FIGURE 1.

Overview of possible mechanisms through which members of the cystic fibrosis microbiome can influence antibiotic efficacy against pathogenic species. a) Protection of pathogens by microbiome members from antibiotics through: 1) enzymatic degradation of antibiotics (indirect pathogenicity); 2) alterations to the composition or thickness of the cell wall; 3) decreased antimicrobial penetration; and 4) metabolic modifications. b) Increased antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens by microbiome members through production of exoproducts compromising the cell wall. LPS: lipopolysaccharide; SCV: small colony variant; LasA: elastase.