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).