METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) MRSA is a staph infection characterized by multiple antibiotic resistances which begins as a skin infection but can lead to abscesses, and other internal infections in the bloodstream and joints.
Mayo Clinic: “MRSA is a product of antibiotic resistance”
Used as a prototype for multi-resistant infections because the infection has developed so many antibiotic resistant genes.
The teixobactin dose required to achieve 50% survival against MRSA is only 10% of the PD50 (protective dose) dose of vancomycin, an antibiotic typically used for MRSA. Nature (2015)
OTHER STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTIONS Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are incredibly common and can be harmless, but when inside the body can cause infections in the bloodstream, heart valves, bones or lungs.
Many of these bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance, which they are named after.
“When penicillin was discovered, S. aureus was exquisitely susceptible to it and S. aureus infections were effectively cured with the “wonder drug”.” European Respiratory Journal (2009)
Staphylococcus aureus develops antibiotic resistance relatively quickly, forming resistance to penicillin within years and resistance it methicillin within two years. European Respiratory Journal (2009)
High-risk of infections in populations with chronic conditions, weakened immune systems and recent surgical procedures.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is a bacteria that targets the lungs, but can also target the kidneys, spine, and brain.
Symptoms include long-lasting cough, coughing up blood and chest pain when the bacteria targets the lungs.
If untreated, TB can be fatal.
Some individuals may be carriers of the bacteria but do not show symptoms.
Strains of TB have become resistant to antibiotics, isoniazid and rifampin, and health-care providers are at a greater risk of contracting an antibiotic-resistant strain of TB. CDC (2016)
The study by Ling et al. showed that teixobactin resistant strains of TB could not be formed, even when low doses of the antibiotic were used on the plates. Nature (2015)
CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE
A bacteria, better known as C. diff, that produces toxins which destroy the lining of the small intestine.
Symptoms of C. diff include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dehydration which can lead to more serious problems such as inflammation of the colon and kidney damage.
Usually associated with antibiotic use and hospitalization, but a new strain has been associated with cases in healthy populations.
20% reoccurrence rate for infection. Mayo Clinic (2016)
Teixobactin was effective against the bacteria in the lab. Nature (2015)