metallocarbapenemáz

Metallocarbapenemase (MCR) is a type of enzyme that can break down carbapenem antibiotics. Carbapenems are a class of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics that are often used as a last resort for treating serious bacterial infections. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. In this case, MCRs catalyze the hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring, which is the essential structural component of carbapenem antibiotics. This hydrolysis renders the antibiotic ineffective, allowing bacteria to survive and multiply.

The genes encoding MCR enzymes are often located on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids. This mobility facilitates the rapid spread of resistance among bacteria. MCR-producing bacteria pose a significant threat to public health because they can be resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, making infections difficult or impossible to treat with currently available drugs. Detection and surveillance of MCR-producing bacteria are crucial for infection control and for guiding treatment decisions. Research is ongoing to develop new antibiotics or alternative strategies to overcome MCR-mediated resistance.