Superbug Treatments ?
The Future of Medicine?
Superbug Treatments ?
The Future of Medicine?
Mayo Clinic Observation
In 2007, researchers at the Mayo Clinic were evaluating an FDA-cleared medical device designed for wound cleansing. During their analysis of its effectiveness on chronic wounds, they observed an unexpected effect in laboratory electron microscopy: the device’s low-frequency sound waves appeared to damage several types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (often called superbugs).
Use of Noncontact Low-Frequency Ultrasound in the Treatment of Chronic Foot and Leg Ulcerations: A 51-Patient Analysis
Steven J. Kavros, DPM; Erik C. Schenck, MPT — Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (Vol. 97, No. 2)
"It is clear there is cell wall destruction of the bacteria after the application of noncontact low frequency ultrasound therapy". "Further clinical and basic science investigations using this technology are warranted."
Learn more about the Mayo Clinic study
A follow-up study was conducted in 2010 at Winston-Salem State University.
The Effects of Low-Frequency Ultrasound (35 kHz) on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) In Vitro
Teresa Conner-Kerr, PT, PhD, CWS, CLT — Wound Management & Prevention (Vol. 56, Issue 5)
Conclusions: In vitro, sound waves:
- Cause direct damage to bacterial cell walls.
- Alter the genetic code of bacteria, making them less virulent.
- Decrease antibiotic resistance, making bacteria more susceptible to therapeutic agents.
Learn more about the Winston Salem study.
Important Note These findings are from laboratory (electron microscopy and in-vitro) studies only. The device is currently FDA 510(k)-cleared solely for wound cleansing, debridement, and removal of debris as part of standard wound care. It is not cleared or approved for any antimicrobial or infection-treatment indications. Any future clinical application for such uses would require extensive additional research, safety validation, and regulatory review.
Key Takeaway
Device in study FDA 510(k) cleared for Wound Cleaning Only
While these early laboratory observations are intriguing and warrant further independent scientific investigation, they do not constitute evidence of clinical efficacy. Claims of treatment or cure would be premature.
Electron Micrographs
MRSA
Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during the control and experimental periods (× 40,000). Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association • Vol 97 • No 2 • March/April 2007
VRE
Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of vancomycin-resistant enterococci during
the control and experimental periods (× 40,000). Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association • Vol 97 • No 2 • March/April 2007
P. aeruginosa
Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the
control and experimental periods (× 40,000). Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association • Vol 97 • No 2 • March/April 2007
S. aureus
Scanning electron micrographs of Staphylococcus aureus during the control and experimental periods (× 40,000). Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association • Vol 97 • No 2 • March/April 2007
Historical Parallel
Some Important Discoveries Go Unnoticed For Years - Hidden in Plain View
In the summer of 1928, a young Scottish physician named Alexander Fleming left a stack of dirty petri dishes in his laboratory sink. They were smeared with dangerous bacteria. When he returned from vacation, he discovered something astonishing: one dish was covered with bacteria, except for a clear area surrounding a patch of mold. He realized that the mold had secreted a substance that killed several strains of the bacteria. Remarkably, this breakthrough went largely unnoticed for 13 years, hidden in plain view. It was not until 1941 that Fleming’s discovery led to the development of the world’s first antibiotic, penicillin — a breakthrough that changed the course of history.