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NOVA scienceNOW: Killer Microbe
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Program Overview
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Scientists discuss the dangers of a type of bacterium called
Acinetobacter baumannii (referred to in Iraq as Iraqibacter),
which has transformed itself into an antibiotic-resistant killer.
This NOVA scienceNOW segment:
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introduces A. baumannii, named for microbiologist Paul
Baumann, who studied it in 1968. At that time, it was relatively
harmless. But it has now transformed itself into a
drug-resistant killer.
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explains that bacteria pass genes in two ways: through mitosis
and through conjugation. In conjugation, two bacteria form a
physical connection, and DNA passes from one bacterium to the
other.
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hypothesizes that A. baumannii received genes from two
kinds of dangerous bacteria: one was fatal to humans and the
second was resistant to antibiotics. This combination makes
A. baumannii dangerous in two ways.
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describes the work of a microbiologist researching
drug-resistant A. baumannii who determined that new genes
inserted at just one DNA location conferred resistance to 45
drugs.
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states that soldiers of the Iraq War infected with
A. baumannii bring the bacteria home, leading to its
spread.
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points out that until scientists better understand
A. baumannii, the best way for the public to combat
infection is through better hospital hygiene, good medical care,
and good personal hygiene.
Taping Rights: Can be used up to one year after the program
is taped off the air.
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