Bacterial infections are caused by many different micro-organisms. Many agents have been developed to treat bacterial infections, but resistance to them is a major problem. The pharmaceutical industry is working to develop new kinds of antibiotics. By staying one step ahead fewer people will die from infection.
Disease: Bacterial infections
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What does the future hold?
New antibiotics belonging to a variety of different classes are in advanced clinical development.
An exciting research advance is the possibility of effective treatments for severe infections or sepsis. One such agent is a man-made version of a naturally occurring protein which reduces the inflammation and blood clotting associated with sepsis. A variety of other compounds, including antibodies and substances affecting different parts of the coagulation process, are also in development.
In the longer term, the sequencing of the genes of common pathogens may allow the identification of resistance genes and offer new ways of treating bacterial infection.
An exciting research advance is the possibility of effective treatments for severe infections or sepsis. One such agent is a man-made version of a naturally occurring protein which reduces the inflammation and blood clotting associated with sepsis. A variety of other compounds, including antibodies and substances affecting different parts of the coagulation process, are also in development.
In the longer term, the sequencing of the genes of common pathogens may allow the identification of resistance genes and offer new ways of treating bacterial infection.