Health

Scientists create drug that WIPES OUT antibiotic-resistant superbugs including E.coli


SCIENTISTS have created a drug that wipes out antibiotic-resistant superbugs like E.coli.

The discovery, led by Sheffield University, saw off bacteria that can cause pneumonia, urinary tract and blood infections.

 A new compound has been discovered to wipe out antibiotic resistant superbugs

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A new compound has been discovered to wipe out antibiotic resistant superbugsCredit: Getty – Contributor

The breakthrough, the first new treatment in 50 years, raises hopes of a cure for untreatable bugs which kill 2,000 Brits a year.

And unless this rapidly emerging threat is addressed, experts estimate that by 2050 more than 10 million people could die every year due to antibiotic resistant infections.

But the research team said that their breakthrough could pave the way for new treatment of life-threatening superbugs.

The team, led by Professor Jim Thomas, from Sheffield’s Department of Chemistry, is testing new compounds developed by his PhD student Kirsty Smitten on antibiotic resistant gram-negative bacteria, including pathogenic E. coli.

This breakthrough could lead to vital new treatments to life-threatening superbugs

 

Prof Thomas said that they are difficult to treat as the cell wall of the bacteria prevents drugs from getting into the microbe.

He said: “This breakthrough could lead to vital new treatments to life-threatening superbugs and the growing risk posed by antimicrobial resistance.”

Doctors have not had a new treatment for gram-negative bacteria in the last 50 years, and no potential drugs have entered clinical trials since 2010.

Prof Thomas says the compound has a range of “exciting” opportunities.

The next step of the research process will be to test it against other multi-resistant bacteria.

Over half of fresh chicken bought in UK supermarkets ‘contains antibiotic-resistant superbug’ Campylobacter



 





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