Review Paper:
Review on Amikacin
resistance in Uropathogens
Senthil Kumar B., Rajan Reena and Karthikeyan G.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(11); 390-394;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2011rjbt3900394; (2025)
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent frequently recorded bacterial infections
worldwide, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli. Amikacin, an aminoglycoside
antibiotic, has historically been proven therapeutic approach for severe UTIs, especially
when resistance to other antibiotics is a concern. However, the emergence and spread
of amikacin resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains have raised
significant clinical challenges. The amikacin resistance mechanisms in UTIs, mainly
the molecular mechanisms behind resistance development, the prevalence and distribution
of amikacin-resistant UPEC strains in different age groups also should be considered.
Resistance to amikacin in UPEC often arises due to aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes,
efflux pumps, or alterations in the bacterial ribosomal target sites. These resistance
mechanisms may be intrinsic or procured through horizontal gene exchange, further
complicating treatment options.
The prevalence of amikacin-resistant UPEC strains in UTIs is considerably increasing.
Since Amikacin is the important and primary therapeutic option of various pathogenic
UTIs including other multidrug resistance strains such as ESBL producers, the development
of Amikacin resistance should be taken into account as a dangerous scenario.
