The ability in managing reactive oxygen species affects Escherichia coli persistence to ampicillin after nutrient shifts

Abstract

This research delves into the intriguing realm of bacterial persistence and its profound implications for biofilms, infections, and antibiotic efficacy. The study focuses on Escherichia coli and how the switch from different carbon sources to fatty acids influences the formation of persister-resilient bacterial cells resistant to antibiotics. The findings reveal a striking variation in survival rates, with a significant number of cells surviving ampicillin treatment after transitioning from glucose to oleic acid. The key revelation is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell killing, particularly after switching from gluconeogenic carbons. The timing of ROS bursts aligns with the rapid killing phase, highlighting the critical impact of oxidative stress regulation on persistence frequency. This research provides valuable insights into bacterial persistence mechanisms, offering potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions to combat bacterial resistance effectively.