ESKAPE

ESKAPE (Rice LB 2008) is the acronym for: "Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp.", pathogens characterized by the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes (Vale de Macedo GHR et al. 2021). These pathogens are among the most common pathogens in skin infections.

The acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes by ESKAPE pathogens has reduced treatment options for severe infections, increased disease burden, and increased mortality rates due to treatment failures, and requires a coordinated global response to antibiotic resistance surveillance. The high capacity of these bacteria to acquire resistance is alarming, especially in hospitals where immunocompromised individuals are exposed to these pathogens (De Oliveira DMP et al. 2020).

Alternative, safer and more efficient antimicrobial strategies are required, especially against "ESKAPE" superbugs. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation is a therapeutic option for the treatment of infectious diseases (Nakonieczna J et al. 2019).

1. De Oliveira DMP et al (2020) Antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPE pathogens. Clin Microbiol Rev 33:e00181-19.
2. Nakonieczna J et al (2019) Photoinactivation of ESKAPE pathogens: overview of novel therapeutic strategy. Future Med Chem 11:443-461.
3. Rice LB (2008) Federal funding for the study of antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial pathogens: no ESKAPE. J Infect Dis 197:1079-1081
4. Vale de Macedo GHR et al. (2021) Interplay between ESKAPE Pathogens and Immunity in Skin Infections: An Overview of the Major Determinants of Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance. Pathogens 10:148.