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Researchers have found that bacteria are capable of teaming up to enhance their defense mechanisms, potentially paving the way for the creation of novel alternatives to antibiotics.
A study conducted by the University of Southampton, which will be featured in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, revealed that bacteria have the capability to strengthen their defense mechanisms in order to combat phage viruses.
The university representative stated that recent research has revealed that individual bacterial cells are teaming up and leveraging their defense mechanisms to successfully defend against viral threats.
Bacteriophages, also known as phage viruses, can be considered the beneficial members of the virus community.
The latest innovative study reveals that within every bacterial cell, various defense mechanisms are teaming up and merging their abilities to efficiently fight against viral dangers.
These tiny creatures, resembling spiders, have the ability to eliminate harmful bacteria without harming the beneficial bacteria in our bodies.
It is important to comprehend how bacteria react to phages in order to investigate their potential use as a substitute for antibiotics in treating infections in humans.
According to Dr. Franklin Nobrega, bacteria have their own defense mechanisms that function similarly to our immune system, acting as a protective barrier against harmful viruses.
Picture a scenario where your body’s white blood cells, antibodies, and killer T-cells work together to combat a virus. This is precisely what occurs within bacterial cells.
Previously, we viewed bacterial defense as a solitary effort, but it has been discovered that it operates more like a partnership.
Two defense systems combine their abilities to provide a more powerful response, potentially preventing the destruction of the cell.
Previously, we viewed bacterial defense as an individual effort, but it is actually more akin to a partnership.
The team of researchers, who were financially supported by the Wessex Medical Trust and the National Institutes of Health in the United States, examined existing datasets in order to identify common defense systems found in the genomes (genetic material) of 42,000 bacteria, including E. coli.
They searched for pairs that appeared more frequently than could be predicted by chance.
The spokesperson stated that the researchers conducted tests in a laboratory on a chosen group of items to assess their ability to provide increased protection against viruses and a potential “synergy” effect, meaning a stronger defense mechanism in bacteria achieved by the combination of these items.
According to the spokesperson, the World Health Organization has recognized antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the most critical global public health concerns.
According to him, the issue arises when medications, specifically antibiotics, are no longer capable of effectively preventing and treating diseases. While resistance to treatments may happen naturally, the excessive use of certain drugs and inadequate infection control practices are exacerbating the problem.
Phages may provide a solution for AMR by specifically targeting harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial bacteria, making them a potential alternative to antibiotics.
More research is necessary before treatments can be improved and widely implemented.
Dr. Franklin Nobrega stated that phages are currently being utilized as a final option for treating bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, which is referred to as phage therapy.
“By studying how bacteria protect themselves from phages, we can enhance our methods to make them even more potent in eliminating bacterial cells. This provides a ray of hope in the fight against infections.”
Source: independent.co.uk
