Mechanism of bacterial co-resistance

Co-resistance characterized by the transfer of numerous resistant genes into the same bacteria and by the occurrence of mutations in different genetic loci which affects different antimicrobials. Isolates with the co-resistant gene are more dormant in nature as offsetting events avoid fitness cost of co-resistance. Co-resistant isolates might be selected by different antimicrobial however, a single agent might also select co-resistant isolates which known as co-selection. Both co-resistance and co-selection play a vital role in increasing the chances of bacterial persistence and resistant genes. Therefore, it is worth to consider both, co-resistance and co-selection when scheming strategies to fight against antimicrobial resistance. However, in the recent past, rapid increase has been observed in antimicrobial resistance and we have already attained a crisis where several antibiotics are no longer effective against bacterial infections. In this alarming scenario, the emergence of co-resistance could make the situation worse while a steady decline has been observed in the discovery of new and effective antibiotics during the last few decades. Therefore, there is an urgent need for efficient alternatives to conventional antibiotics to overcome drug resistance and co-resistance problem.