New, Powerful Antibiotic From Bacteria Shows 100x Strength Against Pathogens

Scientists have made a surprising discovery that could change antibiotic research. They found a new antibiotic hiding within bacteria already studied for decades. This unexpected find could open a new path for discovering life-saving drugs. It may also become a crucial tool against antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is growing worldwide. A 2023 World Health Organization report showed that one in six common bacteria resisted treatment. This marked a 40% rise since 2018, with resistance increasing by 5 to 15% each year. Such rapid growth makes finding new antibiotics more urgent than ever.

Chemists from the University of Warwick and Monash University identified the new compound. It shows strong activity against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE. These stand for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Both are known for causing severe infections in hospitals and communities.

The WHO listed Staphylococcus aureus among eight major bacterial pathogens that cause illness globally. Many of today’s antibiotics have been used for decades. As a result, bacteria have had time to adapt and become resistant. Meanwhile, limited funding continues to slow the search for new treatments that could save millions of lives.

How Did Researchers Find the New Antibiotic?

Researchers discovered a new compound inside bacteria called pre-methylenomycin C lactone. This compound is part of the Methylenomycin pathway, which produces antibiotics in the bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. S. coelicolor is a soil-dwelling bacterium known for creating many useful compounds, including antibiotics.

The researchers said pre-methylenomycin C lactone was hiding in plain sight. Earlier studies had missed this compound as an intermediate in forming a common antibiotic called Methylenomycin-A. Scientists have known about Methylenomycin-A for 50 years. Despite frequent study and synthesis, this is the first time researchers tested the bacterium’s intermediate compounds for antimicrobial activity.

By deleting certain biosynthetic genes, the team uncovered two hidden intermediates. Both showed far greater antibiotic strength than Methylenomycin-A. Pre-methylenomycin C lactone proved more than 100 times stronger against many Gram-positive bacteria. It was especially effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium.

These bacteria cause methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). The researchers explained that S. coelicolor evolved from producing pre-methylenomycin C lactone into Methylenomycin-A. Enterococcus bacteria that commonly resist vancomycin showed no resistance to pre-methylenomycin C lactone. This is crucial because vancomycin is often the last line of defense for such infections.

Researchers believe this discovery could transform antibiotic research. Testing other intermediates in natural biosynthetic pathways could reveal more powerful antibiotics. These hidden compounds may become vital tools in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. After these findings, researchers plan to begin preclinical trials soon.

A recent study projected 40 million deaths from drug-resistant infections by 2050. This represents a 70% overall increase expected in the coming decades. The rise highlights the urgent need for new antibiotic development.

Conclusion

Scientists discovered a powerful new antibiotic hidden within bacteria long studied by researchers. The compound, pre-methylenomycin C lactone, showed over 100 times greater strength against resistant pathogens. Its discovery could lead to groundbreaking treatments that help reverse the global rise of antimicrobial resistance.

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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.