Researchers from Indian Institute of Roorkee have developed a path-breaking technique that will help reverse drug resistance as well as enable the existing antibiotics to act effectively. Bacteria that become resistant to drug use a system called efflux pumps that act as tiny motors to flush out the antibiotic from the cells. As a result, the drug is unable to reach its target, which aids the bacteria to survive even in the presence of an antibiotic.
In the study, published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents , the researchers reported the discovery of a molecule, named "IITR08027", which disrupts the proton gradient that is responsible for energising the efflux pumps and thus slows down the outflow of antibiotics. Further, "IITR08027" when used in combination with fluoroquinolones, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin commonly used to treat respiratory and urinary tract…
