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Prolonged bacterial lag time results in small colony variants that represent a sub-population of persisters

Author

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  • Clément Vulin

    (Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich
    Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag)

  • Nadja Leimer

    (University of Zurich
    Northeastern University)

  • Markus Huemer

    (University of Zurich)

  • Martin Ackermann

    (Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich
    Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag)

  • Annelies S. Zinkernagel

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

Persisters are a subpopulation of bacteria that are not killed by antibiotics even though they lack genetic resistance. Here we provide evidence that persisters can manifest as small colony variants (SCVs) in clinical infections. We analyze growth kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus sampled from in vivo conditions and in vitro stress conditions that mimic growth in host compartments. We report that SCVs arise as a result of a long lag time, and that this phenotype emerges de novo during the growth phase in various stress conditions including abscesses and acidic media. We further observe that long lag time correlates with antibiotic usage. These observations suggest that treatment strategies should be carefully tailored to address bacterial persisters in clinics.

Suggested Citation

  • Clément Vulin & Nadja Leimer & Markus Huemer & Martin Ackermann & Annelies S. Zinkernagel, 2018. "Prolonged bacterial lag time results in small colony variants that represent a sub-population of persisters," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-06527-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06527-0
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