In a new study, researchers show how so‑called TriPcides can target the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (staph), including antibiotic‑resistant strains such as MRSA.
“We have developed an entirely new class of compounds with very promising antibacterial properties,” said study author Fredrik Almqvist, professor at Umeå University. “What stands out is that the bacteria we have studied do not easily develop resistance to these synthetic antibiotics. We have also not observed any existing resistance in a wide range of clinical isolates, which is encouraging.”
The new compounds act by affecting bacterial cell membranes and interfering with processes that are essential for establishing infection. In laboratory studies, they have shown activity against several Gram‑positive bacteria—including resistant strains.
The study, published in Science Advances, shows that the compounds are also effective against so‑called persister cells—bacteria in a dormant state that often survive antibiotic treatment. These cells can later cause a relapse of the infection.
“Persister cells are bacteria that enter a state similar to dormancy, in which they do not divide and are metabolically inactive. A small fraction of the bacteria causing an infection are in this state and can therefore survive antibiotic treatment,” said Almqvist. “Once treatment ends, they can resume growth and cause the infection to return. Our TriPcides also showed activity against persister cells, which is very exciting.”
The discovery could, in the longer term, contribute to new treatment approaches for severe infections, although further research is required before the findings can be applied clinically.
Data from Umea University