Scientists have demonstrated how some fast-growing bacteria can retreatment with antibiotics, according to a study published today in eLife.
The results show that fast-growing individuals within bacterial colonies display a significantly higher expression of active ribosomes — particles within the cell that synthesise proteins. This helps the bacteria avoid the accumulation of an important class of antibiotics called macrolides and therefore resist therapies. These findings could be used to inform the development of improved antibiotic compounds that target this survival strategy.
