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Researchers analysing soil from Ireland long thought to have medicinal properties have discovered that it contains a previously unknown strain of bacteria which is effective against four of the top six superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics, including MRSA.
[...] They have named the new strain Streptomyces sp. myrophorea.
The soil they analysed originated from an area of Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, which is known as the Boho Highlands. It is an area of alkaline grassland and the soil is reputed to have healing properties.
The search for replacement antibiotics to combat multi-resistance has prompted researchers to explore new sources, including folk medicines: a field of study known as ethnopharmacology. They are also focusing on environments where well-known antibiotic producers like Streptomyces can be found.
One of the research team, Dr Gerry Quinn, a previous resident of Boho, County Fermanagh, had been aware of the healing traditions of the area for many years.
Traditionally a small amount of soil was wrapped up in cotton cloth and used to heal many ailments including toothache, throat and neck infections. Interestingly, this area was previously occupied by the Druids, around 1500 years ago, and Neolithic people 4000 years ago.
[...] The main findings of the research were that the newly-identified strain of Streptomyces:
- Inhibited the growth of four of the top six multi-resistant pathogens identified by the WHO as being responsible for healthcare-associated infections: Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Carbenepenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii
- Inhibited both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, which differ in the structure of their cell wall; usually gram negative bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics
It is not yet clear which component of the new strain prevents the growth of the pathogens, but the team are already investigating this.
Journal Reference:
Luciana Terra, Paul J. Dyson, Matthew D. Hitchings, Liam Thomas, Alyaa Abdelhameed, Ibrahim M. Banat, Salvatore A. Gazze, DuĊĦica Vujaklija, Paul D. Facey, Lewis W. Francis, Gerry A. Quinn. A Novel Alkaliphilic Streptomyces Inhibits ESKAPE Pathogens. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2018; 9 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02458
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 29 2018, @11:16PM (4 children)
Irish people apply bags of earth and then bacteria die... did these "scientist" bozos rule out the effect of the typical Irishman's excessive alcohol intake on the bacteria?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday December 30 2018, @03:53AM (3 children)
Heavy alcoholism is characteristic of American Irish.
It has never been very prevalent in the old country.
(Score: 2) by lentilla on Sunday December 30 2018, @10:30AM
Likely the entire population of the old country was too pissed to notice the occasional wayward soul, too be sure.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday December 30 2018, @05:27PM
That's...quite amusing.
My mother's side of the family has a fair amount of Irish blood, both sides of her father's family being Irish (real, not 'Plastic Paddy'), they were fond of the old cratur...so much so my Great-grandmother died in the Police cells after being picked up for being drunk & disorderly (should I mention the drunken uncle who smashed a stolen truck into the back of a hearse outside the church as they were delivering the body for the service?..a whole new meaning to the phrase 'open coffin' funeral).
I'll agree that, despite mythology to the contrary, it isn't a racial thing the fondness of the booze with the Irish, but it does seem to run through some Irish bloodlines...well, maybe a lot (e.g. every local parish priest we've had of the Hibernian persuasion has been rather fond of the booze..though, that might be the parish having it's legendary effect on them...) I know I've got a touch of it from the Irish side of my family, luckily I've got the Scottish side to keep it in check.....oh, wait....
Preab San Ol!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday December 30 2018, @05:48PM
that wasn't my reading of angela's ashes...