ESKAPE pathogens (ESKAPE)

The ESKAPE pathogens are a group of six highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant bacterial species—Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species—that are the primary cause of life-threatening nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections worldwide [1]. These organisms are distinguished by their sophisticated mechanisms to escape the effects of conventional antimicrobial therapies, including the production of beta-lactamases, modification of antibiotic targets, and the use of multi-drug efflux pumps [2]. The ESKAPE+ designation typically includes additional urgent threats such as Clostridioides difficile, which further complicates clinical management in healthcare settings due to its high rate of recurrence and environmental persistence [3]. Because these pathogens represent both Gram-positive and Gram-negative classifications, they serve as the primary focus for the development of next-generation antibiotics and alternative therapies such as antimicrobial peptides and bacteriophages [4]. Their role in severe diseases like ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and sepsis makes them a top priority for global health organizations like the WHO and CDC [5]. [1] Rice LB. J Infect Dis. 2008. [2] Mulani MS, et al. Front Microbiol. 2019. [3] CDC. Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States. 2019. [4] De Oliveira DMP, et al. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2020. [5] WHO. Global priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 2017.

Other names

Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter speciesESKAPE+ groupMultidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogensNosocomial pathogens

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to ribosomal subunits, disruption of cytoplasmic membrane integrity, and inhibition of DNA replication via DNA gyrase interference.