Differential sensitivity of mycobacteria to isoniazid is related to differences in KatG-mediated enzymatic activation of the drug.

Conclusions: The KatG of M. marinum and MAP are substantially less effective in INH activation than that of Mtb, explaining their relative INH insensitivity. These data indicate that the Mtb-complex KatG is divergent from the KatG of NTM, such that there is a reciprocal relationship between resisting host defenses and INH resistance. Studying bacteria where KatG is functionally active but does not activate INH, may aid in understanding Mtb INH-resistance mechanisms, and suggest paths to overcome them.
PMID: 31767723 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy - November 24, 2019 Category: Microbiology Authors: Reingewertz TH, Meyer T, McIntosh F, Sullivan J, Meir M, Chang YF, Behr MA, Barkan D Tags: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Source Type: research