Researchers have explored
alternative treatment
options and shown that
even drug resistant strains
of bacteria could be killed
by nanocomposite as they
can target multiple sites
within bacteria, unlike
most antibiotics.
The hybrid material
has been found to
halt growth of disease
causing bacteria. The
researchers claim
that the combination
is a big leap forward
in times where rapid
development of multi
drug resistance in bacteria
due to indiscriminate
use of drug poses serious
treatment challenges.
The nanocomposites
were studied and found
effective against the
disease causing and multi-
drug resistant variants
of bacteria (E.coli,
P.mirabilis and S.aureus)
commonly found in lungs,
skin, urinary tract and
intestine.
Solution to drug
resistant kala-azar might
be just on cards!
The disruptive effect
of nanocomposites is
both at physical and
chemical levels. The
nanocomposites used by
the scientists are made
of silver nanoparticles
– which have been
previously documented as
anti-bacterial agent; and a
graphene derivate which
has been studied for the
first time.
Kala-azar or visceral
leishmaniasis is a public
health problem in parts
of India and of late, it is
posing a new challenge
due to the rise of drug
resistance. Now a group
of Indian scientists have
figured out underlying
reasons for the disease-
causing parasite,
Leishmania donovani, to
become resistant to drugs.
This development
could pave the way
for addressing the
problem of drug
resistant kala-azar.
Nanotech approach to
kill bacteria may replace
antibiotics
Researchers at
the Central Drug
Research Institute,
Lucknow and Banaras
Hindu University,
Varanasi recently figured
out that nine proteins
present in the invading
parasite play an important
role in its response to
antimony agents currently
in use.
The presence of these
proteins, scientists say,
can differentiate between
the drug resistant and
sensitive types of the
parasite and can predict
treatment outcomes.
BIOVOICENEWS.COM
59