'Living medicine' tackles drug-resistant biofilms growing on ventilation tubes
A "living medicine" has thinned biofilms of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of pigs, according to the findings of a study published in the journal eBioMedicine. The experimental treatment involves inhaling a genetically modified bacterium designed to target layers of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa that grow on the surfaces of endotracheal tubes used in hospitals.
A newly developed "living medicine" has proven effective in reducing biofilms of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa on ventilation tubes, according to a study published in eBioMedicine. The treatment involves inhaling a genetically modified bacterium, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which has been engineered to dissolve the sugars holding the biofilm together while releasing toxins that target Pseudomonas aeruginosa specifically.
Initial tests in pigs demonstrated a 40% reduction in biofilm thickness, and the treatment showed no evidence of damage to the pigs' natural airway bacteria. The innovative therapy could potentially benefit intubated patients in hospitals who are otherwise unable to breathe on their own, as biofilm formation on ventilation tubes often leads to recurring infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a particularly challenging bacterium to combat due to its frequent antibiotic resistance. Researchers emphasize that the "living medicine" represents a novel approach to treating these infections, with further experiments planned to enhance its safety and efficacy before potential human trials.
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