Focus: Infection Control
Study finds bacteria in ancient Irish soil stops growth of superbugs
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
A study at the Swansea University Medical School analyzing ancient soil from Ireland discovered that it contains a new strain of bacteria that is effective against four of the top six antibiotic resistant superbugs, including MRSA, according to an article on the EurekAlert! website.
The soil in question 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. Traditionally a small amount of soil was wrapped up in cotton cloth and used to heal many ailments including toothache, throat and neck infections.
The newly-identified strain of bacteria was found to Inhibit the growth of four of the top six multi-resistant pathogens — identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) — responsible for healthcare-associated infections: Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Carbenepenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii.
Researchers now plan to focus on the purification and identification of the antibiotics found in the soil. They have reported to have also discovered additional antibacterial organisms from the same soil cure which may cover a broader spectrum of multi-resistant pathogens.
March 17, 2020
Topic Area: Infection Control
Recent Posts
Healthcare Is the New Retail
How site selection strategies are shaping the future of medical real estate.
Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services Launches Campaign to Renovate Health Center
The $2 million capital campaign aims to renovate and expand the outpatient behavioral health center in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Ground Broken for New North Dakota State Hospital
The 300,000-square-foot facility in Jamestown will provide 140 beds in a modern, trauma-informed care environment.
AI Usage for Healthcare Facilities
People in all industries are finding more use cases for artificial intelligence.
Ground Broken on Pelican Valley Senior Living Modernization Project
It is expected to reach completion in early-mid 2027.