Pharmacodynamics of Interspecies Interactions in Polymicrobial Infections

Overview

Journal NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes

Date 2025 Jan 21

PMID 39837846

Authors

C Herzberg

J G C van Hasselt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The pharmacodynamic response of bacterial pathogens to antibiotics can be influenced by interactions with other bacterial species in polymicrobial infections (PMIs). Understanding the complex eco-evolutionary dynamics of PMIs and their impact on antimicrobial treatment response represents a step towards developing improved treatment strategies for PMIs. Here, we investigated how interspecies interactions in a multi-species bacterial community affect the pharmacodynamic response to antimicrobial treatment. To this end, we developed an in silico model which combined agent-based modeling with ordinary differential equations. Our analyses suggest that both interspecies interactions, modifying either drug sensitivity or bacterial growth rate, and drug-specific pharmacological properties drive the bacterial pharmacodynamic response. Furthermore, lifestyle of the bacterial population and the range of interactions can influence the impact of species interactions. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation for the design of antimicrobial treatment strategies for PMIs which leverage the effects of interspecies interactions.

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