Increased antibiotic resistance of E-coli exposed to static magnetic fields

The present study demonstrates that exposure of bacteria to medium strength static magnetic fields can significantly alter antibiotic sensitivity. Cul tures of Escherichia coli were exposed to fields produced by permanent magn ets. Samples of bacterial cultures continuously growing in the presence and in the absence of static magnetic fields were left untreated or were treat ed with an antibiotic and measured at 45 min intervals for cell growth and survival. It was found that exposure of E. coli to the static fields signif icantly increased antibiotic resistance. Bioelectromagnetics 22:129-137, 20 01. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.(dagger).