In-body antibiotics Discover new antibiotic substances in the nose

Bacteria in the human nose form a possible antibiotic
Increasing antibiotic resistance worldwide is a massive medical problem, and the search for alternatives to traditional medicines is in full swing. Now, researchers from the University of Tübingen and the German Center for Infection Research in the Human Nose have discovered a new potential drug against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The scientists published their results in the renowned journal "Nature".

"A potential lifesaver lies dormant in the human body", according to the announcement of the University of Tübingen. The researchers discovered a bacterium from the human nose, which produces a previously unknown antibiotic drug against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The team around Professor Andreas Peschel from the Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT) at the University of Tübingen was able to determine the chemical structural formula of this new antibiotic "Lugdunin", which raises hope for a synthetic production.

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown antimicrobial agent in the human nose. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com)

Infections with multidrug-resistant germs are one of the leading causes of death
According to the researchers, "infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria - such as the skin-borne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - are among the leading causes of death worldwide." The natural habitat of these threatening staphylococci is the human nasal cavity. Scientists of the working group of Dr. med. Bernhard Krismer and Professor Andreas Peschel of the Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT) noted in their research that "Staphylococcus aureus is rarely found if the bacterium Staphylococcus lugdunensis also lives in the nose," reports the University of Tübingen.

Human microflora as a source of antimicrobial agents
The scientists found that Staphylococcus lugdunensis produces a previously unknown antibiotic drug that they baptized "Lugdunin". The drug is able to fight even multidrug-resistant pathogens, in which many classic antibiotics are now ineffective, according to the announcement of the University. Normally, antibiotics would only be made up of soil bacteria and fungi. "The fact that the human microflora can also be a source of antimicrobial agents is a new insight," emphasizes Professor Peschel.

Protection against resistant pathogens kau possible
The treatment of infections with antibiotic-resistant pathogens poses increasing problems for physicians. "There are estimates that over the coming decades, more people will die from resistant bacteria than from cancer," explains Dr. Krismer in the press release of the university. Due to the improper use of antibiotics, the questionable development will be exacerbated. And many of the pathogens are part of the human microflora on the skin and mucous membranes, so people can not stay out of their way. Thus, they represent a high risk for patients with serious underlying diseases and a weakened immune system; explain the experts. With them, the pathogens easy game.

Hope for new therapeutic options
In future investigations must now be clarified whether "Lugdunin" as an active drug can actually find therapeutic application, the researchers report. A colonization of high-risk patients with harmless "Lugdunin" -forming bacteria is conceivable, so as to reduce the risk of MRSA infections preventively. The findings of the Tübingen scientists are now opening up new possibilities for developing sustainable strategies for preventing infection and finding novel antibiotics - including in the human body, according to the Tübingen University. In the study of the structure of "Lugdunin", the scientists found that this consists of a previously unknown ring structure of amino acid building blocks, thus establishing a new class of substances. (Fp)