The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Lucknow-based Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) have made a significant breakthrough in antibiotic research. The scientists have created a new molecular structure that could increase the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, especially against multidrug-resistant superbugs. This new development may address the global concerns over the estimated 10 million people who could potentially lose their lives to these superbugs by 2050.
The Molecular Framework: Targeting Gyrase B
The new molecule devised by the researchers primarily targets gyrase B, an enzyme critical to bacteria’s survival and multiplication. Generally, organisms, particularly bacteria, contain two types of gyrases: gyrase A and gyrase B. The majority of current antibacterial drugs work by targeting gyrase A. However, many superbugs have adapted to these drugs by altering gyrase A, rendering the usual medications powerless.
Contrarily, gyrase B is more conserved in organisms, making it harder for the bugs to mutate it. Therefore, this novel molecular framework that targets gyrase B could be a significant leap in combating antibiotic resistance.
Novel Molecule: Enhanced Effectiveness of Antibiotics
When the newly devised molecule combines with fluoroquinolone drugs, the first line of antibiotic medication, it attacks both gyrases A and B, amplifying their effectiveness. This could potentially allow the same class of drugs, which bacteria have developed resistance towards, to destroy the bacteria effectively again.
The researchers have successfully tested this proof-of-concept on lab-grown bacterial cells, and the results show promise. Interestingly, bacteria have shown a reduced propensity to develop resistance to this new molecule.
Implications for Multidrug-Resistant Superbugs
| Bacteria Used for Testing | Staphylococcus aureus |
|---|---|
| Places it is found commonly | Nostrils, upper respiratory tract, and skin |
| Percentage of people it affects | Nearly 30% |
| Infectious Potential | Can cause lethal infections in people with low immunity levels |
| Drug Resistance | Has become resistant to most drugs used commonly in clinics |
Continued Research Efforts at IIT Kanpur and CDRI
The CDRI, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, collaborates with IIT Kanpur on this groundbreaking research. These scientific advancements could define the future of our fight against multidrug-resistant superbugs, particularly Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These bacteria, which are often found in nearly 30% of people’s nostrils, upper respiratory tract, and skin, may seem harmless in healthy individuals. However, they can cause several deadly infections in those with low immunity levels.
The research efforts continue, with the aim of taking this concept from lab tests to real-world applications that could help save millions of lives worldwide. With the threat of multidrug-resistant superbugs looming large, such innovations are crucial for the survival of humanity. Notably, the researchers’ progress is reported in the highly respected scientific journal, HBL.
