New mechanism disables antibiotic resistance and cross-protection in bacteria

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260421/New-mechanism-disables-antibiotic-resistance-and-cross-protection-in-bacteria.aspx A newly discovered mechanism renders antibiotic-resistant bacteria vulnerable by disabling both their individual resistance and a process known as cross-protection, the ability of resistant bacteria to shield nearby, otherwise sensitive strains. This occurs because resistant bacteria can degrade antibiotics in their surroundings, reducing drug levels and allowing other microbes to survive. By targeting this shared defense, researchers aim to restore the effectiveness of antibiotics, enabling them to eliminate not only resistant bacteria but also the susceptible microbes they protect.