Recent research indicates that a new category of antibiotics could crush ultra-powerful ‘superbugs’ that affect hospital patients. The war on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been going on for some time now. With the breakthrough, it is expected that highly-evolved bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic treatments and compromising safety will be destroyed.
Pathogens in Ill People Are Concerning
Hospital superbugs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that do not respond to antibiotics and other medications usually used as treatments. These pathogens include those that can cause pneumonia, skin, and urinary tract infections. AMR has been listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the top 10 public health threats in the world. By 2050, deaths will rise to 10 million each year costing the global economy over $103 trillion.
The good news is researchers from the Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology in Philadelphia discovered new drugs that target a wide range of bacteria. They work by activating the adaptive immune system or molecules that respond to bugs that are invading the body. These include methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and clostridium difficile (C diff.). According to Dr. Farok Dotiwala, researchers adopted a ‘double-pronged strategy’ to create new molecules that can kill resistant bugs and at the same time, enhance the natural immune response of the host body.
How It Works
The discovery is great news for the ‘bacterial world.’ Resistance to antibiotics is developed by mutating the target bacteria rendering the drug ineffective by inactivating the function or pumping them out. In addition, the list of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic treatment is growing creating an urgent need to create new classes of drugs to avert public health crises. Named dual-acting immune-antibiotics (DAIAs), the antimicrobials work by simultaneously attacking bacteria making it hard for them to develop resistance, says Dr. Dotiwala. In undertaking the study, Dr. Dotiwala and Prof. Joseph Salvino of the Wastar Cancer Center discovered innovative IspH inhibitor molecules that could penetrate the bacteria. During lab tests, these molecules stimulated the immune system with powerful ‘bacterial-killing activity and specificity.’ The tests were also performed on human samples of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and E.coli. Dr. Kumar Singh, a member of Dotiwala’s team explains that immune activation is the second line of defence using the DAIA strategy. The strategy may represent a breakthrough in the global fight against AMR, a real concern that could leave many infections and diseases untreatable.
Preventing Infections
In the meantime, preventive actions can be taken to protect against harmful germs and bacteria. For example, frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers is recommended. Food must also be handled properly including cooking food thoroughly. To reduce contamination, avoid close contact with people who are ill. If taking antibiotics, use as directed and complete the full treatment course. In addition, ensure that vaccinations are up to date.
AMR is an issue affecting the world. The discovery of DAIAs could help tackle antibiotic resistance of superbugs that cause infections and illnesses.
