Scientists have developed the first effective alternative to antibiotics in a significant advance in the fight against drug-resistant infection. BJORN HERPERS looks at the promise of endolysins.
In the wake of the problems associated with increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), scientists have now developed the first effective alternative to antibiotics in a significant advance in the fight against drug-resistant infection. Here, BJORN HERPERS looks at the promise of endolysins.
It is easy to become numb to stories we frequently hear in the media. Cancer, dementia and obesity are all health-related stories we read about every day. Antimicrobial resistance also falls into this category; however, the wider public do not give it the recognition it deserves as a major health threat. The only time most of us consider antibiotics is when we are ill, and focused firmly on our personal health, rather than public health. It is unfortunate that our main contact point with antibiotic usage is here, when we are in exactly the wrong mindset to protect the viability of these drugs.
The danger of antimicrobial resistance is clear and present. According to a UK government-commissioned report, the total number of deaths as a result of antimicrobial resistance is projected to rise to 10 million per year globally by 2050,1 more than the number currently dying from cancer. This threat of antibiotic resistance is not new; the first reports of Staphylococcus spp. resistance to penicillin occurred in 1947, just four years after the antibiotic was first massproduced, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; Fig 1) was discovered over 50 years ago.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
