Seminario INGEBI

Lunes 12 de Agosto 13:20 hs.

Dr. Marcelo Tolmasky

Director del Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies

California State University, Fullerton, CA, EEUU

A multidisciplinary approach to the study and management of the antibiotic resistance problema

The increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria not only compromises our ability to treat infectious diseases but also seriously complicates medical and dental procedures that depend on prevention of infection. Numerous nosocomial- and community-acquired pathogens have become resistant to many different antibiotics, and in some cases, they are virtually untreatable. Despite calls for action by diverse organizations such as the Infectious Disease Society of America, the World Health Organization, the US government, and others, the number of potential new drugs that could ameliorate the problem is critically low. In response to this pressing issue, we must research a variety of aspects about the factors that favor the rise and dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria as well as the molecular mechanisms and cellular structures of resistance. This knowledge will provide the basis for the rational design of strategies to reduce the increase in resistance and to design new antimicrobials or adjuvants that extend the useful life of existing drugs.