Does earth from Ireland end the threat of multi-resistant germs?

Unknown bacterial strain inhibits growth of resistant pathogens

Researchers have now discovered a previously unknown bacterial strain in soil from Ireland, which is effective against four of the six major so-called super-pathogens that are already resistant to antibiotics.

Researchers at Swansea University Medical School found in their study that special soil from Ireland contains a strain of bacteria that could be used in the future to control antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Frontiers in Microbiology".

Some strains of bacteria pose a major threat to human health because they are increasingly resistant to known drugs. In Ireland, a bacterial strain has now been discovered, which can be used to develop new medicines that also act on multuresistent germs. (Image: pixeljack / fotolia.com)

WHO warns against resistant super-pathogens

Antibiotic-resistant super-pathogens could cost around 1.3 million lives in Europe by 2050, according to recent research. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the problem as one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and development today.

Where did the examined soil samples come from??

The soil, which the experts analyzed, came from an area in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, also known as Boho Highlands. It is an area of ​​alkaline grassland and the soil is said to have healing properties. The search for replacement antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistance prompted the researchers to investigate new sources.

Growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was inhibited

Traditionally, in the Boho Highlands, a small amount of soil was wrapped in a cotton cloth and used to treat a variety of conditions including toothache, throat and throat infections. The doctors examined the healing properties of soil samples taken from this area. They found that the growth of four of the six major multidrug-resistant pathogens was inhibited by the bacteria in the soil. The new bacterial strain is described by the scientists as Streptomyces sp. Called myrophorea. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, which differ in the structure of their cell wall, were inhibited by the soil. As a rule, so-called gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics, say the scientists. It is not yet clear which component of the new strain prevents the growth of the pathogens, but the research team is already investigating this.

More traditional remedies should be explored more closely

This new bacterial strain is effective against four of the six most common pathogens resistant to antibiotics, including MRSA. This discovery is an important step in the fight against antibiotic resistance, says study author Professor Paul Dyson of Swansea University. The results show that folklore and traditional medicines should be considered when looking for new antibiotics. Scientists, historians and archaeologists can all do their part in this task. It seems that part of the answer to this very modern problem may lie in the wisdom of the past, adds the expert.

Further research is needed

The discovery of antimicrobial substances from Streptomyces sp. myrophorea will hopefully help find new medicines to treat multi-drug resistant bacteria, which are the cause of many dangerous and deadly infections. The physicians now want to focus on the purification and identification of these antibiotics. Additional antibacterial organisms have also been discovered in the soil that could cover a wider range of multidrug-resistant pathogens. (As)