Antibiotics Targeting Only Harmful Microbes Identified
Antibiotics pose a risk of non-selectively destroying bacteria in the gut, which can lead to the loss of both beneficial and harmful bacteria. However, researchers have developed a new type of antibiotic that targets only the most harmful microbes, avoiding dangerous side effects.
At the University of Illinois, scientists worked on creating an antibiotic that specifically targets gram-negative bacteria, known for their resistance to common antibiotics, while leaving beneficial microbes unharmed. If these bacteria do not develop resistance to this new antibiotic, it could revolutionize infection treatment for years to come.
Chemistry professor Paul Hergenrother, a co-leader of the study, highlighted the importance of developing antibiotics that do not harm beneficial bacteria. He emphasized the need to focus on killing pathogenic bacteria without affecting the good ones.
The research team concentrated on eliminating infectious gram-negative bacteria, which are challenging to treat due to their double layer of protection. Current antibiotics that target these bacteria often harm beneficial bacteria as well, making the development of a selective antibiotic crucial.
The new antibiotic, known as lolamicin, has shown effectiveness in treating acute pneumonia and bloodstream infections in mice. It has the potential to spare good bacteria and maintain the microbiome’s integrity, offering a promising strategy for future antibiotic development.
Researcher Kristen Muñoz stated that lolamicin’s ability to target harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria is a significant advancement. The compound has shown promise in combating a wide range of drug-resistant bacterial strains in cell cultures and preventing secondary infections.
While the road to FDA approval for lolamicin as an antibiotic is long, with factors like solubility, dosage, and formulation to consider, the researchers remain committed to further studying its potential. Their goal is to continue testing the drug against various bacterial strains and conducting detailed toxicology studies for its eventual approval.
