The first phase of testing an experimental drug against urinary tract infections, conducted on animals, was successfully completed. The drug was able to rid the animals of a long-developed infection in just six hours, reports Xinhua. It was proved: the drug does not allow bacteria to spread through the urinary tract.

According to Scott Haltgren, a professor at the University of Washington Medical School, if a similar effect is observed in humans, the agent will make a real revolution in pharmacology. So, the compound is a new, non-toxic derivative of natural mannose sugar. In view of the fact that the body normally transports sugars into the kidneys, the new agent automatically gets where it takes.

It is believed that 80-90% of urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria Escherichia coli. Now such infections are treated with antibiotics. But 10% to 30% of infections are antibiotic-resistant. And, the resistance is rapidly spreading. Hultgren also showed that bacteria create long, hair-like filaments on their surface. They have at the ends of the protein, acting like glue.

As a result, the strands can attach to the receptors on the walls of the bladder, and they do not flush with the urine. Plus, "glue" allows bacteria to form whole communities, which increases their protection against antibiotics and the immune system.

To combat smart bacteria, scientists created a class of drugs called "mannosides". They block the ability of the bacterial "glue" to bind to mannose on the surface of the cells of the bladder.

In addition to the fact that mannosides allowed to get rid of a chronic infection, they prevented the re-emergence of infections. Moreover, according to experts, it will be more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against this class of drugs.

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