Teaser Microbes

A new gel could help in the fight against deadly, drug-resistant superbugs

Ointment cleared wounds in mice and human skin samples of MRSA, other tough bacteria

illustration of biofilm

ANTIBIOTIC UPPER HAND  A new antibacterial ointment prevents communities of pathogens from forming slimy substances called biofilms (illustrated), where bacteria are shielded from antibiotics.

Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

A new antibacterial ointment could help take down drug-resistant bacteria.

In human skin samples and mice, the medicine completely cleared wounds of MRSA, the strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics, and antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.