The Harvard Medical School study led by Professor Roy Kishony was conducted in collaboration with Stanford University research associate Selwyn Quan.
They noted combination drug therapies have become a staple for treating many infections. But, as some drugs work better together, other pairings do not.
"The question we asked was how can it be that two drugs in combination are less effective than one of them alone," Kishony said.
The scientists said they found the answer lies in the way some antibiotic drugs influence a bacterial cell's gene expression levels. Combinations of the altered genetic behaviors can "put the cell in a better position for survival," Kishony said.
"Understanding how cells alter their genetic programs in the presence of antibiotic drugs could provide insights into new ways to discourage the growth of pathogens and encourage the growth of 'good' bacteria in the lab and in the clinic," Kishony added.
The study is reported in the journal Cell.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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