So-called “superbugs”, those bacteria strains that have developed resistance to antibiotics, have long generated high levels of concern for hospitals and long-term care facilities. These infections are difficult to treat, and often generate serious complications for individuals with already impaired immune systems. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) today published a note detailing efforts by researchers to restore the antibiotic sensitivity of some of these superbugs. The researchers utilize a process called lysogenization, whereby resistant bacteria is targeted with bacteriophages, viruses that can infect bacteria.
Initial results showed certain strains of bacteria regained sensitivity to antibiotic treatment after the lysogenization process. However, researchers point out this technique has not yet been attempted on the most pervasive of the health care superbugs, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
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