Chapter 1: E. coli joins the pathogenic dark forces

Chapter 1: E. coli joins the pathogenic dark forces

Author: Liliana Sánchez Rocha 

Read time: 5 minutes   

 

In the microbial underworld, pathogenicity is given by all those special abilities that let bacteria survive and thrive while generating destruction in the body (disease). These tricks include producing potent toxins, growing tiny adhesive hairs to cling to slippery surfaces, or camouflaging to silently invade healthy cells. The blueprints for these nefarious skills are encoded in the bacteria’s DNA, sometimes tucked away in separate genetic rings called “plasmids”. 

But how does a friendly E. coli get its hands on these dangerous abilities? Sometimes, it’s pure chance (evolution at work). But often, it’s because another villainous bacterium or even a rogue virus has passed along the secrets. The bacterial world isn’t just about survival of the fittest; it’s also about sharing…in a twisted, self-serving way. 

  

  

Do bacteria share DNA?  

There is a sneaky and effective way bacteria exchange genetic secrets called “conjugation.” This is a process where two bacteria get ready to "mate." This love-conjugation can happen between bacteria of the same species or not. Hey, the microbial underworld is not picky! This exchange happens when a bacterium carrying a special plasmid (conjugative plasmid), loaded with dangerous new abilities, senses another bacterium lacking this genetic treasure. Maybe it’s out of pity, or maybe it’s just following chemical signals, but the one with the advantage decides to play genetic Santa Claus and share its dirty little secrets with the other. The generous bacteria construct a tiny tunnel, a brief but intimate connection to the chosen recipient. Through this micro-bridge, a copy of the plasmid (holding nasty secrets) slips across, and voilà! Just like that a harmless bacterium finds itself newly equipped with the tools of pathogenicity, turning into a malicious and deceitful creature. Once the transfer is complete, the two bacteria go their separate ways. 

  

This trade of confidential information is one deeply involved in “antibiotic resistance,” not only because friendly bacteria can acquire resistant skills, but because these friendly creatures you really want to keep in your microbiome can “share the wealth” with those you definitely don’t want… For example, consuming unprescribed antibiotics, or antibiotics for the wrong bacteria, or perhaps not taking a complete treatment. These situations can leave some wounded bacteria alive, including that in your microbiome, who might develop antibiotic resistance. The bad news? They might later on pass this resistant to a real troublemaker, making it more difficult to defeat, potentially leading to chronic infections.  

  

DNA transmission by viral mistakes 

Just like we have viruses that attack us, bacteria have their own personal nightmares called “bacteriophages.” These tiny invaders hijack a bacterium's machinery and force them to produce an army of new viruses. Eventually, the bacterium can't keep up and explodes! Releasing a bunch of bacteriophages into the world. But how does this chaos affect you or E. coli? Sometimes, the bacteriophage accidentally picks up a bit of the bacterium's DNA along with its own viral blueprint. If that DNA chunk includes some of the nasty genes that make a bacterium dangerous, like the ones that code for toxins, the next bacterium the virus infects (usually of the same or a closely related species) might end up with a brand-new set of harmful tricks. This is another option on why your happy E. coli can turn into the dark side. 

  

“Second hand” DNA 

We've seen how bacteria are always on the hunt for new tricks to outsmart their environment. One other tactic they use to transform into dangerous germs is “trying on” the DNA of dead bacteria. When remnants of fallen enemies are left behind, bacteria might be willing to pick up these genetic scraps. Not every fragment will fit perfectly or give them the key to world domination, but it can provide them with a vital advantage in the never-ending struggle to survive. 

It is important to note that your E. coli might be acquiring interesting tricks inside you. Thankfully, your microbiome and immune system work in synchrony to maintain peace and health. But what happens if this E. coli decides to leave its cozy home? In a new body, with a different microbiome, this once-friendly bacterium could cause total chaos. What was harmless in one person might become a troublemaker in another.  

 

Next chapter 

This relentless process is just nature doing its thing. While we can't stop them, and we should not, we can play an important part in maintaining our health. To avoid “bad E. coli” we should follow a daily hygiene routine and be mindful of feed well your microbiome to keep it strong and balanced. But now, there might be more questions: How to avoid external pathogenic E. coli? What are the symptoms? What kinds of E. coli infections are there?  These will be the topic of the next chapter of the E. coli saga. 

 

Gameplay Guide: Attack with E. coli in ImmunoWars    

In the battlefield of ImmunoWars, E. coli is the ultimate devil in disguise. When you play this card, you’ve got two delightfully devious tactics to choose from. For just 3 ATP, you can sprinkle a little fecal surprise on your opponent's tasty meal and gleefully declare, “Eat shit!” Grossed out yet? Your horrified enemy will be hit with a ferocious E. coli attack, costing them 2 health points (HP) in one fell swoop. And since this is an hemorrhagic assault, the doctor's orders are clear—no antibiotics for three rounds! 

But if you’re feeling more strategic (and sinister), shell out 5 ATP to inflict a chronic anemia that lasts forever. Mwahaha! Your opponent will lose 2 ATP (energy) every single round, potentially draining them dry before they can even think about infecting you with anything nasty. 

Beware, though—this card has a contagiousness rating of 1, marked by those ominous biohazard circles in the bottom left corner. If you dare to attack the same player with another disease, you might just co-infect yourself! Worth the risk? Only time will tell. 

Counterattacking, you ask? E. coli comes with a severity of 2, as indicated by the 2 stars in the bottom right corner. To fend off the first ability of this bacterial menace, you’ll need to make use of immunocards or action cards, consumable are useless! However, if you got the second ability you can also make use of medicine that can tackle bacteria of at least 2 stars. Who’s ready to play?  Get ImmunoWars here.   

 

References: 

  • Basavaraju M, Gunashree BS. Escherichia coli: An Overview of Main Characteristics [Internet]. Escherichia coli - Old and New Insights. IntechOpen; 2023. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105508 

 

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