Sensitive Bacteria Are Less Resistant

Dr. Dao Nguyen (McGill University) has shown in laboratory experiments that resistance to antibiotics develops when bacteria become starved for nutrients during infection. These bacteria initiate a chemical alarm, protecting them from destruction. By blocking this mechanism, Dr. Nguyen was able to sensitize the bacteria making them easier to kill with standard antibiotics. Findings are published in the November 18 edition of Science. Read more

Reviewed/updated: 2011-11-24