IIT Roorkee Team Finds Natural Chemical To Combat Bacterial Infections

New Delhi: A research team at IIT Roorkee has identified a natural compound that can help weaken persistent superbugs and enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics.

The study suggests that thymol -- a plant-based compound commonly found in thyme -- may help weaken persister cells seen particularly in the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. It is known for causing persistent and chronic infections in hospitals.

The findings, published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal, can also make last-resort antibiotics like meropenem more effective.

Preliminary findings indicate that thymol, in combination with meropenem, enhances the antibiotic’s activity, offering a potential approach for tackling persistent infections. "The ability of thymol to disrupt bacterial persistence and enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics presents a promising avenue in addressing antimicrobial resistance,” said Prof. Ranjana Pathania, the lead researcher.

“By targeting persister cells, we may be able to improve treatment outcomes for chronic and recurrent infections," she added.

The team found that thymol works through multiple mechanisms to weaken persister cells.