Resistencia bacteriana a macrólidos en infecciones respiratorias

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance, particularly to macrolides, represents a significant public health problem. Although antimicrobial resistance is a natural phenomenon, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem, jeopardizing the effectiveness of treatments and increasing morbidity and mortality. Literature Review: The causes of macrolide resistance are complex and multifactorial. Key contributing factors include the lack of new effective antibiotics and the inappropriate prescription of existing antibiotics, whether through overuse or misuse. The mechanisms of macrolide resistance include mutations in specific genes, the activity of methyltransferase enzymes, and the presence of efflux pumps. Furthermore, macrolide resistance rates vary significantly across different regions and pathogens. Conclusions: Overall, Asian countries show higher levels of resistance compared to Europe and the United States. This situation negatively impacts public health, compromising the effectiveness of treatments and increasing the economic burden, morbidity, and mortality, especially in patients with severe respiratory infections. The growing macrolide resistance in respiratory system infections is a pressing issue that demands urgent and multifaceted solutions. It is crucial to understand the resistance mechanisms and epidemiological trends to guide decision-making and optimize treatments.