Strategies for combating persister cell and biofilm infections. Issue 5 (11th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, Thomas K.
• Other Names: Morgenroth Eberhard guestEditor.; Flemming Hans‐Curt guestEditor.; Azeredo Joana guestEditor.; Melo Luis F. guestEditor.; Espinosa Manuel guestEditor.; Whiteley Marvin guestEditor.; Briandet Romain guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Microbial biotechnology. Volume 10:Issue 5(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1054
• Page End: 1056
• Publication Date: 2017-07-11
• Subjects: Microbial biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology; Microbiology; 660.62
• DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12774
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7915

Abstract

Summary: Bacterial cells are constantly exposed to environmental stress; for example, almost all cells must endure starvation, and antimicrobials, of course, are administered to kill bacteria. These stressed cells enter a resting state known as persistence in which they become tolerant to nearly all antibiotics without undergoing genetic change. These dormant cells survive courses of antibiotics, as antibiotics are most effective against actively metabolizing cells, and reconstitute infections. In humans, most of these bacterial infections occur in biofilms in which bacteria attach to one another via secreted proteins, polysaccharides and even DNA. Herein, biotechnological methods are described to combat persister cells and to eradicate biofilms by understanding the genetic basis of both phenomena. Abstract : Bacterial cells are constantly exposed to environmental stress; for example, almost all cells must endure starvation, and antimicrobials, of course, are administered to kill bacteria. These stressed cells enter a resting state known as persistence in which they become tolerant to nearly all antibiotics without undergoing genetic change. These dormant cells survive courses of antibiotics, since antibiotics are most effective against actively‐metabolizing cells, and reconstitute infections. In humans, most of these bacterial infections occur in biofilms in which bacteria attach to one another via secreted proteins, polysaccharides, and even DNA. Herein, biotechnological methods are described to combat persister cells and to eradicate biofilms by understanding the genetic basis of both phenomena.