Researchers: New Antibiotic Could Be Valuable Weapon Against MRSA

According to new research, a recently discovered type of antibiotic could be a "silver bullet" of sorts against potentially fatal infections that are common in LTC facilities. It could also potentially be a breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The antibiotic, called teixobactin, has the ability to rapidly clear infections. It attacks substances in the cell walls of harmful bacteria. Other antibiotics target bacterial proteins. Bacteria such as MRSA can begin producing different proteins, making them resistant to drugs. The researchers say it is highly unlikely that bacteria will become resistant to teixobactin.

Teixobactin is only effective against bacteria that have a cell wall, so it won't work on infections such as E.coli.

Although it could be two years before human trials with teixobactin begin, the researchers said they are excited about the implications of their work.

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