Bacteria Start a shield to resist the "attack

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark, together with other employees in Denmark and the United States showed that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa can switch on "the production of molecules that destroy white blood cells -- prevent the bacteria from the body to eliminate the immune system. P. aeruginosa is responsible for many hospital acquired infections and also causes chronic infections in patients with pre-existing diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF ). The bacteria that cause persistent lung infections caused by clumping together in a biofilm on the lungs, like a vase that is spreading. These biofilms are generally resistant to antibiotics and the immune response.

The study showed that P. aeruginosa, a well studied system of communication called quorum sensing (QS) to recognize the approach of white blood cells and used to warn other bacteria in the biofilm. In response to this signal the bacteria to increase production of molecules called rhamnolipids. These molecules sit on the surface of the biofilm is a sign that the white blood cells that destroy their face shape. Interrupt quorum sensing stop "Launch a sign" answer might be a way to resist the treatment of these bacteria, antibiotics, and the specific immune system of the body.

Professor Michael Givskov, University of Copenhagen, who led the study estimates that there are significant clinical benefits of this research. "The ultimate goal [of this research] is still the antibiotic resistant bacteria, eliminating those that are involved in most chronic infections," he said. Antibiotic resistance is a major health problem in developing countries in the world. Over 70% of pathogenic bacteria are resistant to at least one of the antibiotics currently available. Studying the interactions between P. aeruginosa and the immune innate and adaptive will provide valuable information for design of providing new types of antimicrobial agents.