New antimicrobial wound treatment shows promise
November 10th, 2007 | by admin |Apr 17 - Researchers have developed a compound that destroys bacteria and fungi without damaging tissue. The product has shown effectiveness in animal testing and may be approved for use on humans in the future.
Wounds are breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. They can be caused by a wide range of circumstances including cuts, punctures and burns. Most wounds usually heal quickly without complications. However, wounds that are not treated properly can become infected.
Products containing petroleum are often used to treat skin infections. However, this is not an ideal treatment for infected wounds because petroleum can be toxic and inhibit healing. Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new treatment that promotes healing without being toxic. The product contains vitamin E, which prevents wounds from dehydrating and encourages healing.
The treatment was originally developed by a UGA professor to treat burns. It works by enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics, which are often applied topically to wounds to kill or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria. The UGA researchers are currently seeking a patent for the treatment. It was used successfully last year to treat a burned dog and is currently being used to treat skin ulcers on a beluga whale at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
“In the case of burn victims, whether animal or human, bacteria and fungi can infect the open wounds and kill the patient,” said Dr. Bran Ritchie, a research scientist at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, in a press release. “We have found a way to kill those drug-resistant bacteria and fungi with compounds that cleanse wounds while being gentle on the tissue.”
The development of this product is significant because it could have many human applications, including wounds on swimmers and other athletes.
“In high-school athletics especially, getting staph infections from scratches is a huge problem. Our bioadhesive can adhere to wet skin, cleanse the wound and promote healing” said Richie. The researchers are also hoping to develop a non-oily gel formulation for use as a combination cleanser and ointment for killing acne-causing bacteria.
Details regarding the treatment were released by the University of Georgia in an Apr. 12, 2007 press release.
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