Tag: Macrolide resistance

Macrolide resistance among *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia, has escalated at alarming rates globally, with one U.S. study reporting a resistance rate of 39.5%. Understanding **what is the most common mechanism of macrolide resistance** is crucial for developing new treatment strategies and combating this persistent public health threat.

According to a comprehensive 2018 review, a clinically relevant mechanism for macrolide resistance in pathogenic bacteria is the methylation of ribosomal RNA. This is just one of several strategies bacteria employ to circumvent these crucial antibiotics, posing a significant challenge to public health.

Ketolides are a class of antibiotics that were developed in response to growing bacterial resistance to macrolide antibiotics. These semi-synthetic derivatives of erythromycin were initially introduced to provide a powerful new weapon against respiratory pathogens. The primary ketolide, telithromycin (brand name Ketek), has a complex history that significantly impacts the answer to the question: **What are ketolides used for?**

The most clinically significant mechanism of macrolide resistance involves enzymes encoded by *erm* (erythromycin ribosome methylase) genes [1.4.1]. This article details which enzyme is responsible for macrolide resistance and explores other contributing biochemical pathways.