UPPSALA, SWEDEN – Scientists in Uppsala, Sweden, have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a new class of antibiotics that show promising results in targeting gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are known to cause various infections in humans.
Unlike gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria possess a unique double membrane that makes it challenging for traditional antibiotics to penetrate and have an impact. The outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria is embedded with lipopolysaccharides, essential for the cell’s integrity and function. By targeting an enzyme called LpxH, involved in the synthesis of lipopolysaccharides, researchers have developed a compound that effectively inhibits the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.
In recent experiments on mice injected with drug-resistant E. coli or K. pneumoniae, researchers observed the compound’s ability to treat bloodstream infections within just four hours with a single dose. The results are promising and offer hope in the fight against antibiotic-resistant pathogens that pose a threat to global health.
The study published in PNAS highlights the potential of these newly developed compounds to combat life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria. The compounds, originally starting with JEDI-1444, have been further modified to enhance solubility and stability in the bloodstream, leading to potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates.
With the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections ranking as the third leading global cause of death, the urgent need for new classes of antibiotics is crucial to saving lives. Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae, are among the most dangerous drug-resistant pathogens, necessitating innovative approaches like the one developed by researchers in Uppsala.
While the current results show promise, researchers emphasize the need for more extensive research and development before these compounds can advance to clinical trials. The potential impact of this discovery on combating antibiotic resistance and saving lives cannot be understated, marking a significant breakthrough in the field of microbial research.