New antibiotic combination may help save lives of patients with cystic fibrosis
A new antibiotic combination developed by researchers at Aston University has formed part of a lifesaving treatment used in the USA.
The antibiotic combination of imipenem/relebactam with amoxicillin was discovered to be highly effective against potentially deadly Mycobacterium abscessus - a bacterium that can cause serious lung infections in people with various chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis
The discovery was made by a team led by Dr Jonathan Cox, senior lecturer in microbiology in Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences. This combination has been used as part of the treatment for a patient in America, who subsequently recovered from their infection.
The patient, who has cystic fibrosis, received the Aston University combination of antibiotics as part of a complex treatment regime, including an experimental therapy known as phage therapy, which uses viruses to treat bacterial infections.
The combination successfully treated the patient's infection and resulted in their being able to receive a live-saving lung transplant.
A paper which describes the treatment has been published in the journal Cell, and states: "The combination of phage and antibiotics did not result in greater antibiotic resistance." This means that the combined treatment was successful at eradicating the infection and enabling the patient to receive the lifesaving lung transplant.
Dr Jonathan Cox said:
"The successful treatment of this patient with the combination of antibiotics and phage demonstrates the impact of this combined approach for tackling antibiotic resistant Mycobacterium abscessus.
For further reference log on to:
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.