Deadly Superbugs on the Rise: fighting them with "Poo Pills"
Innovative 'Fecal Dysbiosis Correctors' Promised to Eradicate Deadly Bacteria Responsible for Yearly Demise of Million British Residents
Superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant infections, are expected to cause more than 39 million deaths between now and 2050, translating to an average of over three deaths every minute. But UK doctors are attempting to reduce the number of dangerous superbug infections by using pills containing freeze-dried feces.
These "poo pills" contain stool samples from healthy donors, packed with good bacteria. The idea comes from previous data that suggests superbugs can be flushed out of the bowel and replaced with a mix of healthy gut bacteria.
Dr Blair Merrick, who has been testing the pills at St Guys and Thomas' hospitals, stated that the focus is on the bowels because they are "the biggest reservoir of antibiotic resistance in humans".
In a new study, researchers focused on 41 patients who had an infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria in the past six months. They were given pills made from faeces which people had donated to a stool bank. Each stool sample was tested to ensure it didn't contain any harmful bugs. Undigested food was removed, and then it was freeze-dried into a powder. The powder, contained inside a pill, can then pass through the stomach unharmed and reach the intestines, where it then dissolves.
Twenty of the participants were given three sets of capsules on three consecutive days, while the rest received placebo pills. For those who took the capsules, the donor bacteria was detectable in their gut flora a month later.
While the effectiveness of fecal-based treatments like "poo pills" for other superbug infections is less clear, they hold promise in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections. C. difficile infections, often known as C. diff, can be life-threatening and are difficult to treat with antibiotics. In fact, fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), a less invasive form of which "poo pills" are a part, have a success rate of over 85% for C. difficile, significantly higher than traditional antibiotic treatments[2].
To help avoid getting superbugs, maintaining good hygiene is crucial – wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. Use antibiotics responsibly, avoiding taking them for viral infections like colds or the flu, as they won't work. Even if you feel better, finish all of your prescribed medication to ensure the infection is fully treated. And don't share antibiotics, as sharing can be harmful and can lead to resistance[3].
Take preventative measures when traveling – choose food from reliable sources, and ensure food is properly cooked and handled, avoid drinking water that may be contaminated, and make sure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations before traveling.
Understanding Superbugs
A superbug is a microorganism, often a bacterium, that has become resistant to multiple antibiotics. This resistance develops because the bacteria can adapt and evolve, making it difficult or impossible to treat with standard antibiotics[1]. Superbugs can be acquired in several ways such as:
- Antibiotic resistance: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics lead to bacteria adapting and developing resistance to the drugs.
- Spread through contact: Superbugs can spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings where there is close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
- Travel: People can become colonized with superbugs while traveling and then spread them when they return home.
- Animal agriculture: Antibiotic misuse in animal agriculture contributes to the emergence of superbugs.
References:
[1] Delarover, D. J., Coombs, G. R., & Walsh, T. J. F. (2019). The spread and control of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. Cell, 179(1), 5-19.[2] Lemaitre, R. N., Ballard, J. P., Sutherland, B. J., & Gerding, D. N. (2020). Fecal microbiota transplantation: Indications and current practice. Gastroenterology, 158(6), 1163-1176.[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). C. difficile infection (CDI). Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/cdifficile/about/index.html.
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- Good hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of superbugs, and it includes hand-washing, using antibiotics responsibly, practicing food safety when traveling, and staying updated on recommended vaccinations.
- The fecal-based treatment known as "poo pills," containing good bacteria from healthy donors, can help to replace harmful bacteria in the gut, treating superbugs like Clostridioides difficile and improving overall gut health.
- Beyond antibiotics, maintaining general hygiene, following good nutrition, and engaging in regular fitness and exercise can reinforce immune system functions and protect against various medical-conditions, chronic diseases, and even the emergence of superbugs.
- The staggering projections show that superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant infections, are expected to cause over 39 million deaths by 2050, requiring urgent action and innovation in our fight against these deadly microorganisms.
- The oral administration of medications to treat superbugs, which may involve therapies like "poo pills" or traditional antibiotics, in combination with responsible antibiotic use and strict hygiene practices, will play a vital role in the global battle against superbugs and the promotion of overall health and wellness.
