Superbug Spread Through Eye Drops, Infection Begins
Research on Treatment Using Virus That Kills Bacteria
Health authorities worldwide are on high alert as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, known as 'superbugs,' which spread through artificial tears in the United States last year, have now been reported to transmit via patients' respiratory tracts. Some experts warn that over 10 million people globally could die annually from such infections, prompting the scientific community to accelerate research on virus-based methods to eradicate these bacteria.
The Superbug Crisis Triggered by 'EzriCare'... Respiratory Transmission Observed
According to CNN on the 21st (local time), the superbug eye infection outbreak that began in the U.S. in May 2022 spread to 18 states by May last year. So far, 4 people have died, 4 have had their eyes removed, and 14 have lost their vision.
The cause of the superbug eye infections was traced back to contamination of preservative-free artificial tears produced at the Indian manufacturing plant of 'EzriCare.' The product was made by the Indian pharmaceutical company 'Global Pharma Healthcare,' and three products including artificial tears and eye drops were infected with the superbug bacteria. This superbug was identified as 'VIM-GES-CRPA,' a carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain.
Following this, the product was recalled, and patients infected with the superbug stopped using the artificial tears. However, it was discovered that the superbug was transmitted among hospitalized patients. Dr. Maroya Walters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who investigated the artificial tears incident, told CNN, "After patients stopped using the artificial tears, cases of respiratory or urinary tract infections caused by the bacteria emerged," adding, "The bacteria infected patients who had never used the artificial tears."
In the U.S. alone, there have been over 2.8 million cases of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, and globally, more than 5 million people are infected annually. Some experts warn that by 2050, over 10 million patients could die each year due to such infections.
Research on Virus Phages to Combat Bacteria
Scientific research continues to focus on combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. One approach involves creating viruses specialized in killing bacteria, known as 'bacteriophages,' to serve as alternatives to antibiotics.
Bacteriophages are viruses that use bacteria as their hosts. CNN reported that clinical trials involving bacteriophages are currently underway in the U.S. targeting patients with difficult-to-treat urinary tract infections, chronic constipation, joint infections, diabetic foot ulcers, tonsillitis, and cystic fibrosis.
With future technological advancements, it is expected that bacteriophages capable of targeting numerous types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria will be developed. Dr. Anthony Maresso, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, told CNN, "A bioreactor capable of producing billions of bacteriophages in real time is under development," adding, "We will be able to develop variants trained to attack bacteria with antibiotic resistance at specific times."
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