Posted on: December 20, 2017 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

One of the biggest concerns in hospitals around the world is the growing body of drug-resistant pathogens that are most commonly contracted in those very same hospitals. One drug-resistant bacterium is of greatest concern. Usually referred to by the acronym MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is spread more through procedures and surgeries in hospitals than by any other means. This new research conducted by medical laboratory scientists may hold hope for combatting this potentially lethal infection.

Hope for the Future

Before looking at what scientists found, it might be wise to take a moment to talk to young people looking for a career to study. Advances in medical laboratory science are the hope for the future and each new discovery leads to unlimited potential going forward. Think of each discovery as the core of a snowball. Whether you choose to study online medical lab science programs offered by illustrious educational institutions like the University of Cincinnati or attend on-campus classes, you can be a part of medical history. A medical laboratory scientist program online can prepare you for an exciting future where you can take part in groundbreaking discoveries like this.

And the Winner Is

What scientists discovered under controlled lab conditions is that drug-resistant pathogens which cannot be controlled in any other way can be held in check if you make competing pathogens available to them. In other words, two very different pathogens in your body can result in two very different diseases or infections. However, if they are in competition with each other, one will invariably win out. This was the case with lab mice who were infected with malaria.

Feeding the Enemy Wins the Battle!

Scientists said they manipulated a specific nutrient in the mice’s drinking water and that particular nutrient fed one of two competing pathogens. By feeding the pathogen that is in direct competition with the malaria parasite, it was successful in keeping malaria in check. That is to say, the stronger of the two (the one that was fed a nutrient) won out over malaria and the disease failed to spread.

Ramifications for Drug-Resistant Infections Like MRSA

That is an amazing development in the lab and one that has amazing potential for use in treating other drug-resistant pathogens. While MRSA wasn’t mentioned or alluded to in the report, doctors and medical laboratory scientists are going to be exploring possible ways to utilize competing bacteria in the treatment of such infectious diseases such as MRSA. The ramifications of these new findings are far-reaching and have the potential to unlock cures for previously untreatable infections and illnesses.

Imagine going to war and being able to win by feeding the enemy. It’s an amazing concept but in the case of medical science, it is a concept which apparently has yet to be extensively explored. With new superbugs popping up almost by the day, this is a revolutionary concept which just might help find treatments where none were available in the past. If you want to win the war on disease, find a competing pathogen and take it to dinner. What an amazing thought!

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