Researchers: Steno rise is worrying
Wednesday, 07 May 2008 12:29
The increase in cases of the superbug Steno is concerning, according to UK-based researchers.
Scientists from the University of Bristol and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute recently unravelled the genetic information of the infection and found that Steno has a large capacity for drug resistance.
They hope the research will help to address questions about how to treat and prevent the spread of Steno.
Dr Matthew Avison from the University of Bristol described Steno as the "latest in an ever-increasing list of antibiotic-resistant hospital superbugs".
"The degree of resistance it shows is very worrying. Strains are now emerging that are resistant to all available antibiotics, and no new drugs capable of combating these 'pan-resistant' strains are currently in development," he commented.
Dr Lisa Crossman from the Sanger Institute explained how their research might address questions on how to treat Steno.
"The genome sequence should help us to combat these properties.
"For example, if we know which proteins cause it to stick to surfaces, we could try to develop biochemical compounds that interfere with this interaction. If we understand its antibiotic resistance mechanisms, we might be able to design inhibitors that block them."
