(English) Potential superbug killer found in human nose

German scientists say mice tests show nose-dwelling bacterium is able to kill antibiotic-resistant infection.

Scientists searching for ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections say they have found a new potential weapon in an unexpected place: the human nose.

The promising compound is produced by a nose-dwelling bacterium, and is able to kill a disease-causing, antibiotic-resistant superbug, the researchers said in a paper published on Wednesday by the journal Nature.

In the past, most new antibiotics have been discovered by sifting through soil samples. The last new class of the drugs to reach patients was discovered in the 1980s.

The scientists found Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the noses of about 30 percent of people, raising the question why the other 70 percent were not beset by this staph bacterium. A hardened variety, known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is among the superbugs that pose a growing health problem worldwide.

The researchers said that another in-nose bacterium – called Staphylococcus lugdunensis – appeared to be keeping the rival staph at bay in some people by producing its own antibiotic.