Work

Mathematical modeling of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance dissemination in dual cell populations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance presents a critical challenge to global health, primarily driven by the dissemination of plasmid-borne resistance genes. This study develops a mathematical model to investigate how plasmid dynamics influence the evolution of bacterial resistance under antibiotic exposure. The model integrates a saturable plasmid transfer mechanism, reflecting the biological reality that horizontal gene transfer efficiency plateaus as recipient populations reach a density limit. Under constant antibiotic conditions, we find that antibiotic concentration is a primary determinant in suppressing pathogenic bacterial populations. In scenarios involving antibiotic degradation, simulations reveal that higher degradation rates and increased plasmid transfer rates accelerate the development of resistance. Conversely, raising the fitness cost of plasmid maintenance or enhancing plasmid segregation can effectively slow the emergence of resistance. These results underscore the value of strategically adjusting these parameters to improve treatment outcomes and limit the evolution of resistant bacteria.

Source: Advances in Continuous and Discrete Models

DOI: 10.1186/s13662-026-04066-3

Authors: Jingen Yang, Shilei Lu, Zhong Zhao

Institutions: Huanghuai University, Xinyang Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,890