A POTENTIAL breakthrough in the battle against antibiotic resistance has emerged from the unique microbial properties of Droitwich Spa’s historic brine.
A lecturer at the Open University has identified Droitwich Spa as a unique site of scientific interest, warranting closer examination.
The professor, Dr Michael Macey, who is a member of the Astrobiology OU group will work alongside Dr. Munnoch at the University of Strathcylde to delve deeper into Droitwich’s brine which has presented an ideal environment for studying salt-adapted microbes with potential medical applications.
Dr Macey, who specializes in studying extremophiles – organisms which thrive in extreme environments – learned about Droitwich Spa while researching UK environments with unusual chemistries.
In September 2023, Droitwich Spa Town Councillor, Bob Brookes, was approached by Dr Michael Macey, after the lecturer learned of Coun Brookes involvement in the Save Our Brine Baths campaign.
Coun Brookes, a long-time advocate for Droitwich’s brine heritage, was instrumental in reviving salt production in the town after a 100-year break.
He eagerly facilitated access for Dr Macey’s team to collect brine samples, with support from Churchfields, the Droitwich salt manufacturer.
Dr Macey’s research usually involves international fieldwork in countries like Iceland, Argentina, India, and Canada however he was intrigued by the possibility of the town’s brine harbouring microbes capable of producing new antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance poses severe threats to medical treatments. As common infections become harder to treat due to resistant bacteria, the discovery of new antibiotics has become crucial.
In October 2023, Dr Macey and his colleagues visited the brine well at Tower Hill, near Droitwich High Street, to collect samples for further analysis.
The research has since yielded significant findings, including DNA sequencing data revealing the microbial life in the brine.
In March 2024, Dr Mara Leite, another researcher involved in the project, isolated three strains of salt-adapted microbes from the brine. Remarkably, these strains were able to inhibit the growth of various hospital-associated pathogens, including MRSA. Laboratory tests show MRSA being killed off by these ‘good’ microbes, highlighting their potential to produce new antibiotics.
The research team is now focused on identifying the specific genes and chemicals responsible for this antibacterial activity. While much work remains, these early results suggest that Droitwich Spa’s brine could play a key role in developing powerful new antibiotics to combat resistant infections.