A recent article regarding a study on osteomyelitis, an incapacitating bone infection shows there may be a new treatment available. Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph), often cause osteomyelitis. The bacteria involved in these infections are often resistant to complete classes of antibiotics, making current treatments insufficient for use and making it very difficult to treatment.

This study, conducted by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, involves a mouse model. Scientists introduced the mice with bacteria, inducing an infection, and used micro-computed tomography imaging technologies to see the progress of the infection. Using this technology, it was discovered that not only is the infection destroying bone tissue but also promotes new growth causing a renovation of the bone.  Along with this discovery, the scientists with the aide of this technology were able to count the number of bacteria actually present in the infection.

Killing the bacteria may not be the only goal for this study. The team found a pathogenic factor of the staph to be a protein secretion. Understanding this and using it to their advantage may be a better alternative, such as having the ability to mold the destruction and growth of the bone so there are not adverse outcomes for individuals while controlling the infection.

The main reasons these staph infections are so hard to treat are because they are resistant to antibiotics. They are believed to have become resistant by changing their methods of obtaining energy, the switch being from respiration to fermentation. This blocks antibiotic entry and slows bacterial growth. The researchers found that a co-treatment of antibiotics, one in which entices the bacteria to become a fermenting organism, gentamicin, and one that will then eliminate the fermenting bacteria may lead to successful therapies.