NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS: EVOLUTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Resumen
Introduction. In the last decades, antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria meningitidis has shown significant evolution translating into changes for physicians, and the pressure over the use of antibiotics.
Methods. Research has been made through specialized databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, using words such as Neisseria meningitidis, meningococcal, and antibiotic resistance.
Discussion. Strains with reduced sensitivity to penicillin have been documented gradually. These have been characterized by genetic mutations that encode binding proteins to it, thus, reducing effectivity in standard treatment. Later on, isolated strains have shown resistance to ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, and tetracycline, although these cases are relatively uncommon. The spread of resistance genes through mobile genes and horizontal recombination contribute to the diversity of antimicrobial resistant strains in different geographical regions. This evolution implies challenges in medicine and public health, since it narrows the therapeutic and prophylactic options, requiring constant supervision.
Conclusion. Global surveillance and adopting policies for the rational use of antimicrobials are key to refrain the expansion of resistant strains, and guarantee the future effectivity of treatments against Neisseria meningitidis.
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