Scientists from London have found that the antibiotic Polymyxin B only destroys the cell envelope of bacteria in their active state, while dormant microorganisms remain impervious.
Researchers from University College London and Imperial College London were able to record in real-time for the first time how the antibiotic Polymyxin B penetrates an E. coli cell and destroys its protective envelope. Using atomic force microscopy, the scientists observed the bacterium shedding its outer layer, allowing the drug to enter.
However, the scientists noted that this process is only possible for active bacteria. Dormant microorganisms remain completely unaffected by Polymyxin B. In experiments, adding sugar to the nutrient medium “woke up” the bacteria, after which the antibiotic became effective again.
According to the researchers, this discovery explains why some infections are difficult to treat and why they often recur. Professor Bart Hoogenboom suggested that a combination of Polymyxin with methods to “awaken” dormant bacteria could make treatment significantly more effective.
The research results were published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
