Could a new CREAM fight off superbugs? Scientists develop lotion which stops bacteria getting into wounds

July 29, 2016

Scientists have developed a cream which cases bacteria to slide off skin
Prevents infection without killing germs, promoting antibiotic resistance
Has been tested in a lab and will be ready for human trials in 3 years
Scientists say it is a breakthrough that could help hospitals fight infection

Madlen Davies for MailOnline

Published:
01:35 EST, 29 July 2016

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Updated:
02:29 EST, 29 July 2016

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A cream which causes bacteria to slide off the skin could mark a turning point in the fight against superbugs, scientists believe.

The lotion prevents infection without directly killing bacteria and promoting antibiotic resistance.

The pioneering treatment has been tested on laboratory-grown ‘model’ skin and could be ready for clinical trials in as little as three years.

Scientists said it is a ‘breakthrough’ that could help hospitals deal with the burden of infection from bedsores and ulcers.

A cream which causes bacteria to slide off the skin could mark a turning point in the fight against superbugs, according to scientists from Sheffield University. Pictured is a petri dish with MRSA growths

Bacteria invading a wound or bed sore attach themselves to the skin by hijacking sticky patches on human cells.

The Sheffield scientists found that proteins called tetraspanins made the patches much less sticky, allowing the bugs to be harmlessly washed away.

Tests of the proteins on the model skin have shown that the therapy is safe and effective, the researchers said.

Next, they hope to produce a cream or gel that can be applied directly to the skin, or more efficient dressings.

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Dr Pete Monk, from Sheffield University, said: ‘This development is a huge breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic-resistance.

‘Skin infections, such as bed-sores and ulcers, can be incredibly troubling for patients who may already be dealing with debilitating conditions. They are also a significant problem for modern healthcare.

‘We hope that this new therapy can be used to help relieve the burden of skin infections on both patients and health services while also providing a new insight into how we might defeat the threat of antimicrobial drug resistance.

The lotion prevents infection without directly killing bacteria and promoting antibiotic resistance. Scientists say it is a breakthrough as it could help patients in hospitals with bed sores or ulcers (file photo)

‘The therapy could be administered to patients using a gel or cream and could work well as a dressing. We’re hoping it can reach clinical trials stage in the next three to five years.’

The 3D skin model, also developed at the University of Sheffield, mimics the tissue structure of normal adult skin and can be used to simulate infected wounds.

The scientists hope to develop new anti-bacterial dressings derived from tetraspanin proteins that will make it easier to keep wounds sterile and promote more rapid healing.

The research, funded by the charity Age UK, was published in the journal Public Library of Science.