Researchers at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) have synthesized a molecule capable of fighting antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacterium that causes various types of diseases in humans. Some of its variants have developed resistance to the usual antimicrobial drugs, so suppressing these strains has become a serious problem. The antibiotic created by the scientists can successfully fight infection, so it can be considered as the basis for a new drug, the Institute’s press service told Izvestia.
«We studied a group of triazenoindole substances and selected the most effective molecule. These compounds are used as prototypes of drugs against tuberculosis. As the causative agent of Tb is mycobacteria, the molecule is a natural candidate for use as an antibiotic against staphylococcus. They are also known to have an antifungal effect. Experiments have confirmed this», — Denis Kuzmin, one of the authors of the development, director of the Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics at MIPT, told the publication.
According to him, the molecule has a double effect on the bacterium: it disrupts the synthesis of cell membrane components and inhibits the effect of DNA gyrase, an enzyme. However, MIPT specialists plan to study this mechanism in more detail in their future studies, Kuzmin added, explaining that according to his estimates, the stage of preclinical research, including animal experiments, will take about a year. After that, the scientists intend to start testing with human participants.
Staphylococcus aureus is among the most common causes of bacterial infections. While it is typically associated with skin issues, it can also lead to complications involving internal organs. In some instances, the bacterium acts as a common commensal, causing no problems; however, in other cases, it can result in severe infections and complications.
This bacterium is one of the most antibiotic-resistant strains, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Scientists are looking for a cure. For the treatment of MRSA infection, vancomycin, ceftaroline, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole linezolid, clindamycin and daptomycin are usually recommended, but these drugs are increasingly losing their clinical effectiveness due to emerging bacterial resistance.
The hybrid mechanism of action of the substance proposed by MIPT means that it will be able to overcome bacterial resistance. Experts interviewed by the publication noted that the creation of a domestic antibiotic capable of defeating MRSA is a big step forward. Triazenoindoles will have several mechanisms of action at once, which makes them more likely to overcome bacterial drug resistance.
