Scientists from MIT and McMaster University used a machine learning model to help discover a new antibiotic capable of fighting a dangerous hospital superbug.
The bacterium, called Acinetobacter baumanni, is designated as a critical threat by the World Health Organization, posing significant risks to human health.
- A. baumannii has natural resistance abilities and can transfer genetic material, contributing to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
- It primarily affects hospitals and is responsible for numerous drug-resistant infections, endangering vulnerable patients.
- In the study, researchers employed an AI model to analyze chemical compounds that could inhibit the growth of A. baumannii.
- Within a short span of two hours, the algorithm screened thousands of potential drug compounds and identified promising candidates.
- Through testing, one antibiotic proved highly effective against A. baumannii while sparing other bacterial species.
- If further developed for patient use, this antibiotic holds great potential in combating the bacterium, the researchers said.