New Antibiotic Fights Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea, Says WHO
Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic that effectively targets gonorrhea, even in its drug-resistant forms. The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes this breakthrough, as it's battling an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the germ that causes gonorrhea.
The novel antibiotic, part of a modified alkyl-quinolones (AQs) group, works by activating an intrinsic self-destruct mechanism in gonococci. It degrades the bacteria's antitoxin, allowing its own toxin to kill it. This unique approach could potentially be adapted to fight other pathogens as well.
The research, published in Nature Microbiology, was led by Christof Hauck and Thomas Böttcher. They found that this antibiotic can kill even multi-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacterium is on the WHO's list of highly problematic germs due to its rapid antibiotic resistance.
The discovery of this new antibiotic offers hope in the fight against drug-resistant gonorrhea. Further research is needed to ensure its safety and efficacy in humans, and to explore its potential use against other antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
