Superbug research reveals potentially exploitable weakness

A potential chink in the armour of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been discovered by scientists, a development that could possibly pave the way for new treatment approaches in future.

The University of Rochester team carried out experiments using cultures of the superbug E. coli targeting ribosomes, which play an essential role in creating the proteins needed for bacteria to survive.

It was found that two proteins present in E. coli cells called RbfA and KsgA need to be in balance with each other in order for ribosomes to function, otherwise cells will mature at an unstable rate and lead to the death of the organism.

Having discovered this potential weakness, the researchers are now hoping to find an effective way in which this balance could be disrupted.

Eric Brown, a professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at McMaster University, said: "Ribosome assembly represents a rich target for much needed antibacterial drugs to treat drug-resistant infections and this work offers new and important insights into the process."

While E. coli is usually harmless, some strains are resistant to antibiotics and can cause serious food poisoning, with many people contracting the infection through contact with undercooked or raw meat.