Million years old bacteria are resistant to 70% of modern antibiotics

The ancient bacterium Paenibacillus was discovered in the cave Lechuguilla, New Mexico, USA with resistance to 70% of modern antibiotics.

Scientists discover million-year-old bacteria Paenibacillus in Lechuguilla, New Mexico, USA have the ability to resist 70% of current antibiotics, Science World Report reported on December 15.

Paenibacillus bacteria are found in Lechuguilla cave, USA.(Photo: Max Wisshak).

According to experts, Paenibacillus's antibiotic resistance develops due to harsh environmental conditions in Lechuguilla cave. The cave is below the ground, the deepest place is nearly 500m. Therefore, it was completely engulfed in darkness. Water from the surface takes 10,000 years to flow into the cave.

Due to harsh conditions, the bacteria in the cave must constantly fight with each other to survive. This process makes Paenibacillus develop a super strong antibiotic resistance mechanism.

Paenibacillus bacteria are resistant to many different antibiotics.(Photo: Wikiwand).

"This finding changes previous observations. It means that antibiotic resistance of bacteria does not evolve in hospitals through the use of drugs," Hazel Bartol, one of the microbiologists. detected Paenibacillus in Lechuguilla cave, responded to NPR.

Scientists are studying Paenibacillus to understand the evolution and origin of antibiotic resistance of bacteria. Thereby, they can predict, prevent and control global health issues.