Lung disease bugs could fight MRSA
BACTERIA that infects the lungs of cystic fibrosis sufferers could be used to create a new type of antibiotic drug, say scientists.
Overuse of antibiotics means resistant bacteria are now causing major health problems around the world. Now a team of scientists from Cardiff and Warwick Universities has discovered antibiotics made from burkholderia – a group of bacteria that causes severe lung infections in those with cystic fibrosis – are effective against MRSA and other cystic fibrosis-infecting bacteria.
The findings have now been published in the journal Chemistry And Biology. Dr Mahenthiralingam of Cardiff University says: “Our research offers hope for the identification and engineering of potent antibiotics. With antibiotic resistant bacteria causing great suffering these new sources are urgently needed.”