Uncovering the Impact of Bacterial and Viral Invasions on Immune Defenses
In a new study published in Nature Communications, scientists have discovered a new way for bacteria to evade our immune system’s defenses. The team studied the interaction between two types of bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica, and a virus that infects them. They found that the virus can transfer genetic material from one bacterial species to the other, allowing the S. enterica to acquire genes that allow it to resist the immune system. This means that the bacteria can now hide from the body’s defenses while they continue to spread and cause disease. This is a major breakthrough in understanding how bacteria and viruses interact, and it could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections.
source: Phys.org