Thursday, June 26, 2014

Knocking out the antibiotic resistant gene

A researcher at McMaster University in Hamilton has discovered something that will knock out the gene that equips bacteria with its ability to survive an attack by antibiotics.

The discovery holds promise for restoring the power of antibiotics that have been rendered ineffective by antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Gerry Wright, a biochemistry professor, led the team that found the gene knockout substance in a soil sample from Nova Scotia.

It knocks out NDM-1, a gene that Danish researchers have identified as key to providing resistance to a broad range of antibiotics.

So far the research has provided positive results with mice, but it’s still a long way from approvals for medical use.

The medical profession is, however, keenly interested because so many bacteria that cause infections and diseases have become resistant to almost all antibiotics.


The discovery also holds exciting potential for treating animal and poultry diseases and infections.