The World Health Organization named antibiotic resistance one of the biggest global health threats in today’s world. A group of researchers set out to help stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes and improve patient recovery from bacterial infections by creating color-changing bandages. The bandages were designed to sense drug-resistant bacteria in wounds, and treat them as needed.
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Researcher Xiaogang Qu worked with a team to develop a material able to sense the acidic microenvironment of a bacterial infection. The material changes color, going from green to yellow, when it comes in contact with an infection. When an infection is detected, the material also releases an antibiotic that kills drug-sensitive bacteria.
Going one step further, the bandage turns red when it comes in contact with drug-resistant bacteria. When researchers shine a light on a bandage that has turned red, the material releases reactive oxygen species meant to kill or weaken the bacteria and improve their susceptibility to the antibiotic.
The development of superbugs, resistant to two or more antibiotics, is linked to overly prescribed antibiotics, drug use in livestock production and exposure to herbicides. According to recent statistics, 3 million people are infected by superbugs each year, leading to around 35,000 deaths. On average, someone in the United States is infected with an antibiotic-resistant bacterium every 11 seconds. Every 15 minutes, someone dies from the infection.
Steps you can take to help protect yourself from antibiotic-resistant disease include:
• Using antibiotics only when absolutely necessary — Taking an antibiotic unnecessarily will kill off your beneficial gut bacteria for no reason at all, which could actually make it more difficult for you to recover from your illness. If you do take a course of antibiotics, be sure to reseed your gut with healthy bacteria by eating fermented foods or taking a probiotic supplement.
• Avoiding all antibacterial household products — This includes items such as antibacterial hand sanitizers and wipes, toothpaste, deodorants and detergents, as these too promote antibiotic resistance.
• Properly washing your hands with warm water and plain soap — Be particularly mindful of washing your hands and kitchen surfaces after handling raw meats from CAFOs, as about half of all meat sold in grocery stores around the U.S. is likely to be contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.