A new danger of antidepressants has been named
One type of drug was found to trigger gene transfer between cells when certain bacteria were exposed, triggering resistance.Researchers at the University of Queensland have found a link between microbial resistance to antibacterial drugs and antidepressants. In an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the scientists described the effects of 13 antibiotics after exposure to five types of drugs.
By exposing bacteria to large amounts of antidepressants, the researchers discovered an interesting mechanism. When the antidepressants were placed in a vessel with bacteria grown in an oxygen-rich environment, the chemicals pushed the pathogens to create reactive oxygen-specific species. It is these molecules that activate the bacterial defense system.
Also, the bacterial outflow pumping system has been activated in microbes. It is used by most bacteria to remove unwanted molecules. For example, those found in antibiotics.
Researchers also found that exposure to some antidepressants accelerates mutations in E. coli. This, in turn, affects the process of resistance development. In addition, the scientists found that one type of drug triggered gene transfer between cells when exposed to certain bacteria. This is another mechanism for the development of resistance.