mathematical models indicate that the rate at which a patient’s immune system clears the slow-growing methicillin-resistant mutant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important factor in determining whether antibiotics can treat infections. MRSA infection can lead to a life-threatening condition in which bacteria persist in the blood, called persistent bacteremia. Researchers believe that when MRSA infects humans, it exists in two forms: normal bacteria and slow-growing mutant bacteria. The latter is less sensitive to antibiotics.

　　It is speculated that the rate at which normal bacteria transform into slow-growing mutations affects the continuation or cure of the infection. To investigate this issue, Mikkaichi and his colleagues built a mathematical model that can simulate the dynamics of a bacterial population that grows normally and slowly during typical antibiotic treatment. The model can work effectively as a group of different virtual patients. Some patients can heal, while others cannot. This allows researchers to accurately predict why antibiotics are not effective for some people. According to virtual analysis, the rate at which the patient’s immune system removes slow-growing mutations is not the rate at which they produce, but an important factor in determining the failure or success of the drug. Mikaichi said: "Based on these findings, drugs that specifically kill slow-growing mutant viruses may be the most effective way to treat persistent bacteremia." The next step in the research is to improve the response to slow-growing MRSA mutations. Learn how it interacts with the immune system and explore why the immune system cannot kill the bacteria that continue to infect patients.

　　Mikkaichi said: Senior researcher Alexander Hoffman added: “These slow-growing variants can enter the patient’s tissues or immune cells and grow there, thereby evading the immune system.” This may be an effective treatment strategy. "