Predicting Random Mutations: A Look Into How Radiation Leaks Could Alter a Bacteria's Tolerence to Antibiotics.

In 2011, a group of researchers treated 4 species of local disease causing bacteria (Listeria inocua, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and Pseudomanos aeruginosa) to 1, 10, and 100 years equivalence of radiation (similar to the radiation present after a nuclear reactor meltdown). These treated bacteria were then tested against 14 different commercial antibiotics to see if the radiation had any effect on their ability to survive the antibiotics. 

Figure from S. Nakanishi et al detailing the increased antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative  bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa )following century long equivalent exposure to radiation.

The results were unexpected: two bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginos) displayed reduced resistance to all 14 antibiotics (compared to their healthy counterparts), while the other two displayed no significant change in survival. This research provides a fascinating look into the lasting effects of nuclear meltdowns, and will certainly help us in predicting their influence on the local ecology.

Original Article: Nakanishi S, Moore JE, Matsuda M, Goldsmith CE, Coulter WA, Rao JR. (2012). Bacterial stress response to environmental radiation relating to the Fukushima radiation discharge event, Japan: Will environmental bacteria alter their antibiotic susceptibility profile?. Ecotox Environ Safe 76:169-174