Blue light could treat MRSA infections

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is often called a “superbug” due to its resistance to many common antibiotics. Health organizations are calling for effective approaches to combat MRSA infections because the resistance acquisition happens faster than the clinical introduction of new antibiotics. Researchers at Purdue University and Boston University have discovered that photolysis of staphyloxanthin (an antioxidant residing in the microdomain of S. aureus membrane), transiently elevate the membrane permeability and causes MRSA to become highly susceptible to hydrogen peroxide attack. The findings were published in the journal Advance Science. “This new tool can treat any superficial wound infected with MRSA, which are typically very difficult to treat,” said Mohamed Sleem, a professor of microbiology at Perdue University. “The device itself is very small and easy to use. We’re hoping that in the next few years, anyone could carry it around in their purse.” The pigments produced by S. aureus are associated with the organism’s ability to damage the host. Pigment reduction through photobleaching might be able to reduce the organism’s activity. After achieving promising results in vitro, a mice model was used. Mice with MRSA-infected wounds were exposed to different wavelengths of light. The infections responded especially well to light in the blue region combined with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide. The work demonstrates staphyloxanthin photolysis as a new therapeutic platform to treat MRSA infections. @ https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2019/Q2/blue-light-could-treat-superbug-infections.html