May 24, 2010

Antibiotic alternative for battling meningitis-causing bacteria

byRockefeller University

A study published online on May 24th in theJournal of Experimental Medicinesuggests that boosting the abundance of one of the body's own proteins might be more effective than antibiotic treatment at fighting off a common meningitis-causing bacterium (E. coliK1).

E. coliK1 can lead to long-lasting neurological deficits and, in severe cases, death. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains coupled with the severe side effects of antibiotic treatment highlight the urgent need for new anti-bacterial therapies.

Nemani V. Prasadarao and co-workers show that injection of a natural anti-inflammatorycalled interleukin-10 protected mice against lethal infection withE. coliK1—even the antibiotic-resistant variety—without triggering the side effects of antibiotics.

Interleukin-10 is already used to treat adults with certain. Whether it will be safe and effective in human infants infected withE. coliK1 remains to be seen.

More information:Mittal, R., et al. 2010. J. Exp. Med.doi:10.1084/jem.20092265

Provided byRockefeller University
Citation: Antibiotic alternative for battling meningitis-causing bacteria (2010, May 24) retrieved 29 April 2023 from //www.pyrotek-europe.com/news/2010-05-antibiotic-alternative-meningitis-causing-bacteria.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Treating neonatal meningitis -- is nitric oxide a foe or a friend to bacteria?
shares

Feedback to editors
Brain differences suggest that children and adults use different strategies to understand social interactions

Apr 28, 2023
Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumors

Apr 28, 2023
Elderly people can improve episodic memory via neurostimulation of the cerebellum, shows study

Apr 28, 2023
Making ionocytes: A step toward cell or gene therapy for cystic fibrosis

Apr 28, 2023
Structured exploration allows biological brains to learn faster than AI, suggests study

Apr 28, 2023
Study shows NIH investment in new drug approvals is comparable to investment by pharmaceutical industry

Apr 28, 2023
Scientists identify antivirals that could combat emerging infectious diseases

Apr 28, 2023
Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

Apr 28, 2023
Study finds ChatGPT outperforms physicians in providing high-quality, empathetic advice to patient questions

Apr 28, 2023
Understanding the role of octopamine in neurodegeneration

Apr 28, 2023
Load comments (0)