Persister cells

Persister cells (pronunciation: per-sis-ter cells) are a subset of bacteria that are able to survive antibiotic treatment. They were first described by Joseph Bigger in 1944.

Etymology

The term "persister" was coined to describe these cells due to their ability to persist in the presence of antibiotics. The word is derived from the English verb "persist", which means to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition.

Definition

Persister cells are a small fraction of a bacterial population that have entered a dormant or slow-growing state. This allows them to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill actively growing bacteria. Once the antibiotic treatment is stopped, persister cells can resume growth and cause a relapse of the infection.

Mechanisms of Persistence

The exact mechanisms by which persister cells survive antibiotic treatment are not fully understood. However, it is believed that they are able to enter a state of dormancy, in which they stop growing and dividing. This makes them less susceptible to antibiotics, which typically target processes involved in growth and division.

Clinical Significance

Persister cells are thought to play a key role in the recurrence of infections after antibiotic treatment. They may also contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, as surviving cells can multiply and pass on their resistance traits to their offspring.

Related Terms

• Bacteria
• Antibiotic
• Infections
• Antibiotic resistance

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Persister cells
• Wikipedia's article - Persister cells

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