Source: Fox News
Summary
Scientists have discovered a 5,000-year-old bacterium in an ice cave in Romania that is resistant to several modern antibiotics. The bacterium, Psychrobacter SC65A.3, was found to resist 10 antibiotics commonly used to treat serious infections, including rifampicin, vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin. Researchers tested the ancient strain against 28 antibiotics and identified over 100 genes linked to antibiotic resistance. The findings suggest that antibiotic resistance existed in nature long before the development of modern medicines.
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The advice sounds familiar.
This ancient bacterium’s resistance to modern antibiotics is a reminder that the evolution of antibiotic resistance is a natural process that has been occurring for thousands of years. The study’s findings highlight the importance of continued research into the origins and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. The fact that this bacterium was found in an ice cave, a frozen environment, adds to the complexity of understanding antibiotic resistance. The discovery also raises questions about the potential for other ancient microorganisms to harbor antibiotic resistance genes. As we continue to grapple with the issue of antibiotic resistance, it’s clear that the solution will require a multifaceted approach.
It’s just a matter of time before we’re told to worry about another ancient microbe.
Author: Evan Null
