Novosibirsk scientists have discovered a new way to combat resistant to antibiotics staphylococci, which cause dangerous infection, including skin lesions, inflammation of lungs, meningitis and sepsis. The method is not in finding new drugs, but in strengthening existing ones. This is reported in a press release on the RHF website.
researchers found out how to increase the effectiveness of cephalosporins – β-lactam antibiotics, which are distinguished by increased resistance to enzymes produced by bacteria (β-lactamases). These drugs affect bacteria DNA through oxidative stress when oxygen radicals begin to oxidize important components of the microbial cell.
For this, scientists have an impact on the DNA repair system, which is one of the levels of bacterial protection, with the help of a special molecule. The low molecular compound was blocked by the activity of enzymes that protect the DNA bacteria from the action of the antibiotic. Together with the antibiotic, this compound forms a combined drug, which is much more efficient than an antibacterial drug separately.
Scientists believe that such an approach can be applied towards other bacterial infections, including tuberculosis. In the future, researchers plan to choose the most effective substances that increase the effects of antibiotics. Such compounds are already used to protect antibacterial drugs from microbial enzyme decomposition.