Phys.org April 20, 2021
Bacteria that survive antibiotics, called persisters. Researchers at Princeton University explored how the number of DNA copies in a cell affects whether a cell persists despite exposure to DNA-damaging antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. The study confirmed the researchers’ expectation that bacteria with backup chromosomal copies of DNA proved to be persisters at a much greater rate than cells with just one copy. The experiments revealed a second and separate pathway to persistence in cells with a lone DNA copy. Unlike fully antibiotic resistant “superbugs,” persisters do not possess mutated genes; in fact, persisters are genetically identical to the normal, antibiotic-prone bacteria. The persisters might be in a temporarily dormant state. Once the pharmaceutical threat has passed, persisters can start multiplying again and trigger a fresh round of infection. The study showed that there can be more than one type of persister to the same antibiotic in the same population. The findings point the way to new strategies that could more effectively kill off the hardy microbes…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Graphical abstract. Credit: Current Biology, March 11, 2021Â