We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Unique Genetic Signature Predicts Drug Resistance in Bacteria

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Mar 2025

Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health threat, responsible for over a million deaths each year. More...

By 2050, the World Health Organization predicts that it could surpass cancer and heart disease as the leading cause of death as bacteria evolve new defenses against the drugs meant to treat them. Resistance occurs when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics that are ineffective at killing them, highlighting the importance of selecting the right treatment course. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers have discovered a unique genetic signature in bacteria that can predict their likelihood of developing resistance to antibiotics. These findings could allow for faster identification of targeted treatments that are more effective against these dangerous, drug-resistant pathogens.

The study, conducted by researchers from Tulane University (New Orleans, LA, USA) and Informuta, Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA), focuses on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known for its multidrug resistance and frequent role in hospital-acquired infections. This bacterium often experiences deficiencies in a particular DNA repair pathway, a condition that accelerates mutations and increases the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. By analyzing bacterial genomes for mutational signatures, a technique commonly used in cancer research to track genetic changes in tumors, the team identified a distinct pattern associated with these repair deficiencies that accurately predicted the bacteria's potential to become resistant to antibiotics.

Worsening the situation, the study found that bacteria can acquire resistance to drugs that were not part of the initial treatment. Fortunately, the same DNA sequencing technology used to detect bacterial "fingerprints" can also pinpoint potential targets for treatment. The researchers were successful in identifying distinct resistance pathways and using specific antibiotic combinations to target these pathways, preventing the bacteria from becoming resistant. Although these findings are still in the early stages, the development of a diagnostic tool could help reduce the misuse of antibiotics and lead to more precise treatments for bacterial infections. Moving forward, Informuta plans to develop a machine learning model that can analyze bacterial samples and predict the likelihood of antibiotic resistance emerging.

“There’s absolutely nothing like this available right now, and it would be game changing for so many patient populations. Antibiotic resistance is getting worse year over year,” said lead author Kalen Hall, PhD, CEO and cofounder of Informuta. “I believe proper antibiotic stewardship and accurate diagnostics are important pieces of the puzzle.”

Related Links:
Tulane University
Informuta, Inc.


New
Gold Member
Ketosis and DKA Test
D-3-Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut) Assay
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Gold Member
Immunochromatographic Assay
CRYPTO Cassette
New
Gold Member
Automatic CLIA Analyzer
Shine i9000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: When assessing the same lung biopsy sample, research shows that only 18% of pathologists will agree on a TCMR diagnosis (Photo courtesy of Thermo Fisher)

Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System Assesses Lung Transplant Rejection

Lung transplant recipients face a significant risk of rejection and often require routine biopsies to monitor graft health, yet assessing the same biopsy sample can be highly inconsistent among pathologists.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.