Density-dependent adaptive resistance allows swimming bacteria to colonize an antibiotic gradient.

ABSTRACT: During antibiotic treatment, antibiotic concentration gradients develop. Little is know regarding the effects of antibiotic gradients on populations of nonresistant bacteria. Using a microfluidic device, we show that high-density motile Escherichia coli populations composed of nonresistant bacteria can, unexpectedly, colonize environments where a lethal concentration of the antibiotic kanamycin is present. Colonizing bacteria establish an adaptively resistant population, which remains viable for over 24 h while exposed to the antibiotic. Quantitative analysis of multiple colonization events shows that collectively swimming bacteria need to exceed a critical population density in order to successfully colonize the antibiotic landscape. After colonization, bacteria are not dormant but show b

SUBMITTER: Hol FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4681852 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature