All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
22 December 2017 10:35
Resistance to antibiotics has been called one of today's most serious health challenges
Dormant cells that are not susceptible to antibiotic treatment could help doctors understand antibiotic resistance, a study suggests.
According to the research, "sleeper cells" are those that resemble cells that have been killed by antibiotics and lie dormant, yet are viable.
The study finds they make up 1.3% of bacteria cells that can survive treatment with the antibiotic ampicillin.
Because they can reawaken at any time, they are potentially dangerous as they can re-infect humans and animals.
Persister cells
Sleeper cells have similar features to persister cells, those that are antibiotic resistant and account for one third of cells left behind following a course of antibiotics.
The study of bacteria has been conducted at the University of Exeter.
Dr Stefano Pagliara, a biophysicist at the university, calls the cells that can survive antibiotics "one of the serious health challenges of our age".
He continued: "The cells we identified elude antibiotic treatment and pose a serious threat to human health.
"In fact, unlike persister cells which quickly resume growth after the antibiotic course ends, 'sleeper cells' remain non-growing for prolonged periods of time, and elude detection using traditional methods."
Better understanding
This research could help scientists understand the special properties of both "sleeper" and persister cells.
"Our research should make it easier to develop biomarkers to isolate these cells and open up new ways to map the biochemical make-up of bacteria that can escape antibiotics, so we can find ways of targeting them effectively," added Dr Pagliara.
You can have added peace of mind that there will be no unexpected medical costs should you suffer a bacterial infection while abroad with comprehensive travel insurance.
04 January 2021
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
[more...]
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.
Is it possible to fly green? Discover five ways to fly more eco-friendly and reduce the impact of your air travel.
From sustainable architecture to reduced energy consumption, here's how airports around the world are helping to reduce their carbon footprints.