Viral DNA In Bacterial Genome Could Hold Key To Novel Cystic Fibrosis Treatments, University of Liverpool Study

ScienceDaily (Dec. 2, 2008) — The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is well known for its environmental versatility, ability to cause infection in humans, and its capacity to resist antibiotics. P. aeruginosa is the most common cause of persistent and fatal lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. In a study published online in Genome Research, researchers have used genomic techniques to study a particularly virulent strain of P. aeruginosa, uncovering genetic clues to its success that will aid in the design of novel therapeutic strategies.