"Gold-based antibiotics show promise in fighting superbugs"
Gold-based drugs have shown promise in treating multidrug-resistant "superbugs," according to research by Spanish scientists. The study tested 19 gold-based compounds against six deadly bacteria, with 16 of the compounds proving effective in treating drug-resistant infections. Four of the bacteria used in the study pose a significant risk to human health and are on the World Health Organization's list of antibiotic-resistant 'priority pathogens.' Gold-based compounds stop enzymes from working, disrupt the function of the bacterial membrane, and damage DNA. Drug-resistant infections kill an estimated 700,000 people a year globally, with the figure projected to rise to 10 million by 2050 if no action is taken.