New drug against dangerous MRSA hospital germs researched

Means developed against multi-resistant hospital germs
In German hospitals, bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics are widespread. Up to 15,000 people die each year in Germany, after they have been infected with such germs in a hospital. Researchers have now succeeded in developing a drug that could massively reduce the spread of these pathogens.
New agents developed against MRSA germs. Picture: norman blue / fotolia

Many germs are resistant to antibiotics
The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) occurs everywhere in nature and permanently colonises the skin and upper respiratory tract of about one third of people. The pathogen is normally kept in check by the immune system. In weakened humans, however, the bacterium can be dangerous. Especially the elderly and intensive care patients are threatened. An infection can cause various symptoms such as inflammation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting or blood poisoning in those affected. Especially in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes MRSA are widespread and often a big problem because many germs are now resistant to the "miracle weapon" antibiotics. In Germany alone, the dangerous pathogens responsible for the death of up to 15,000 people each year.

A true "MRSA killer"
Health experts have long been calling for more resistant bacteria to be combated more efficiently. Researchers have now succeeded in developing a substance with which the spread of the pathogens could be contained. As reported by "daserste.de", the biotechnology company Hyglos from Bernried has presented an active ingredient that is a real "MRSA killer". "Every bacterium has naturally occurring parasites, which are special viruses called bacteriophages. These bacteriophages can destroy bacteria. Your weapon is a special protein. We have isolated and improved this. We can make it biotechnologically and use it as an MRSA killer. " Wolfgang mother.

Bacteria in the nose of every third person
The compound will be prepared for clinical trials in a collaborative project at the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) by the Tübingen microbiologist Andreas Peschel in cooperation with scientists from the Universities of Münster and Munich and with the company Hyglos. According to estimates, the MRSA bacterium is found in the nose of every third person. The newly developed protein is said to kill the bacteria in a short time without destroying the natural microflora in the nose or promoting resistance. The "designer protein" was optimized under the working name HY-133. Scientists and pharmacists call it "MRSA killer protein" because of its properties.

"Specific active substances" against dangerous germs
Over € 1.5 million will be provided by the DZIF to allow scientists to prepare the compound for clinical trials. As the microbiologist Peschel explained, in addition to new antibiotics and vaccines, there is an urgent need for "specific active ingredients" in order to combat the dangerous germs. The HY-133 protein could help as an innovative drug to initiate further development programs. In the coming week, the issue of antibiotic resistance will also be on the agenda of the G7 summit in Elmau, Bavaria. (Ad)