'Redesign of E. coli bacteria to prevent green pus bacilli

Singapore scientists have 'redesigned' E. coli bacteria to fight P.aeruginosa (also called green pus bacillus).

These regenerating bacteria grow and kill up to 90% of pathogens. The team published their findings in the journal Biomolecular Systems on August 16.

E.coli bacteria under electron microscope (Photo: Reuter)

When this regenerated E. coli bacterium detects the presence of aeruginosa bacteria, it creates a poison that kills the molecules, killing the pathogen.

While antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, this regenerated E.coli only kills pathogenic bacteria, typically P. aeruginosa.

The same recipe could be used for other bacteria to fight other infectious agents, the team said. For example, against Vibrio cholerae - cholera agent.

In addition to providing new treatments, scientists believe that this method also creates bacteria that are beneficial for humans to use in biological products.

Currently, the research team is conducting experiments on animals. After that, it will be tested on people infected with P. aeruginosa.