Image displaying A. baumannii cells alongside Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244. Credit: Image provided by María Soledad Ramírez.
Intensive research conducted by scholars at Cal State Fullerton has led to the identification of a lactic acid bacteria strain with significant efficacy against the dangerous superbug Acinetobacter baumannii, presenting a potential groundbreaking treatment pathway.
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A Breakthrough Against Superbugs
Maria Soledad Ramírez, a renowned researcher in the domain of antibiotic resistance at Cal State Fullerton, in collaboration with her students, has unearthed a novel potential therapeutic agent against Acinetobacter baumannii. This superbug, notorious for its presence in hospitals, exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Characterized as CRAB (Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii), this bacterial strain is a challenge for medical practitioners owing to its limited susceptibility to existing antibiotics. Its rapid prevalence in healthcare facilities across the globe, coupled with the severe infections it causes in immunocompromised patients, has positioned it as a critical antibiotic-resistant threat, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The comprehensive research spearheaded by scientist María Soledad Ramírez, focusing on solutions for antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, has been documented in the reputable journal Scientific Reports.
A Potential New Treatment Avenue
During the course of their research, the team investigated various strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to assess their ability to inhibit the growth of A. baumannii. Among the strains studied, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 demonstrated considerable potency in halting the proliferation of A. baumannii, even leading to its eradication. Professor Ramírez articulated, “We delved into the potential of different LAB strains to counter CRAB, employing diverse tests and genetic analyses to understand A. baumannii’s reactions.”
The findings, chronicled in Scientific Reports, elucidate the capability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 in combating A. baumannii. “This research marks a significant stride towards establishing an alternative or complementary therapeutic approach for treating infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii,” affirmed Ramírez.
Recognizing Contributors
The publication credits multiple contributors, including CSUF’s Nicholas Salzameda, the department chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry; undergraduate students Briea Gasca and Nardin Georgeos; and alumni Dema Ramlaoui, aspiring for medical studies. Gasca, having worked under Ramírez’s mentorship, expressed immense gratitude for the invaluable experience, emphasizing its influence on her academic trajectory and aspirations in the realm of science.
Visiting scholar Cecilia Rodriguez, affiliated with CONICET-CERELA and an expert on lactic acid bacteria, was instrumental in the research project. Her contributions encompassed testing LAB strains’ efficacy against resistant A. baumannii and playing a significant role in the manuscript’s composition.
Emphasizing the Imperative of Ongoing Study
Highlighting the dire need for innovative treatments against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, Ramírez emphasized the pressing requirement for relentless research endeavors. “Our focus should be unwavering in studying LAB as a promising contender against CRAB infections, expanding our armamentarium against such challenging pathogens,” she stated.
Reference: Rodriguez, C., Ramlaoui, D., Georgeos, N., Gasca, B., Leal, C., Subils, T., Tuttobene, M.R., Sieira, R., Salzameda, N.T., Bonomo, R.A., Raya, R., & Ramírez, M.S. (2023). “Antimicrobial activity of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 and its impact on the phenotypic and transcriptional responses in carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii”, Scientific Reports, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41334-8.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Acinetobacter baumannii.
What significant discovery was made by researchers at Cal State Fullerton?
Researchers at Cal State Fullerton identified a lactic acid bacteria strain that proved effective against the superbug Acinetobacter baumannii, potentially offering a novel treatment approach.
Who is María Soledad Ramírez?
María Soledad Ramírez is an antibiotic-resistance researcher at Cal State Fullerton. She, along with her students, has been instrumental in the discovery of the potential new therapeutic agent against Acinetobacter baumannii.
Why is Acinetobacter baumannii a concern in healthcare settings?
Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly the carbapenem-resistant strain (CRAB), is a pathogen known for its resistance to many antibiotics. It has gained attention due to its rapid spread in hospitals and healthcare settings, causing severe infections, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.
What did the researchers find about Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244?
The researchers found that the lactic acid bacteria strain, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244, was effective in stopping the growth of A. baumannii. In some cases, it even caused the bacteria to die, marking it as a potential therapeutic solution.
Where were the findings of this research published?
The findings of this research were published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports.
How do the researchers view the future of this discovery?
The researchers believe that their findings could pave the way for a new alternative treatment for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. While the results are promising, further exploration is needed to solidify this as a viable treatment option.
More about fokus keyword: Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Cal State Fullerton Research Departments
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Superbugs
- Scientific Reports Journal
- Information on Lactic Acid Bacteria
- CONICET-CERELA Overview
5 comments
Is it just me or does this lacticaseibacillus thing sound like something out of sci-fi? LOL
its amazing what Cal State Fullerton is doing! I’ve heard about these superbugs. scary stuff.
Wow, never thought I’d see the day when bacteria is the solution to bacteria. kinda cool tho.
so we’re using good bacteria to fight the bad? sounds promising but lets not count the chickens before they hatch.
we so need this. Hospitals are scary with all these antibiotic resistant bugs out there.