Researchers modify harmless bacteria to kill harmful bacteria
Date: 19.8.2011
P.aeruginosa is a common microbe that is responsible for difficult to treat infections in people, particularly those with comprised immune systems.
Poh and Chang modified the DNA of E. coli in such a way as to allow it to be able to detect LasR, a molecule used by P.aeruginosa bacteria to communicate with one another. When the LasR is detected, the E. coli begins producing a toxin called pyocin until it's full, at which point it explodes releasing the pyocin which kills P.aeruginosa by eating holes in its exterior, allowing its innards to pour out.
The next step in the testing of the new treatment will be introducing the modified E. coli into mice to see if it will work as well in a live animal, and also of course, to see what side effects might occur.
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