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A genomics approach provides insight into the mode of action of biocides

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We used functional genomics to understand how hospital biocides impact the human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Low concentrations of various biocides dissipated the membrane potential of A. baumannii, which we demonstrated could antagonize the potency of antibiotics.

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Fig. 1: Biocides antagonize the potency of antibiotics that have intracellular targets.

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This is a summary of: Li, L. et al. Systematic analyses identify modes of action of ten clinically relevant biocides and antibiotic antagonism in Acinetobacter baumannii. Nat. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01474-z (2023).

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A genomics approach provides insight into the mode of action of biocides. Nat Microbiol 8, 1948–1949 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01475-y

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