A CREAM which causes bacteria to slide off the skin could mark a turning point in the fight against superbugs, scientists believe.
The pioneering treatment, which has been tested on laboratory-grown “model” skin, prevents infection without directly killing bacteria and promoting antibiotic resistance.
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It could be ready for clinical trials in as little as three years.
Bacteria invading a wound or bed sore attach themselves to the skin by hijacking sticky patches on human cells.
The Sheffield scientists found that proteins called tetraspanins made the patches much less sticky, allowing the bugs to be harmlessly washed away.
Dr Pete Monk, from the university’s Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Science, said: “This development is a huge breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic-resistance.
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“Skin infections, such as bed-sores and ulcers, can be incredibly troubling for patients who may already be dealing with debilitating conditions.
“We hope that this new therapy can be used to help relieve the burden of skin infections while also providing a new insight into how we might defeat the threat of antimicrobial drug resistance.”
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