Feasibility of Screening for Antibiotic Resistance - Part I
Abstract
During their duties, military personnel can be exposed to military relevant agents. In order to start a rapid and efficient therapy, especially in the case of micro-organisms that are resistant to (several) antibiotics, the identity of both the agent and the genes associated with the resistance against antibiotics must be known. A method that provides rapid and unequivocal information on the presence of specific genes is essential. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is such a method. The results obtained in this report suggest that it is possible to detect specific genes that are related to resistance against antibiotics such as tetracycline and ampicillin. It is also possible to detect mutations in essential genes of bacteria that are related to resistance against military relevant antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin. Detection of such genes with PCR or detection of mutations by means of PCR, followed by DNA sequencing can help to construct the outline of an efficient therapy. This will contribute to fulfilling one of the main objectives of the Ministry of Defense in the area of `Passive NBC Protection', i.e. `Protection of personnel against adverse health effects as a result of (non intentional) exposure to biological agents under operational circumstances'.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA452804
Entities
People
- A. M. De Vries
- M. Polhuijs