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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th February 2018
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New antibiotic compounds discovered in soil
The new compounds, named malacidins, were found in soil samples collected from across America.

Malacidins found to eliminate MRSA in rats

Researchers in America have found a new family of antibiotics that can kill drug-resistant bacteria.

The antibiotics, called malacidins, have proven successful at killing several infections that are difficult to treat, including MRSA. Researchers say that discovery, published in Nature Microbiology brings fresh hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

In the study, researchers collected 1,800 soil samples from sites across America and used a gene sequencing technique to study them. When they found malacidins in many of the samples, they tested them on rats with induced MRSA and it completely eliminated the infection.

Speaking to BBC News, Dr Sean Brady from Rockefeller University said that his team are now working to improve the drug’s effectiveness so that it can be developed into a treatment for humans.

“It is impossible to say when, or even if, an early stage antibiotic discovery like the malacidins will proceed to the clinic,” he said. “It is a long, arduous road from the initial discovery of an antibiotic to a clinically used entity."

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, accelerated by the overuse of antibiotics as well as poor infection prevention and control. According to the World Health Organisation, almost half a million people developed resistance to TB in 2016 and the issue is starting to complicate the fight against HIV and malaria.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.