How Temperature and Phages Affect Bacterial Pathogenicity
Author Information
Author(s): Ville-Petri Friman, Teppo Hiltunen, Matti Jalasvuori, Carita Lindstedt, Elina Laanto, Anni-Maria Örmälä, Jouni Laakso, Johanna Mappes, Jaana K. H. Bamford
Primary Institution: University of Jyväskylä
Hypothesis
Bacteriophages could select for lowered bacterial pathogenicity if the phage-resistance is traded off with bacterial virulence traits, while high environmental temperature could select for increased bacterial pathogenicity.
Conclusion
High temperature can indirectly select for more virulent bacteria, but the presence of phages can constrain this effect.
Supporting Evidence
- Phage selection increased bacterial phage-resistance but decreased maximum population size in the absence of phages.
- High temperature increased bacterial motility and pathogenicity only in the absence of phages.
- Selection by phages constrained the temperature-mediated increase in bacterial pathogenicity.
Takeaway
This study shows that warm temperatures can make bacteria more harmful, but if there are viruses around that attack the bacteria, it can make them less harmful instead.
Methodology
The study involved culturing Serratia marcescens in the presence and absence of a bacteriophage at two different temperatures and measuring changes in bacterial traits.
Limitations
The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which may not fully represent natural environments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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