Contact, stop growth
Researchers at the University of California have found that E. coli bacteria can stop the growth of other bacteria of the same species by touching it. They have also known the genes responsible for this mechanism.
It seems that the bacteria that stops growing to the touch does not die, but falls asleep. However, they have not yet been able to prove that it is able to grow later. Researchers believe that the mechanism could be aimed at blocking competition. Another explanation is that because the immune system cannot detect dormant bacteria, some of the bacteria escape body defense. Therefore, the bacterial mechanism would serve for the infection to overcome the immune system.
Researchers hope that research will help improve the healing of urinary tract infections. These infections are usually caused by the bacteria E. coli, being very frequent the repeated appearance of infection in patients. Researchers believe that knowing this mechanism will help find effective treatment.
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