Hidden immune system part uncovered by scientists and it could crush antibiotic resistance

In a new breakthrough against fighting infectious diseases and antibiotic-resistant infections, scientists have discovered a hidden part of the immune system which was previously not known, and which could become a new source of natural antibiotics. The findings were published in journal.
This could provide a new direction to treatment of infectious diseases as these newly discovered "natural antibacterials" can also serve as an alternative to conventional antibiotics, and help resolve the growing crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. Antibiotics and antifungals kill both harmful and helpful germs, which can weaken the body’s natural defences. Misuse and overuse of these drugs accelerate antimicrobial resistance, allowing resistant germs to survive, multiply, and pass their resistance traits to other germs, making infections harder to treat.

Experts supported by the European Research Council are positive about this research in paving way for "previously undescribed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the fight against infectious diseases."


The discovery is about proteasomes — tiny structures in cells that break down proteins. Scientists found that proteasomes can also detect bacteria inside cells and trigger defences to stop the bacteria from growing. This solves a scientific mystery that had gone unanswered for decades.
"We discovered a novel mechanism of immunity that is allowing us to have a defence against bacterial infection. It's happening throughout our body in all the cells, and generates a whole new class of potential natural antibiotics," Professor Yifat Merbl from the Weizmann Institute of Science told the BBC.

The World Health Organization has also stressed upon the need for new antibiotics and alternative defences against infections as with time and overuse, these pathogens become resistant to older forms of treatment.
Each year in the US, more than 2.8 million infections occur from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. Antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to extended hospital stays, additional follow-up medical visits, and the use of treatments that may be costly and potentially toxic.
The report noted that AMR in part has been driven by unnecessary prescription of antibiotics to treat viral infections.
Only take antibiotics when absolutely essential: Antibiotics don’t work on viruses like colds and flu. Take them only when you are prescribed or when truly necessary.
Finish the full course: Even if you feel better, don't stop the course mid-way. Stopping halfway lets bacteria survive and come back stronger.
Wash your hands: This is the basic rule to follow for avoiding any kind of infection. This will prevent the use of antibiotics.
Get vaccines: Vaccines prevent infections, so you need fewer antibiotics in the first place.
Spread awareness: The more people understand antibiotic resistance, the better we all fight it.