Bacteria Like emE. coli /emSwim ...

What’s Happening

Okay so Coli and other bacteria swim against the flow in our bodies to infect places like the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts.

When bacteria like Escherichia coli ( E. Coli ) enter our bodies, they swim toward targets like the intestines and the urinary tract. (we’re not making this up)

These intruders will stop at nothing to colonize and infect spaces.

The Details

In fact, bacteria can swim upstream, going against the flow to launch their invasion. In a new study published in the journal Newton , researchers tracked the movement of E.

Coli to see how bacteria move throughout the body. They found that bacteria are the experts at navigating the channels within our bodies, and can even dash through strong fluid currents.

Why This Matters

Beyond showing how bacterial infections spread, this knowledge may also provide a blueprint for microrobots that deliver drugs in the body. : What are Different Types of Food Poisoning and How Can You Avoid Them? Coli are Remarkably Fast Swimmers Bacteria are able to swim effortlessly, all thanks to their flagellum; this appendage that extends from bacteria rotates to propel them in liquid environments.

The scientific community tends to find developments like this significant.

Key Takeaways

• But rather than go with the flow, bacteria swim upstream and at some point reach areas like the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts .
• They also move the same way in medical equipment, like catheters.

The Bottom Line

Against all odds, bacteria have no trouble contaminating and infecting spaces that would normally seem difficult to reach. Going Against the Flow The researchers involved with the new study wanted to figure out why bacteria are able to swim so well, even when fluid currents are pushing against them.

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