Nanosponges Could Help Fight MRSA

A new study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology suggests that one way to overcome MRSA was through microscopic sponges that would travel through the bloodstream, mopping up the toxins.

One of the major difficulties in treating Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections is the fact that they are resistant to traditionally used antibiotics.

Researchers at University of California at San Diego conducted their study on a group of mice who were injected with nanosponges before being infected with MRSA and found that around 89 percent of the mice were able to survive lethal infections, including those caused by E.Coli and venom from poisonous snakes and bees, while treatment after infection saved 44 percent of the mice.

"This is a new way to remove toxins from the bloodstream. Instead of creating specific treatments for individual toxins, we are developing a platform that can neutralize toxins caused by a wide range of pathogens, including MRSA and other antibiotic resistant bacteria", lead researcher Professor Liangfang Zhang said.



Source: Medindia