Fitness Cost of Chromosomal Drug Resistance-Conferring Mutations

• DOI: 10.1128/aac.46.5.1204-1211.2002
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:09:01Z
• Authors: Peter Sander; Burkhard Springer; Therdsak Prammananan; Antje Sturmfels; Martin Kappler; Michel Pletschette; Erik C. Böttger
• Keywords: Mycobacterium smegmatis

ABSTRACT To study the cost of chromosomal drug resistance mutations to bacteria, we investigated fitness that confer different classes antibiotics affecting bacterial protein synthesis (aminocyclitols, 2-deoxystreptamines, macrolides). We used a model system based on an in vitro competition assay with defined Mycobacterium smegmatis laboratory mutants; selected were introduced by genetic techniques address possibility compensatory ameliorate cost. found studied often had only small cost; not involved low-cost or no-cost mutations. When clinical isolates considered, selection those have little no seems occur. These results argue against expectations link decreased levels antibiotic consumption decline level resistance.