Sean Tarry Writes.

Scientists at the University of Guelph are studying bacteria in hopes of creating more effective treatments for a range of diseases

In order to make serious headway with respect to limiting, or eliminating altogether, the detrimental effects of bacterial resistance, a much better understanding of its foundations must be cultivated. With this in mind, scientists from the University of Guelph are working to study in significant detail the ways in which several infectious bacteria, including E. coli., build a protective sugar-based barrier that helps cloak their cells.

Developing a better understanding

Led by structural biologist, Dr. Matthew Kimber, the team of scientists and researchers have been embarking on a journey to discover and develop new treatments for E. coli, as well as a whole host of other bacterial infections. Their collective work has thus far resulted in early progress in their efforts to strengthen their focus on better understanding particular strains of E. coli that cause urinary tract and bloodstream infections, especially those that are antibiotic resistant.

Breaking down barriers

The main thrust of the research is aimed at understanding in finer detail the enzyme that is used by many infectious bacteria to build the foundations of their protective barrier. The barrier helps protect the bacterium from the human immune system and related attacks that are made upon it.

With the understanding that it’s futile to have vaccines and drugs target the barrier because only a handful of the bacteria would end up being effected, the team from Guelph leveraged the barrier, and used it as a foundation that can serve as a common point of attack, allowing for a single treatment for several key pathogens infecting humans and livestock.

Fighting harmful pathogens

The team of scientists and researchers utilized the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan to enable their study and breakthrough. It allowed them to better understand the bacteria causing the formation of the protective barrier, the most effective methods and modes to target it, and the ways in which pathogens are rendered unable to survive.

It’s a massive development with respect to combatting bacterial resistance, and perhaps the beginning of new, specialized treatments for many different types of bacterial infections and disease.