For the study, researchers examined Escherichia coli strains that develop resistance to quinolone antibiotics. The resistance spurred a change in the defense mechanism of the bacteria’s DNA. The altered the bacteria’s susceptibility to triclosan, an agent found in soaps, toothpaste and detergents.
“We think that bacteria are tricked into thinking they are always under attack and are then primed to deal with other threats, including triclosan,” said Mark Webber, PhD, a researcher with the Quadram Institute in Norwich, England, and one of the study’s authors. “The worry is that this might happen in reverse and triclosan exposure might encourage growth of antibiotic resistant strains.”
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