The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, though accidental, solved one of the most perplexing puzzles that plagued 20th-century scientists: “How can bacteria be killed?” This drug gave researchers an upper hand against the previously indestructible bacteria. Over time, however, bacteria acquired resistance to penicillin and several other antibiotics created after it. On their part, researchers still sought ways to ensure that humans maintain that upper hand over bacteria. They discovered ways to harness the domineering property of bacteria to develop toxins that kill other bacteria. In short, they used bacteria to kill other bacteria. These bacteria toxins were discovered to be a product of genes, and scientists sought ways to harness data in these genes to produce potent antibiotics. Their discovery was, however, met with bacterial resistance, and it seems researchers are running out of bacteria to manipulate, and the bacterial world is winning the battle.
Antibiotic Resistance
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Nonetheless, the novel antibiotic synthesized at the Rockefeller University may turn that tide against drug-resistant bacteria. This antibiotic created from computer models of bacteria gene products seems to destroy all bacteria (drug-resistant and drug-susceptible alike). The drug, known as Cilagicin has been successfully tested with great results in mice subjects.
Cilagicin, the wonder drug
Cilagicin employs a new mechanism to attack methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Clostridium difficile, and various other deadly bacteria that have over time developed means to evade antibiotic destruction.
To synthesize this drug, researchers analyzed the bacteria DNA using a computer algorithm. The algorithm straightened out the bacterial DNA and obtained the genetic information within the sequence. They used the information to predict the structure of antibiotic-like compounds that the bacteria would produce. This structure gave organic chemists a clue about the antibiotic compound to synthesize.
Although this technique is not always a precise prediction, it, however, provides insight as to the type of molecules bacteria genes will produce in nature. This technique, unlike previously existing techniques, allows scientists to access every bacteria gene.
Prior to this research, the bacteria ‘cil’ gene cluster responsible for coding the Cilagicin compound had not yet been analyzed in this context. However, when the sequences obtained from this gene were fed into the algorithm, one of the proposed compounds, Cilagicin turned out to be a potent antibiotic.
Testing and trials
When tested, it was discovered that Cilagicin reliably destroyed gram-positive bacteria in the lab but had no effect on human cells. The drug showed promising results in mice as it kills several drug-resistant bacteria while sparing the mice cells.
The team hopes to perform human test trials in the future; however, this will be after Cilagicin and its effects have been clearly understood.
Clinical significance
The Cilagicin compound acts by binding and inhibiting two molecules, C55-P and C55-PP, both of which help maintain bacterial cell walls. Bacitracin and other existing antibiotics bind one of these molecules but never both. By depending on the unbound molecule, bacteria have found ways of surviving the attack by bacitracin and other antibiotics. The potency of Cilagicin can be used to mount a full-scale attack against MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria, thus giving humanity a fighting chance.
Conclusion
When proven to be safe to use on humans, Cilagicin would greatly influence the tide against drug-resistant bacteria.
The microbial apocalypse that conspiracy theorists constantly theorize about might just have been deferred for a decade or three.
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FEEDBACK:
I have COPD stage 4. Since 10/2021 I have had 3 lung exacerbations. Each starting with a sinus infection and sore throat going into a green mucus in the lungs. Since 4/28/2012 I have been on prednisone 10 mg tabs. Azithromycin 250 mg and Amoxicillin clacv 875-125mg. I would have clear mucus for 2 days (after finishing the drug)and then the next day green mucus starts over again. In may I tested positive for covid that started with flu, fever, and sinus throat and went into pneumonia and then bacterial green infection. My blood pressure was 356/257 when the life-saving crew came but when I got to the hospital it dropped to approximately to 67/40. BP usually 117/65 with metoprolol. Blood gas oxygen gas indication was ok but they could not hear lungs at all. From Apr28 – June 16 I have only been off all 3 meds for 2 days between clear and green mucus. Would Cilagicin be a possible new cure? The others are used up for me. I’m 72. And it’s past time.
Hello, J Lovern. The situation sounds quite concerning. While green mucus might very often be viral, it appears to be bacterial in your case. And even worse, it seems to have gotten resistant to the current antibiotics you are on. Cilagicin just might be the antibiotic that could clear the infection, but it’s not a silver bullet. It might be best to have a talk with your doctor so you could air your concerns and explore future management options. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
My husband has been fighting infection for 2 1/2 years his original surgery was a bifemoral artery bypass that became infected with psuedomonous areius and candida. After emergency surgery to repair exploded graft and knowing he had such infection they left the infected graft in him for over a year and had another blowout and multiple IV antibiotics at home. He has had graft replaced and has had a total of 9 surgeries due to this infected graft and now is on 3 lifelong antibiotics to suppress reinfection. I have been trying to save my husband life for 3 years now. Would it be possible that this might be a possible cure?
Hello, Reva. I’m sorry to hear your story. Yes, there’s a possibility that cilagicin may be the cure you’re looking for. It is not available clinically at the moment, but if you really want it and can afford to pay extra, you can inform your doctor of your desires. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it is best to book a hospital visit and present your fears to the doctor. Wishing your husband a very speedy recovery.