Possible New Treatment for Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

Antibiotic resistance has led to the development of superbugs, which are responsible for at least 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Until now, treatments have proved ineffective against these ever-changing strains of bacteria, but a recent medical breakthrough could change that. Scientists have discovered a new compound that presents exciting opportunities for the future of superbug treatment.   

Antibiotic-resistant superbugs are responsible for countless deaths around the globe each year, and the number is expected to grow unless effective treatments are developed. Fortunately, scientists believe they have found an adaptable compound that uses several modes of action to combat multi-resistant bacteria. 

The Scourge of Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists antibiotic-resistant infections as one of the most serious threats to global public health. And the threat is growing. The deadliest infections, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are among the most commonly reported drug-resistant infections. 

If effective treatments are not found, the United Nations fears infections could take the lives of 10 million people each year by the year 2050. This is due to the spread of known drug-resistant infections, as well as the addition of new drug-resistant strains. Common infections are becoming increasingly more difficult to treat as bacteria strains continue to build resistance.

The Enduring Fight Against Superbugs

According to the CDC’s report of antibiotic-resistant threats, resistant strains of bacteria were identified as early as 1940. New strains have been added to the list over the decades. At the same time, the list of ineffective drugs has continued to grow. This has resulted in a decades-long fight to identify and treat drug-resistant infections, a battle that has largely been unsuccessful. 

New Compound Could Be the Key to Treatment

A promising new discovery could change all of that. A compound uncovered by scientists at the University of Sheffield and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory has several modes of action, which means bacteria will find it more difficult to develop resistance. Though more tests are necessary, early results against E. coli and other gram-negative bacteria have been promising. We will keep watching for more developments.

With the discovery of this new compound, we feel hopeful that doctors may soon have a new tool to use against some of the most deadly bacteria found on the planet.

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