New Antibiotic Discovered

[Mercutio]

Potentially a very valuable one.

The Merck researchers addressed both problems with a clever genetic trick that made an existing drug-hunting process more effective and also targeted novel types of antibiotics.

Their innovation was to test extracts of fungi, plants and other natural substances against bacteria with a genetically engineered Achilles’ heel. Because the bacteria were weakened, any compound that harmed them would have a more dramatic effect and thus be easier to identify.

The Merck scientists also chose the genetic handicap carefully, placing it in a metabolic pathway that is not attacked by any major existing antibiotics. That increased the likelihood that any promising compound they discovered would be something for which the bacteria had not yet developed a resistance.

I like that, at the end of the article, they remind us that even if this turns out to be clinically useful, in the long run bacteria will evolve that are resistant to this one too.

 

[Nobody]

Admittedly the research is impressive but the concepts behind it aren't too unique or new, interestingly most antibiotics used nowadays are substances derived from soil samples or are derivatives of such chemicals, for instance Streptomycin is obtained from soil bacteria which have been found in several locations, the early Tetracyclines were products of a related soil bacterium which is found in cemeteries and allotments and causes 'russet scab', a disease of potatoes found in certain areas of North America and Europe. Chloramphenicol was first discovered in a soil sample from Venezuela. Erythromycin and Vancomycin were isolated from soil bacteria in South-East Asia. The only major exceptions to this rule are Penicillin which is produced by a bread mould and Cephalosporins which were first identified in an Italian sewer. Bacteriologists have been trying to pin point new targets in the bacterial cell for years albeit with not much success to date although advances in genetics may change this. Scientists are now investigating possible alternatives to antibiotics such as nanotechnology, bacteriophage therapy, vaccines, probiotics and substances from herbs which either kill bacteria themselves or augment the effect of traditional drugs. Another potential focus might be drugs that effect many different mechanisms in bacteria hence reducing the potential of selecting for resistance when they are used.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Admittedly the research is impressive but the concepts behind it aren't too unique or new

I'm not at all familiar with the subject. You said this is not unique or new. Have other researchers tested substances against weakened bacteria to get exagerated results and isolate resistance?

 

[a_unique_person]

Have you heard about the Wallabies? They are marsupials, and carry immature infants in their pouches that don't have an immune system yet. The milk contains a powerful antibiotic to help them through this stage of life.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/New-penicillin-found-in-wallaby-milk/2006/04/23/1145730796727.html

Scientists have discovered a bacteria-fighting compound 100 times more effective than penicillin - in wallaby milk.
Researchers found the highly-potent compound, tagged AGG01, was active against a wide variety of fungi and bacteria including antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Research team leader Dr Ben Cocks said the discovery could have a profound impact on both human and animal health.
"This compound has the potential to be commercially synthesised and may prove vital in the war against increasingly resistant human and animal diseases," Dr Cocks said.
He said researchers from the Victorian government's Department of Primary Industries made the discovery while investigating the chemical properties of Tammar wallabies' breast milk to determine how their immune-deficient newborns built up resistance to bacteria while in the pouch.

 

[Deetee]

Have you heard about the Wallabies? They are marsupials, and carry immature infants in their pouches that don't have an immune system yet. The milk contains a powerful antibiotic to help them through this stage of life.

As an African, I favour crocodile blood to wallaby milk.