L-form switching as a mechanism for antibiotic evasion

Abstract:
My research focuses on an understudied mechanism of antibiotic evasion, called L-form switching. This process involves a transient loss of bacterial protective layer, called the cell wall, in response to antibiotics, which target this structure (for example penicillin). Without their wall, bacteria are susceptible to bursting and slow growing, but they can survive. Once antibiotics are gone, bacteria can rebuild the wall and resume rapid growth. Importantly, many pathogens, including E. coli and S. aureus, can undergo L-form switching and it has been implicated in several recurrent diseases, such as sepsis, tuberculosis, mastitis, urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections, both in human and animals. Even though L-form switching presents a powerful strategy for antibiotic evasion, especially in older or immunocompromised individuals, the fragile nature of L-forms and low numbers make them very difficult to study in the host body. Therefore, L-form switching in the context of the host and its impact on recurrent infection are currently poorly understood. In my talk, I will focus on my findings regarding the potential role of L-forms in recurrent urinary tract infection and describe future directions of my research.

Zoom
To join the meeting, use the following link: https://epfl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkfuyoqzsqEtxFujqV5KheYMCUrcg31IiS to register.