The Superbug MRSA Has Met It's Match in the Cockroach
The superbug MRSA, (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a staph bacteria that can cause very serious bacterial infections. MRSA is resistant to antibiotics like methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin and oxicillin. This is the dangerous Staph bacteria that cause skin infections and can progress to life-threatening blood or bone infections. MRSA, however, may meet a new opponent from a very unlikely source. Researchers have discovered nine different molecules in the tissue of cockroaches that are toxic to both MRSA and the dreaded E-Coli.
Fighting a Bug – With a Bug
Experts from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham have found antibiotic properties in the brains of cockroaches and locusts. This discovery could lead to new ways of dealing with resistant bacteria. The tissues of the brain and nervous system of the insects were able to kill more than 90% of MRSA and pathogenic Escherichia coli (E-Coli), without harming human cells. This discovery was presented earlier this month at the Society for General Microbiology meeting in Nottingham.
The Use of Antibiotics
We have been using antibiotics to fight bacterial infections for 70 years now. It all started with a curious mold growing in Alexander Fleming’s petri dish. The discovery of penicillin in 1928 led to the widespread use of antibiotics. By the end of WWII, we were able to create enough penicillin to save countless lives. We also called out a bad ass species well equipped to battle for survival.
Bacteria – A Bad Ass Life Form
Our zeal to destroy harmful bacterium has had some serious side-effects. There are consequences to messing with neighboring life-forms and bacteria are formidable opponents. Bacteria, as a species, has been around long before humans. Conditions on the planet allowed for the growth of bacteria as early as 3 billion years ago. Humans are a mere 3 million years old. Bacteria out populates us, out adapts us, and come from an ancient life kingdom – its numbers are estimated at 10
30 – its diversity places it in practically every location on the planet, and its adaptive qualities are well documented. In just 70 years, bacteria have evolved to resist the antibiotics we created to kill them.
Antibiotics Overuse and Misuse
Antibiotics and their overuse and misuse appear to be as dangerous as the bacteria itself. The more antibiotics are used, and abused, the quicker bacteria become resistant. Each year more bacteria adapt to our counter offensive.
Typically humans and bacteria live in balance. There is a growing concern that we are actually doing more harm by trying to eradicate them. Some bacteria actually help the human body function; others keep potentially harmful bacteria under control. Many antibiotics kill the good bacteria with the bad. A bacterial infection can occur when harmful bacteria enter your body or existing bacteria get out of balance. While there are thousands of kinds of bacteria, only a few kinds actually cause disease in humans. When a bacterial pathogen wages war it can be devastating. It's no wonder humans fear when bacteria attack. Both the bubonic plague and cholera are caused by pathogenic bacteria. The Black death took 75 million human lives and a single Cholera pandemic (1816-1826) took an estimated 15 million.
Wouldn't it Be Just a Little Ironic if the Cockroach Saves the Day?
Here's an insect so problematic that Americans spend an estimated $6 Billion dollars on cockroach control annually! To Simon Lee however, and the team at Nottingham University, the molecules found in the brains of cockroaches and locust may present an opportunity to fight one of the most dangerous pathogens on the planet. He considers the living conditions of the cockroach one reason why they have developed their own defense against harmful bacteria. In a recent BBC interview he explains: "They must have some sort of defense against micro organisms. We think their nervous system needs to be continuously protected because if the nervous system goes down the insect dies."
It will be interesting to see where this leads us. How many other organisms do humans attempt to eradicate that may hold the key to our survival? We know so little yet have such a huge impact on this planet. The use and misuse of antibiotics prove that our impatience to act, may be dangerously counter productive. We can not dispute that the immediate results may save countless lives. We must also realize though, that the impact of throwing these life systems out of balance, have serious and long term effects.
Secondary Links: Pathogenic bacteria |
About the study |
About bacteria |
CDC – MRSA Page
