DNA sequencing of the penicillin bug by Dutch researchers could lead to the development of evermore effective antibiotics – drugs that overcome problems of resistance.
The findings are out just in time for the 80th anniversary of the discovery of penicillin itself by Sir Alexander Fleming.
Overuse Of Antibiotics-Creating Monsters Out Of Common Microbes
Health officials are alarmed at the evolution of causal organisms of hitherto common diseases into ‘superbugs’.
Health officials are alarmed at the evolution of causal organisms of hitherto common diseases into ‘superbugs’.
The bug, Penicillium chrysogenum, is used in the production of antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin and cefadroxil.
Its use in killing bacteria was discovered in 1928 after mould spores accidentally contaminated a petri dish in a laboratory.
Further work discovered it was safe for use in humans.
Drug Companies Urged Not to Give Up Research on Antibiotics
Antibiotics may not bring in oodles of money. But that should not be sufficient reason for drug companies to discontinue research on that class of drugs, experts stress.
Antibiotics may not bring in oodles of money. But that should not be sufficient reason for drug companies to discontinue research on that class of drugs, experts stress.
But antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious problem, as for example has been shown with MRSA.
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Superbug Resistance Increased by Cough and Cold Antibiotics
The British Government's Health Protection Agency is urging people not to seek antibiotic treatment for cough and cold problems that are caused by viruses, warning that this may increasingly
The British Government's Health Protection Agency is urging people not to seek antibiotic treatment for cough and cold problems that are caused by viruses, warning that this may increasingly
Researchers said in addition to combating resistance, the genome sequence may also help to improve the manufacturing of antibiotics.
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"It provides insight into what genes encode for, know-how in terms of manufacturing and new compounds to be identified and tested.
"There are genes and gene families we did not think would be involved in biosynthesis of penicillins - they weren't on our radar so that is our follow-up work."
Professor Hugh Pennington, an expert in bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, said the genome sequence might well lead to the development of new antibiotics.
"If we understand the genome we might be able to manipulate the genes."
He said traditionally antibiotics had been found just from looking at what fungi produce, but in recent years scientists had been trying to modify existing treatments, BBC reports.
"All the easy targets have been hit by one drug or another so it's proving very difficult to find new compounds and we're going to need some lateral thinking.
"If the genome helps to do antibiotic development quicker, then that can only be a good thing."
Source-Medindia
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