Experts have developed a new way of fighting deadly hospital superbugs, it was revealed today.
MRSA and similar infections that are resistant to antibiotics could be tackled following the breakthrough at Queen’s University Belfast. Special salts can be used to kill or prevent the growth of colonies of dangerous germs.
Martyn Earle, from Queen’s, said: “Our goal is to design ionic liquids with the lowest possible toxicity to humans while wiping out colonies of bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections.”
There were 229 cases of MRSA in Northern Ireland in 2007, a slight reduction from the previous year.
MRSA often strikes weak or elderly patients and can be a factor in their deaths. It can be passed between patients and visitors, and sufferers have to be isolated and special hygiene measures taken.
The development was carried out by eight researchers from the Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories (Quill) centre.
Many types of bacteria, such as MRSA, exist in colonies that adhere to the surfaces of materials. The colonies often form coatings, known as biofilms, that protect them from antiseptics, disinfectants, and antibiotics.
Assistant director at Quill Mr Earle added: “We have shown that, when pitted against the ionic liquids (salts) we developed and tested, biofilms offer little or no protection to MRSA, or to seven other infectious micro-organisms.”
The Queen’s work is being supported by an award from Invest NI.
Microbial biofilms are not only problematic in hospitals, but can also grow inside water pipes and cause blockages in industrial processes.
Brendan Gilmore from the Quill centre said: “Ionic liquid-based antibiofilm agents could potentially be used for a multitude of medical and industrial applications.
“For example, they could be used to improve infection control and reduce patient morbidity in hospitals and therefore lighten the financial burden to healthcare providers.
“They could also be harnessed to improve industrial productivity by reducing biofouling and microbial-induced corrosion of processing systems.”
PA