May 18, 2008

MRSA: UK scientists 'close to a treatment'

The new compound, codenamed XF-73, is currently being trialled with a view to developing a product for use in hospitals within three years.

Unlike most anti-MRSA drugs which just prevent the bacterium growing and breeding, XF-73 is intended actually to kill the microbes.

And as studies suggest that MRSA does not develop resistance to the drug, even after repeated exposures, researchers are optimistic that it could hold the key to stamping out the disease.

Read more.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I work with a number of specialists in my position as public relations consultant to Cook Medical including Dr. Charles McIntosh chief medical and science technology officer for Cook Group who has kindly provided this comment:

“Whilst this story focuses on the potential of a new drug to cure MRSA, we’re still left with the current situation. There are no quick fixes for hospital acquired infections (HAIs). The focus must always remain on the fact that there are concrete actions to address HAIs that we can take now. Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant in upholding the preventative measures that we’re currently aware of.

Educating the public on 'best practice' hygiene and continuing the deep cleaning of hospitals should remain a high priority. With over 30 percent of the public carrying MRSA it is important to highlight that it isn’t only the healthcare professional’s responsibility to fight HAIs.

It’s also important that doctors keep in mind a variety of best practice methods. The role that technology can play is important too: innovation in medical devices – for example, minocycline / rifampin impregnated catheters that are proven to be highly effective in preventing MRSA infections at catheter insertion points, as well as the ‘new’ highly discussed Steno, short for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.”