Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

New Technique Could Help Fight Antibiotic Resistance

by Ramya Rachamanti on July 3, 2020 at 5:11 PM
New Technique Could Help Fight Antibiotic Resistance

Miniaturised devices allow users to see whether a bacterium is likely to respond to antibiotics. The research by the scientists at the University of Exeter is in early stages of development. This work could one day be used in clinics to reduce the number of different antibiotics prescribed to patients.

The technique works by examining whether fluorescent qualities of the antibiotics are taken up by bacteria. If so, the bacteria glow brighter under the microscope, revealing that the antibiotic has infiltrated the membrane and could be effective.

Advertisement


The research, published in the journal Lab on a Chip, could contribute to efforts to reduce prescribing, and also enable the development of more effective antibiotics, to help fight the global threat of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is recognised as a major global threat. As these drugs increasingly fail to work, around 10 million people are predicted to die annually of infections by 2050.
Advertisement

The new technique uses a special microscope and a miniaturised device into which a sample of the bacteria is injected, along with the antibiotic. To date, the team has used the antibiotic ofloxacin, which glows fluorescent under ultraviolet light.

Bacteria also glow when the antibiotic is taken up. However, if they remain dark, the antibiotic has no chance of working and killing the bacteria.

Dr Stefano Pagliara, a biophysicist in the Living Systems Institute, leading this research at the University of Exeter, said: "We're really excited about the potential for this technique to make a meaningful reduction in prescribing, helping to fight the global threat of antibiotic resistance.

At the moment, it can take days for clinicians to get a lab result, which involves growing bacteria, but there is still some guess work involved. Our technique could reduce the use of multiple antibiotics to try and fight a bacterial infection."

Dr Jehangir Cama, an industry research fellow at the Living Systems Institute, who performed the experimental work of this research, said: "Our next step is to further develop this exciting new method by combining it with more advanced microscopy techniques, to see where exactly the antibiotics go when they enter the bacteria."

The team is now working on expanding the technique, by manipulating the fluorescent qualities of other forms of antibiotics so they can work in the same way.

Further research in this area has been funded by QUEX, a partnership between the University of Exeter and The University of Queensland in Australia. The Queensland team, led by Dr Mark Blaskovich, Director of the Centre for Superbug Solutions at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, is developing fluorescent versions of other antibiotics so they can be tested in a similar manner.

Blaskovich adds "I am enthused about the opportunities to improve our fundamental understanding of the interactions between antibiotics and bacteria and how this leads to antimicrobial resistance, by combining our novel antibiotic-derived probes with the cutting edge single cell analysis capabilities of the Exeter group".



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Drug News

Can This New Drug Cure Ebola by Targeting Replication?
Breakthrough research reveals potential drug target to hinder Ebola virus replication.
Accelerated FDA Approval of Resmetirom for the Treatment of  MASH/NASH
The FDA accelerated approval of Resmetirom for treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), also known as Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
The Risks of Self-Prescribed Vitamin Supplements
Using daily vitamin supplements without medical guidance can harm your health, warn experts.
Understanding the Failure of Rabies Vaccine in Srishti Shinde's Case
Rabies vaccine failed for Srishti Shinde despite completing the course. Explore the reasons and prevention methods.
Aspirin Use in Older Adults for Heart Health — Weighing the Risk!
Poll reveals one-fourth of older adults take aspirin thrice weekly for heart attack and stroke prevention.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

New Technique Could Help Fight Antibiotic Resistance Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests