Scientists Uncover New Ways to Combat Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
Today, scientists have uncovered new ways that bacteria can become antibiotic resistant: they have discovered how bacteria can change their shape to evade antibiotics. This new research, conducted by a team of researchers from The University of Queensland, Australia, has important implications for the way we treat bacterial infections. The findings could help us design more effective therapies to battle antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The team studied a family of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae, which includes common bacteria such as E. coli. They identified a gene, called mreB, which makes the bacteria more resistant to antibiotics. The gene is responsible for controlling the shape of the bacteria, allowing the bacteria to change shape and form a protective coat to shield itself from antibiotics. This could allow the bacteria to survive even when exposed to high doses of antibiotics.
The findings of this research could provide us with a better understanding of how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. This knowledge could be used to create more effective treatments and therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
source: Phys.org