Contribution of phenotypic heterogeneity to adaptive antibiotic resistance

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1316084111
• Publication Date: 2013-12-19T02:39:18Z
• Authors: María Antonia Sán...; Josep Casadesús
• Keywords: Microbiological culture

Significance The ability of bacteria to survive antibiotic challenge without mutation (a phenomenon known as “adaptive resistance”) has been traditionally viewed the consequence bacterial responses environmental cues. This study shows that adaptive resistance can also occur in absence stimuli. Cell-to-cell fluctuations critical physiological traits preadapt certain cells within an isogenic culture lethal selection, and growth “lucky” survivors generates subpopulations with increased resistance. Phenotypic heterogeneity must therefore be added list factors limit efficacy treatment.