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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Time-Lapse Epifluorescence Microscopy Imaging of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Heterogeneous Phenotypes
Published on: February 14, 2025
Cracking bacterial persisters: from molecular mechanisms and host adaptation to novel methodologies and
Feilong Zhang1, Lin Yang1, Xuelian Wang2
1China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China.
Abstract:
Persisters represent phenotypic tolerance characterized by a MIC value within the susceptible range, along with reduced metabolic activity marked by ATP depletion, a feature likely implicated in persistent and recurrent infections. Although prior research has addressed certain issues associated with persisters, the latest research advances spanning from bacterial physiology to host-pathogen interactions are lacking. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the definition, distinction, formation mechanisms, host-pathogen adaptation, novel methodologies, and eradication strategies related to bacterial persistence, while highlighting recent advances and prospects pertinent to bacterial persistence. This review seeks to consolidate extant knowledge as a foundational resource for mechanistic and intervention studies and inspire innovative approaches to combat persistent infections.
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