As antibiotic resistance grows, researchers turn to copper to fight infections

Researchers at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are exploring the potential of copper in combating antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs). Copper is an essential trace mineral that the immune system utilizes during infection to fight UTI-causing bacteria. However, bacteria have developed mechanisms to resist this metal, leading to a persistent tug-of-war between the host's immune system and the pathogen.

The researchers, led by Dr. Sarguru Subash, are investigating the genetic mechanisms that enable UTI-causing bacteria to tolerate increased copper levels and continue growing despite the body's attempts to stop them. They are also examining whether copper can interfere with the bacteria's ability to attach to cells lining the bladder, a crucial physical defense of the urinary tract.

Additionally, they are studying ceruloplasmin, a copper-containing protein that may help deliver copper during a UTI, and investigating how the body controls copper transport and storage to protect its own cells from damage.

The ultimate goal of this research is to understand the host-pathogen interface better and potentially develop new treatments, such as host-directed antimicrobials, that can work synergistically with the immune system. This approach could be particularly valuable as bacteria become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. While the research is currently focused on UTIs, the findings could have broader implications for treating other bacterial infections and veterinary medicine.