Doesn't it make sense that superbugs would have lowered DNA replication fidelity? It would allow them to gain resistance to anything much quicker.
Is there any evidence for this anywhere?
Hi Sammy.
Not my expertise but I used to peripherally study this. From my knowledge about bacterial drug resistance the resistamce genes are often located on plasmids - which is why resistance can swifly move within a population, including different genera.
Unsure about the DNA polymerase error correction of the strains that initially produce the resistance - though lower fidelity would be a cause for high mortality too. Chance that an uncorrected error produces a change in drug resistance rather than make an alteration to house keeping genes seems slim.
But hey, I am also keen to see any research done on the factors involved!
hello Sammy,
from what I have studied till now, there is no such change in the DNA replication fidelity of MDR superbugs. Errors in the DNA replication is natural and only thing is whether such mutations are beneficial for bacterial survival or not. If it is then such mutations will remain otherwise they will disappear. Superbugs generally have a higher tendency to acquire resistance genes as Dr. Anna stated as well as the capacity to sustain other resistant mechanisms like efflux pumps, etc.
These resistance mechanisms add burden to the organisms hence may affect their growth but I have not come across any research which may indicates their relationship with lower replication fidelity.
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