20/04/2023
"Looming behind antibiotic resistance is another bacterial threat – antibiotic tolerance."
"While antibiotic-resistant bacteria flourish even in the presence of an antibiotic, tolerant bacteria often exist in a dormant state, neither growing nor dying but putting up with the antibiotic until they can “reawaken” once the stress is gone."
Check out this excellent article on antibiotic tolerance by Megan Keller, explaining the ability of bacteria to “hide” from antibiotics and re-emerge when the antibiotics are gone. The bacterial biofilm is a key facilitator in the process of “hiding” and in the transfer of genes for bacteria to go from tolerant to fully resistant. The ability to hunt down and disrupt the biofilm will be essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
https://theconversation.com/looming-behind-antibiotic-resistance-is-another-bacterial-threat-antibiotic-tolerance-200226
Antibiotic resistance has contributed to millions of deaths worldwide. Research suggests that any bacteria can develop antibiotic tolerance, and possibly resistance, when pushed to their limits.
