A TREATMENT for antibiotic resistant bacteria and infectious disease has been identified by scientists to help patients with a debilitating lung condition.
Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Birmingham have found a treatment for patients with bronchiectasis who suffer the chronic bacterial infection, pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The study found the approach of removing antibodies from the bloodstream of affected patients reduced the effects of serious infections, the number of days in hospital and the use of antibiotics.
In the study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the team used a process similar to kidney dialysis on two patients.
The scientists worked with kidney and immunology experts to use a technique known as plasmapheresis, involving the removal, treatment, and return of blood plasma.
Dr Tony De Soyza, senior lecturer at Newcastle University, said: “This shows that we can significantly improve the wellbeing of patients, preventing the need for long hospital stays.”
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