New biosensors have the potential to detect antiobiotic resistance in bacteria, according to new research from the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE).
"Antibiotic resistant bacteria is a serious problem," Vitaly Vodyanoy, M.D. said in an announcement. "It is very important [when treating a patient] to distinguish between normal and resistant bacteria; if you have a case of resistance you have to take special measures to cure it."
Vodyanoy used bacteriophages, simple viruses that can target and kill bacteria, mixed with specific antibiodies, which can be used to produce a color change in a sample that indicates antibiotic resistance. This technology can be used by clinicians treating patients and also be used to help disinfect hospital facilities.
This sounds promising to me. The story goes on to mention potential application of the biosensor technology to Clostridium difficile, the superbug that took my father's life earlier this year. The more I learn about "C. diff", the more I appreciate the challenges involved in battling superbugs.
There are good reasons why everyone should care. Check out the inhabitat "hamburger" link below (or click here) for one good example. The odds of you coming down with a superbug infection in your lifetime are increasing rapidly.
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