The impact of bacterial purine metabolism on antibiotic efficacy

Abstract

Metabolism plays a key role in the three antibiotic evasion strategies used by bacteria: tolerance, persistence and resistance. Modulation of purine metabolism is emerging as a common, and clinically relevant, contributor to tolerant and resistant phenotypes. However, whether high or low purine levels promote reduced antibiotic efficacy is unclear. Here, we review and explore the evidence for a relationship between cellular purine levels and antibiotic efficacy.