MadSci Network: Genetics |
I think there are a few gaps in your understanding about how this works. The bacteria are resistant to antibiotics because they've either evolved or more likely been transformed with genes from other bacteria that make them able to live in the presence of antibiotics. Your use of the word "combative" is one I've not heard before and I don't understand what you mean with it. These resistant bacteria- for example MRSA, attack human and animal hosts. I am unaware of their antagonism towards other bacteria. Actually certain other (often non-pathogenic) bacteria antagonise Staph and other pathogens. I'm confused as to how you think this would work and what you mean by it: "Could new treatments be discovered by using the superbugs themselves to destroy colonies of otherwise harmless bacteria, acting as a selector for any resistance-conferring mutations that may arise, which could then be used to develop a new treatment?"
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Genetics.