Virulence switch in 'Iraqibacter': Potential Achilles heel?

(Emory Health Sciences) Microbiologists have identified a component of a genetic switch, which they call a potential 'Achilles' heel,' for a type of bacteria often associated with wounded warriors. The switch makes it possible for Acinetobacter baumannii to change between a virulent, hardy form and an avirulent form that is better at surviving at lower temperatures outside a host. Defining the switch could map out targets for new antibiotics.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news