Bacteria Explode to Spread Antibiotic Resistance
Scientists have uncovered a startling mechanism where bacteria "explode" themselves using virus-like particles called Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs) to rapidly spread antibiotic resistance among neighboring cells. This surprising "kamikaze" strategy, controlled by a three-gene system (LypABC) repurposed from an ancient immune defense, maximizes the release of resistance-carrying DNA, accelerating a global health threat.