Sequence Polymorphisms in the Pneumocystis carinii Cytochrome b Gene and Their Association with Atovaquone Prophylaxis Failure

摘要: Atovaquone (Mepron, 566c80) is an effective agent against Pneumocystis carinii, which probably acts by binding to cytochrome b and inhibiting electron transport. To assess the possibility that atovaquone resistance might be developing, genes for from P. carinii sp. f. hominis were partially sequenced. Eight of 10 patient isolates had with same amino acid sequence. The 2 4 patients who prophylaxis failure contained mutations resulting in changes one ubiquinone (coenzyme Q) sites (Qo). These are homologous other microorganisms confer similar inhibitors. Variations sequence gene suggest but do not prove development drug resistance.