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Mechanism of Resistance in Metronidazole

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Book cover Antimicrobial Drug Resistance

Part of the book series: Infectious Disease ((ID))

Metronidazole [1-(2 hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole] was introduced in the 1960s. Since then it has been drug of choice for human infections caused by various anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria (Bacteroides, Clostridia, Helicobacter) and parasites (Trichomonas, Giardia, Entamoeba). Other Gram-positive anaerobes (e.g., lactobacilli, propionobacterium acnes, majority of the periodontal pathogens, peptostreptococci) are known to be inherently resistant to metronidazole. Virtually all the anaerobic Gram-negative rods are known to be susceptible to metronidazole. Sensitivity testing for anaerobes is not performed routinely. Therefore, resistance to metronidazole is under-reported. With improvements in molecular detection, increasing resistance rates are being noted. This emerging resistance to metronidazole poses various diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Mechanisms of resistance are being defi ned, and a better understanding is the key for prevention of resistance and improved management of these infections.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA

    Abhay Dhand

  2. Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    David R. Snydman

  3. Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    David R. Snydman

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  1. Abhay Dhand
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Offi cer, Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA

    Douglas L. Mayers MD

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© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Dhand, A., Snydman, D.R. (2009). Mechanism of Resistance in Metronidazole. In: Mayers, D.L. (eds) Antimicrobial Drug Resistance. Infectious Disease. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-180-2_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-180-2_19

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60327-592-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-180-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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