New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase

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New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase

Illnesses caused by disease and other infections have troubled inhabitants of this world for centuries. However, modern science and epidemiology allow us to break down the organisms that cause the illness in order to treat and prevent it. We can now understand the classification and type of organism as well as its life cycle. We can discover its mode of transmission and methods to diagnose it. By determining these factors, the future of the organism can be determined and lives can be saved. Today, many new diseases are being examined in hopes of containing ailments and treating those who have contracted them. One such ailment is an organism called New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase, more commonly known as NDM-1.

New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase is a potentially dangerous organism due to the bacteria in which it thrives, its chemical structure, and antibiotic resistance. NDM-1 itself is classified as an enzyme that contains the blaNDM-1 gene. It is produced by gram-negative bacteria, specifically escherichia coli (E. coli), klebsiella pneumoniae, and enterobacter cloacae. Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria acquired from hospitals that have virtually no antidote because they have mutated in response to antibiotic treatments. Their mutations have made them nearly immune to common prescriptions and are therefore very difficult to treat. Such bacteria have the potential to become “superbugs.” The bacteria that produce NDM-1 have mutated to resist both aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones; these are common antidotes that serve as antibiotics. Also, the NDM-1 “enzyme is active against other compounds that contain a chemical structure known as a beta-lactam ring. Unfortunately...

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...ug-Resistant Superbugs to Watch Out

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