Phenotypic antibiotic resistance: Involvement of genes and additional factors

Abstract

The rise of antibiotic resistance poses a critical threat to humanity. This review explores phenotypic antibiotic resistance, a mechanism by which bacteria transiently adapt to survival in the presence of antibiotics. We explore the underlying mechanisms, including alterations in the bacterial envelope, efflux pumps, and enzyme activity. The roles of the mar operon, a key regulatory system, are also discussed. Recent discoveries in compounds that induce phenotypic resistance and novel detection methods are also highlighted. We conclude by emphasizing the clinical significance of this phenomenon and exploring future research directions to combat this growing challenge.