Treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections
Researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have discovered two promising treatment approaches for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant superbugs, specifically the hyper-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) strain.
A team from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has conducted studies on two novel approaches for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant superbugs. These approaches have shown efficacy and potential for clinical application. The findings were published in the journals Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy and the Journal of Infection.
Superbugs, which are multidrug-resistant microbes, pose a significant threat to public health. One particularly dangerous superbug is the hyper-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP). This superbug is highly invasive and can cause untreatable and fatal infections, even in healthy individuals.
The research team, led by Professor Chen Sheng, has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the pathogenic mechanism of CR-hvKP and developing intervention strategies. They identified key factors involved in the interaction between the pathogen and the host, as well as the host's immune response during infection. They discovered the signal pathways that trigger a cytokine storm, which can lead to septic shockâa potentially fatal condition.
The team found that inhibiting the onset of a cytokine storm can reduce mortality among infected patients. They investigated the therapeutic value of immunosuppressants, specifically acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin. Aspirin was able to suppress the cytokine storm in infected mice, reducing the likelihood of septic shock. This is the first time immunosuppressants have been found to be effective in treating CR-hvKP infection.
However, aspirin alone cannot eradicate the pathogen. The team explored the combination of aspirin with other agents and discovered that the therapeutic effect of aspirin can be enhanced when combined with zidovudine, an anti-viral which acted synergistically with the antibiotic rifampicin to eradicate CR-hvKP in an animal model.
In summary, the research team has identified two promising therapeutic options for combating CR-hvKP infections. ASA can protect against septic shock, while the combination of zidovudine and rifampicin can help eradicate the pathogen. The researchers aim to validate these findings in clinical trials and believe that they will significantly reduce the mortality rate of CR-hvKP-infected patients.