Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have a different structure of the cell
envelope, but the new drug, developed by experts from the UK, is able to
penetrate through the walls of both types of bacteria and then enter into a
compound with their DNA. The discovery of scientists will allow the development
of new therapeutic agents for all types of resistant pathogens, including
methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
In the past, a team of scientists from Sheffield University has developed a
compound that affects the gram-positive bacteria, but the new compound has a
broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect, i.e. it is also effective against
gram-negative bacteria.
Resistance to antibacterial drugs in the European Union alone leads to 25,000 fatalities annually.
Unless a solution to this problem is found, it is predicted that more than 10
million people will die each year by 2050 from infections caused by
resistance. However,
doctors have not received new drugs for Gram-negative bacteria for 50
years.
In addition, it has luminescent properties. This means that doctors can
monitor the drug intake and its effect on bacteria using advanced microscopy
technologies, according to Phys.org.
Gram-positive strains of bacteria are especially difficult to treat
The membranes well protect cells from drug penetration into these
pathogens, and they themselves cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections
and blood loss.
"The problem of antimicrobial resistance is increasingly acute and many studies predict a global emergency, so there is an urgent need for a wide range of antimicrobials that are effective against resistant pathogens," said Professor Jim Thomas, head of the research team.