QUESTION : The statement on the article (below) describes how louse population m
ID: 281699 • Letter: Q
Question
QUESTION: The statement on the article (below) describes how louse population may have experienced population bottlenecks. How this related to E-coli being antibiotic resistant? Please explain.
Article: There are hundreds of millions of head louse infestations every year affecting mostly children of 3 to14 years of age [11]. During recent years head louse infestations have increased globally, in part because of increased resistance to insecticidal shampoos.
CDe Bering Land Bridge European Acolonization Western North America Eastern North America Central America Southern Asia Clothing liceExplanation / Answer
According to the article, during recent years, head louse have increased globally because of resistance to insecticidal shampoos. In this case, the head louse develop resistance against the corresponding drug through varous mechanisms, that includes:
Genetic mutation: In this process the bacteria's genetic makeup is subjected to mutation that causes different resistance. The mutation either causes bacteria to produce certain chemical substances that inactivate the antibiotic/insecticide, or the mutated bacteria eliminate/modify the site of antibiotic action.
Acquiring resistance: Sometimes, the bacteria acquire genetic makeup of those bacteria who have antibiotic resistance properties. This process is called conjugation, in which the genetic makeup of both bacteria mix to produce new genetic material, thereby producing characteristics of both bacteria.
This is related to E. coli resistance to antibiotics in similar way, as E.coli produce genetic mutation or acquire resistance to the antibiotics. E.coli resist antibiotics in number of ways which includes:
1) Changing cell permeability- Many antibiotics attack bacteria by entering into the cell through holes, but the bacteria prevent the entry of these drugs by clogging the holes or changing cell permeability.
2)Antibiotic degrading enzymes: Bacteria produce certain chemical substances that degrade antibiotics.
3) Antibiotic altering enzymes: Sometimes, bacteria produce chemical substances that change molecular structure of the antibiotics, therefore, the antibiotic can no longer attack bacteria.
4) Physical changes to antibiotic targets: Antibiotics have specific regions of their action on bacterial body. Sometimes, bacteria modify their body in such a way that antibiotics can no longer identify them and work against them.