Scientists are working to eliminate drug-resistant bacteria, and a recent study has discovered a treatment that can break through the protective slime these infections use to defend themselves against antibiotics. The researchers have found that an antimicrobial peptide from cows could be effective in treating untreatable infections caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacteria is typically harmless when found in the intestines, but can become a serious threat when it spreads to other parts of the body, leading to conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. The elderly and patients with underlying health issues like diabetes, cancer, and kidney problems are at the highest risk.University of Central Florida College of Medicine researcher Renee Fleeman is determined to combat drug-resistant bacteria, and her most recent research has discovered a treatment that can penetrate the protective barrier that these infections create against antibiotics.
In a recent study published in Cell Reports Physical Science, Fleeman demonstrated the potential of an antimicrobial peptide from cows to treat untreatable infections caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacteria is often present in the intestines and is typically resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.The bacteria known as antibiotic resistant is a serious health concern as it can cause pneumonia, urinary tract and wound infections when it spreads to other parts of the body. Those who are at the highest risk are seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, cancer, kidney failure and liver disease. However, even younger adults and individuals without other health problems can also get urinary tract and wound infections from this bacteria, which cannot be effectively treated by current antibiotics.
The CDC has warned that antibiotic resistant bacteria are a growing global health threat. In 2019, a study revealed that nearly 5 million people worldwide died from drug-resistant infections.infections. A significant number of these fatalities are linked to K. pneumoniae due to the fact that it carries a 50% fatality rate in the absence of antibiotic treatment.
When these bacteria form a biofilm — a group of microorganisms that adhere together and are encased in a protective slime — they become more resistant to drugs. Recent research indicates that 60-80% of infections are linked to bacterial biofilms, which heightens their resistance to medication.
“It’s similar to a coat that bacteria wrap around themselves,” Fleeman explains.
Her studies are focused on finding methods to eliminate this protective coating and expose the bacteria so that it can be eradicated by the body’s immune system or by a medication.Antibiotics that are currently unable to penetrate biofilms. Fleeman’s research revealed how peptides from cows can effectively kill K. pneumoniae. She found that these peptides interact with the sugar connections that hold the biofilm together, likening it to cutting into a chain-link fence. Once the structure is damaged, the peptides can enter and destroy the bacteria that are no longer protected. “Our research has shown that polyproline peptide can penetrate and start breaking down the biofilm barrier in as little as”The peptide has numerous advantages, including its ability to kill bacteria more effectively than last-resort antibiotics,” says Fleeman. Additionally, the peptide can be used topically for various purposes, such as treating open wounds in military settings. According to Fleeman, it is crucial to act quickly in treating bacterial infections, as bacteria can divide every 30 minutes.The upcoming stage of her study will focus on comprehending the biological basis for the peptide’s effectiveness and determining whether combining it with other medications would enhance its use.
She is currently in the second year of her research, which is being funded by a three-year National Institutes of Health funding Pathway to Independence R00 grant. Her study was initially supported by a K99 award at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was employed before joining UCF in September 2022.
Fleeman emphasizes the need for ongoing research into resistant infections due to the significant threat they pose to public health.
“It is projected that antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections will become a major issue by 2050, so it is crucial to continue studying them.”The leading cause of human deaths,” she explains. “We are concentrating on getting ready for the upcoming battle in the post-antibiotic era, where common antibiotics, which we currently rely on, will no longer work. This could put cancer therapy, organ transplants, and any medical advancements at risk if effective antibiotic treatments are no longer available.”
