The appearance of superbugs has been discussed on a recurring basis in medicine, especially due to the excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics , a habit capable of creating bacteria immune to conventional treatment.
With the intention of preventing the emergence of resistant microorganisms, researchers at the University of Waterloo, Canada, developed an alternative treatment for chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that affects 131 million people annually, according to the WHO.
The method is different because it does not contain the presence of antibiotics, which prevents the chances of bacteria reproducing stronger in the body.
Read more: Misuse of antibiotics creates superbugs that can kill
Treatment consists of preventing the bacteria that cause the infection from coming into contact with cells in the genital region.
This process occurs through the use of a nanotechnological device, used for treatment from nanoparticles.
With it, scientists were able to find a ribonucleic acid (siRNA) that, when in contact with another gene called PDGFR-beta, is able to create a barrier for bacteria.
In this way, the device is able to activate autophagy, a process in which the infected cells prevent the reproduction of the bacteria causing the disease, destroying them.
With the result of this research, it is possible to see an advance in the treatment of diseases that can become more serious with the appearance of superbugs.
But, although there is still no prediction of entry into medicine, studies are hopeful to give rise to new forms of prevention.
The treatment of chlamydia is basically the use of antibiotics. The earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to remit the STD, which can be cured.
With the new research being developed, the risk of people developing a stronger infection becomes reduced.
Alert for prevention
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs. Most of them are asymptomatic (they have no symptoms), which ends up helping in their transmission. Thus, those who have the disease usually end up transmitting it to another person because they do not know they have it.
Chlamydia can develop serious problems in the reproductive system when left untreated or with a late diagnosis.
Therefore, the concern with diseases caused by these resistant microorganisms is one of the alerts made by the World Health Organization for the year 2019.
According to the organization, it is important that there is a global action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it is worth emphasizing that the best way to prevent this and other sexually transmitted diseases is through the use of condoms.
Read more: 10 global health threats of concern to WHO in 2019
Antibiotics have always been an option for the treatment of diseases and infections, however it is important to raise awareness about the subject, and especially, to make appropriate use of these drugs.
