Pitt Researcher Takes New Approach to “Superbugs”

February 1st, 2017

You’ve probably heard the term “superbug,” but what is it? To find out, we spoke with Yohei Doi, MD, PhD, Director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Innovative Antimicrobial Therapy, about an antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in a woman from Pennsylvania in April 2016.  Simply put, superbugs are bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics. When a person is infected with a so-called superbug, the infection can be difficult or impossible to cure.

While there are options available for treating drug-resistant infections (like combining available antibiotics), Dr. Doi’s team is focused on new approaches. According to Dr. Doi, “Combining existing drugs is great, but we need breakthroughs, we need new drugs” to combat bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The team is also looking at non-drug methods that involve modifying the body’s own microorganisms, or “microbiome,” to fight infection. Another cutting-edge area in this type of research is focused on the immune system, finding “a few antibodies that specifically bind to bacteria and keep them in check.”

However, Dr. Doi cautions that developing new methods is not easy and it will likely take “five to ten years at least” before these new treatments become available. For now, Dr. Doi says, “we really have to try to maintain what is working.” Dr. Doi also reminds us that antibiotic overuse contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, he says “use antibiotics only when you have an infection” and on the advice of your doctor.