shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Carbon monoxide can make some antibiotics more effective

Carbon monoxide can make some antibiotics more effective

Updated on: 22 February,2018 12:42 PM IST  |  New York
IANS |

Carbon monoxide can improve the effectiveness of antibiotics that fight stomach infections, says a study that could open up novel ways to fight antibiotic resistance

Carbon monoxide can make some antibiotics more effective

Carbon monoxide can improve the effectiveness of antibiotics that fight stomach infections, says a study that could open up novel ways to fight antibiotic resistance.


"We found that if you administer carbon monoxide together with an antibiotic called metronidazole, it can sensitise bacteria toward the same antibiotic by 25-fold," said Binghe Wang, professor at Georgia State University in the US.


Carbon monoxide is infamous for its toxicity at high concentrations, but it also has promising potential as a medical gas.


Produced naturally in the human body, carbon monoxide is essential for survival and plays an important role in reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation and regulating cellular immune response to pathogens.

Studies have found carbon monoxide has antimicrobial effects.

For the study, published in the journal Organic Letters, researchers paired carbon monoxide with the antibiotic metronidazole.

They found that it enhanced the efficacy of the antibiotic against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and causes peptic ulcers.

"We always hear about the discussions of drug resistance. When we have drug resistance, it's not because these bacteria will not respond to antibiotics anymore. Most of the time, it means there is decreased sensitivity," Wang said.

"If you can resensitise bacteria or sensitize them, then that would allow you to either use a smaller amount of antibiotic or use the same amount that would kill many, many more bacteria," he added.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK