A team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego has identified the Achilles heels in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering a possible solution to curb this growing global threat. According to recent estimates, drug-resistant infections could cause up to 2 million deaths annually by 2050, double current numbers.
The study, published in ‘Science Advances‘, reveals that although antibiotic resistance provides bacteria with survival advantages, it also carries a significant physiological limitation. “We discovered an Achilles’ Heel in antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” explains Professor Gürol Süel, leader of the study. «We can take advantage of this cost to suppress resistance without resorting to drugs or harmful chemicals ».
The team, in collaboration with the Arizona State University and the Pompeu Fabra Universityanalyzed the behavior of the bacteria Bacillus subtilis. They focused on ribosomes, cellular structures essential for protein synthesis, and observed how spontaneous mutations that confer resistance generate a detrimental competition between the mutant ribosomes and ATP molecules (cellular energy source) for magnesium ions, crucial for cellular stability.
The researchers studied a ribosomal variant called “L22” in Bacillus subtilis. They found that this competition reduces the growth of resistant bacteria compared to normal strains. This finding suggests that limiting magnesium in the bacterial environment could selectively inhibit resistant strains, without affecting beneficial bacteria.
In addition to this study, Süel and his team developed a bioelectronic device in October that uses the natural electrical activity of certain bacteria to combat infections without drugs. This breakthrough was tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common agent of hospital infections. Both investigations highlight innovative methods to control resistant bacteria without resorting to antibiotics.
“The growing resistance to antibiotics and their uncontrolled use have led to their presence throughout the planet, from the Arctic to the oceans,” says Süel. We need drug-free alternatives, and our latest studies show that it is possible to control resistant bacteria without resorting to drugs.
Identifying this weakness in resistant bacteria could mark a turning point in the fight against one of the biggest public health crises of the 21st century, offering a sustainable, chemical-free approach to fighting infections.
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