Study finds DNA scavengers can stop some antibiotic resistance from spreading

For nearly a century, scientists have waged war on antibiotic-resistant microbes. Michigan State University researchers say they've found a new way to prevent it by unleashing "DNA – scavengers" in wastewater treatment plants.

Syed Hashsham, MSU professor of civil and environmental engineering, and James Tiedje, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the departments of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences as well as Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, found an enzyme that breaks up strands of antibiotic-resistant DNA floating in wastewater before bacteria can pick them up and take on their antibiotic-resistant properties.

Hashsham said this could be a powerful, environmentally friendly tool to control the spread of antibiotic resistance in wastewater and help keep antibiotics effective.

Hashsham wants to continue testing the enzyme and exploring its use as a wastewater disinfectant. "As with any new discovery, there is more work to be done to optimize the technology," Hashsham said. "But it is really a very novel technique."

Antibiotic resistance has plagued modern medicine since the invention of penicillin, largely due to misuse and overprescribing. Bacteria constantly evolve and try to survive as new antibiotics are introduced to the market.

Each new antibiotic only lasts about five to eight years before bacteria adapts, making infections hard to treat, Hashsham said. This technology could help preserve the effectiveness of current antibiotics.

Image source: Li et al. (2024), Nature Waters.