Breakthrough in superbug battle

A COCKTAIL of naturally occurring bacteria could prove a potent new weapon against the hospital bug Clostridium difficile.

Scientists have identified six organisms that suppressed a highly contagious strain of C. diff in mice – three of which are new.

The research could lead to new ways of treating and preventing C. diff infection without resorting to antibiotics, Aberdeen University researchers say.

Study leader Professor Harry Flint, said: “The mixture of six bacterial species effectively and reproducibly suppressed the C. difficile supershedder state in mice, restoring the healthy bacterial diversity of the gut.”

C. diff contributed to more than 2,000 deaths in the UK last year.

The results of the study are published in the online journal Public Library of Science Pathogens.