Chromosome replication as a measure of bacterial growth rate during Escherichia coli infection in the mouse peritonitis model.

ABSTRACT: The efficacy of most antibiotics is dependent on active bacterial growth, yet little is known about the growth dynamics during infection. Therefore, means to measure in-host bacterial growth rate is of importance. Here, we use chromosome replication as readout for in situ bacterial growth rate during infection; obtained from a single biological specimen. We have applied two independent methods: quantitative PCR (qPCR) and fluorescence microscopy, to quantify the level of chromosome replication present during Escherichia coli propagation in the mouse peritonitis model. We find that the methods complement each other and allow for quantification of growth rate, both on a population average and on a single-cell level. We demonstrate the presence of heterogeneous growth rates within bacterial p

SUBMITTER: Haugan MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6175860 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature