Swedish researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a promising method to counter antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat. In experiments, the approach enabled antibiotics to kill resistant bacteria, potentially opening a path to new treatments.
Endolysin boosts antibiotics against resistant bacteria
A team led by Associate Professor Federico Iovino at Karolinska Institutet tested a combination of conventional antibiotics and Endolysin, an enzyme derived from bacteriophages – viruses that target and kill bacteria. In the study, mice infected with penicillin-resistant pneumococci causing meningitis fully recovered after receiving the combined treatment. The antibiotic regained its effectiveness thanks to the enzyme.
Rapid action in the brain
Researchers observed that Endolysin reached the brain within hours, a critical factor in treating meningitis. According to Iovino, patients must receive effective treatment within 48 hours to avoid severe neurological damage or death. The ability of the enzyme to penetrate the brain quickly could make it a valuable tool against central nervous system infections.
Antibiotic resistance, often described as a “silent pandemic”, is a pressing concern in Sweden and worldwide. Without effective antibiotics, common bacterial diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis could become significantly harder to treat. Iovino warns that within 20 to 30 years, drug-resistant infections could surpass cancer as the leading cause of death globally.
Next steps for research
The Karolinska team will now explore Endolysin’s potential against a wider range of resistant bacteria. If successful, this approach could mark a major advance in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, with possible applications in both hospital and community settings.
