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Cell wall deficiency - an alternate bacterial lifestyle?
James J Lazenby1, Erica S Li1, Cynthia B Whitchurch1,2
1Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|August 4, 2022
Summary
Cell wall deficient (CWD) bacteria can survive without cell walls, often as an adaptive strategy to evade antibiotics. Understanding these CWD variants is crucial for addressing recurring infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Cell wall deficient (CWD) bacterial variants have been historically documented across numerous species.
- Diverse terminology and methodologies exist for inducing, cultivating, and propagating CWD bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical research on CWD bacteria, encompassing their generation, survival requirements, replication, and reversion.
- To present evidence differentiating CWD variants and highlighting their adaptive lifestyle switch.
- To examine the implications of CWD bacteria in recurrent infections, antibiotic tolerance, and resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and current scientific research on CWD bacteria.
- Analysis of studies detailing methods for CWD bacteria generation and cultivation.
- Examination of research on CWD bacteria survival, replication, and reversion processes.
Main Results:
- CWD bacterial variants exhibit heterogeneity, with some arising from adaptive lifestyle changes.
- Survival without a cell wall can be a strategy to evade antimicrobial treatments.
- CWD bacteria are implicated in persistent infections and contribute to antibiotic tolerance and resistance.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of CWD bacteria is essential for improving human health outcomes.
- Recognizing CWD variants as adaptive forms is key to combating antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research into CWD bacteria is needed to address challenges in treating recurrent infections.
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