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25/03/2009
Super Bug Infection Targeted By Queen's Experts
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast are in the final stages of a development that may be a breakthrough in fighting deadly hospital superbugs.
MRSA and similar infections that are resistant to antibiotics could be tackled following the breakthrough.
Special 'liquid' salt solutions can be used to kill or prevent the growth of colonies of dangerous germs.
While normally solid in structure, the ionic solutions being tested remain as fluids at normal temperatures and by their presence, inhibit or destroy bacterial development.
Martyn Earle, from Queen's, said: "Our goal is to design ionic liquids with the lowest possible toxicity to humans while wiping out colonies of bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections."
There were 229 cases of MRSA in Northern Ireland in 2007, a slight reduction from the previous year.
MRSA often strikes weak or elderly patients and can be a factor in their deaths. It can be passed between patients and visitors, and sufferers have to be isolated and special hygiene measures taken.
Many types of bacteria, such as MRSA, exist in colonies that adhere to the surfaces of materials. The colonies often form coatings, known as biofilms, that protect them from antiseptics, disinfectants, and antibiotics.
The new solutions will negate these coatings and kill the infection or prevent its development.
(BMcC/JM)
MRSA and similar infections that are resistant to antibiotics could be tackled following the breakthrough.
Special 'liquid' salt solutions can be used to kill or prevent the growth of colonies of dangerous germs.
While normally solid in structure, the ionic solutions being tested remain as fluids at normal temperatures and by their presence, inhibit or destroy bacterial development.
Martyn Earle, from Queen's, said: "Our goal is to design ionic liquids with the lowest possible toxicity to humans while wiping out colonies of bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections."
There were 229 cases of MRSA in Northern Ireland in 2007, a slight reduction from the previous year.
MRSA often strikes weak or elderly patients and can be a factor in their deaths. It can be passed between patients and visitors, and sufferers have to be isolated and special hygiene measures taken.
Many types of bacteria, such as MRSA, exist in colonies that adhere to the surfaces of materials. The colonies often form coatings, known as biofilms, that protect them from antiseptics, disinfectants, and antibiotics.
The new solutions will negate these coatings and kill the infection or prevent its development.
(BMcC/JM)
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