A new antibiotic that kills large numbers of resistant bacteria
In the world of bacteriathe most dangerous are those who have acquired a antibiotic resistance. This is a real threat to humans since such bacteria could spread unstoppably. As part of the research to find a way to combat these organisms nicknamed “superbugs”scientists have discovered a new antibiotic who seems to be able to kill them.
Bacteria are rapidly evolving organisms. When faced with dangers like antibiotics, the strongest can survive and multiply. Thus, the entire population may eventually become resistant to antibiotics. Gram-negative bacteriain particular, represent a real problem because they can defend themselves thanks to thicker cell membranes and molecular pumps that repel drugs.
In a new study, scientists used an existing antibiotic which is effective against Gram-positive bacteria. They adapted it thanks to a series of structural changes for make it stronger against gram-negative strains.
Promising results
Among the modified components, one drug in particular produced the best results. This drug candidate is called fabimycin and it worked on more than 200 settlements clinically isolated from antibiotic resistant bacteria. Among these colonies there was a total of 54 strains of bacteria like E.coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii.
In tests with mice, fabimycin was able to cure cases of pneumonia and urinary tract infections involving antibiotic resistant bacteria. The drug reduced the amount of bacteria to levels lower than before the infection.
Preserves the good bacteria
One of the big advantages of fabimycin is thatshe was relatively selective during the experiments. She has in fact left certain types of harmless bacteria intact. It is there of great progress compared to other antibiotics which are known to destroy large numbers of helpful microbiome bacteria, which can lead to a wide variety of side effects.
Further studies are needed before fabimycin becomes a mainstream drug, but in any case, these early results promise a whole new way to fight superbugs.
SOURCE: newatlas
