Keresztrezisztáció

Keresztrezisztáció is a Hungarian term that translates literally to "cross-resistance." In pharmacology and microbiology, it refers to the phenomenon where resistance to one drug confers resistance to other drugs, often within the same class or with similar mechanisms of action. This occurs when the genetic mutation or cellular mechanism that confers resistance to a particular compound also affects the efficacy of other related compounds.

The most commonly cited examples of keresztrezisztáció involve antibiotics. For instance, bacteria that develop resistance to one type of penicillin might also become resistant to other penicillins or even to cephalosporins, which share a similar beta-lactam ring structure. This cross-resistance is a significant concern in the development of antimicrobial therapies, as it can limit treatment options and contribute to the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Understanding keresztrezisztáció is crucial for designing effective treatment strategies and developing new drugs. It highlights the importance of using antibiotics judiciously to slow the development of resistance. Researchers also study this phenomenon to identify novel drug targets and to develop compounds that can overcome existing resistance mechanisms. The concept is not limited to antibiotics and can be observed in other areas of medicine, such as chemotherapy for cancer, where resistance to one drug can lead to cross-resistance with similar chemotherapeutic agents.