Discovery Builds Hope for New Anti-Bodies

Researches at the Georgia Institute of Technology have successfully identified the gene cluster and mechanics responsible for the synthesis of a powerful anti body found in some forms of bacteria. Thiostrepton was first discovered in the 1950’s but proved difficult to work with because it is insolvent in water. However, now that the genome responsible for synthesis of Thiostrepton has been identified, scientists can focus on manipulating the gene, allowing them to form derivatives of the anti body, changing its properties. W. L. Kelly one of the lead researches told science daily,"We want to put in substitutions to the genetic machinery that may create a more water soluble analog and could potentially be used for development of a new class of antibacterial agent."

A new class of antibiotic is an extremely exciting prospect and could prove imperative in the future. At this point in time the 6 main classes of antibiotics have been proven useless on some strains of pathogenic bacteria which have developed anti body resistance in only the last few decades. An increase in antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria are appearing through out the world and have put pressure on biomedical engineers to stay one step ahead of the continually-adapting pathogens. MRSA, VRE, DR-TB are all newly developed super bugs extremely hard to treat because of their antibiotic resistant characteristics. Thiostrepton is one anti body especially effective against MRSA not to mention countless others.

“If they (anti body resistant bacteria) were to become resistant to the few drugs that are currently available to fight them, they would become untreatable. There is a big push to identify new drugs for clinical use in humans that are effective against these strains."

References:
Georgia Institute of Technology (2009, March 30). Improved Antibiotic: Genes For Synthesizing Thiostrepton Identified. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323161123.htm

Wang, S, ‘Beware the Bug! The mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance and what can be done about it’. Medhunters, Retrieved 3rd April from http://www.medhunters.com/articles/antibioticResistance.html

Dr. George J. Georgiou(2002) ‘Antibiotics - A Blessing or Scurge!’ Retrieved on 4th April 2009 from http://www.worldwidehealthcenter.net/articles-10.html