A new way of tackling bacteria by targeting the toxins they produce could help turn the tide against superbugs, scientists believe.
Researchers used the approach to develop a drug which they tested on the notorious microbe Clostridium difficile (C.diff), the cause of widespread hospital infections.
In animal studies the drug triggered a natural process that prevented C.diff toxins destroying cells in the gut.
Scientists believe other bacteria could be attacked the same way, including those resistant to antibiotics. They are now planning clinical trials.
The newly discovered mechanism involves a nitric oxide-based molecule called S-nitrosoglutathione which deactivates destructive chemicals secreted by C.diff.