New Antibiotic May Fight Deadly Superbug

Some strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria causing gonorrhea, have become resistant to most antibiotics. Fortunately, a new class of antibiotics may offer a promising tool in the fight against this pathogen.

“How Alkyl Quinolones Trigger Bacterial Self-Destruction”

The researchers studied alkyl quinolones (AQs), compounds bacteria use for defense and offense, and created new versions in the lab.

The researchers studied alkyl quinolones (AQs), compounds some bacteria use for offensive and defensive responses against other microbes. In addition, studying these natural AQs, the team also created new versions of them in the lab.

“One newly developed AQ molecule had a distinct effect,” says Christof Hauck, a cell biologist at the University of Konstanz. “This compound could eliminate gonococci without harming other microbes or human cells.”

“A Breakthrough Compound Halting the Spread of Gonorrhea”

The compound in question was 2-nonyl-4-quinolone N-oxide, or NQNO, derived from the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In laboratory tests, it effectively halted the growth of N. gonorrhoeae, preventing the pathogen from spreading.

More precisely, NQNO disrupts the electron transport chain in gonococci—a crucial step in cellular energy production. This interference stresses the bacteria, causing it to release a toxin that leads to its self-destruction.

Tests showed the compound doesn’t harm beneficial bacteria naturally in the body, which is even more promising.

In mouse models, NQNO treated gonorrhea, and the team developed a stronger, more effective version through chemical engineering.

Microbiologist Ann-Kathrin Mix from the University of Konstanz says, “We’ve observed similar self-destruct mechanisms in other microorganisms, and our AQ compound exploits this weakness in gonococci.”

A Superbug on the WHO’s Bacterial Priority Pathogens List

N. gonorrhoeae is notorious enough to be included on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Bacterial Priority Pathogens List, a lineup of 15 of the most dangerous superbugs.

Moreover one of the challenges in fighting it is its unique ability to acquire genetic material from other microbes it encounters, including genes that enhance antibiotic resistance.

A Promising New Treatment on the Horizon

Efforts to fight gonorrhea and the millions of infections it causes worldwide each year are ongoing.

While this new treatment option is still in its early stages, it may help us stay ahead of the rapidly evolving defenses of N. gonorrhoeae.

Microbial biochemist Thomas Böttcher from the University of Vienna explains, “Gonococci are well-known for rapidly developing resistance to antibiotics.”

One reason for the rise of gonococcal strains resistant to all antibiotics is that these superbugs can’t be treated with current options.

Read the original article on: Sciencealert

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