Escherichia coli bacteria establish antibiotic resistance via a defense mechanism

A defense system has been discovered in Escherichia coli bacteria by Institut Pasteur scientists. In this system, the bacteria eliminate a small DNA molecule (the plasmid) known to carry antibiotic resistance genes, but not before the resistance genes have been integrated into the bacterial chromosome. In defending themselves, the bacteria establish antibiotic resistance. This discovery is a further step towards improving understanding of the spread of antibiotic resistance, a major public health challenge.

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