Scientists have uncovered a 5,000-year-old bacterium, preserved in a Romanian ice cave, that demonstrates resistance to numerous modern antibiotics.
The strain, identified as Psychrobacter SC65A.3, was isolated from a 25-meter ice core extracted from Scarisoara Ice Cave. Researchers meticulously preserved the samples to prevent contamination.
Testing revealed the ancient microbe's resistance to 10 commonly used antibiotics, including rifampicin, vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin. These are critical medications for treating serious bacterial infections.
The study also identified over 100 genes associated with antibiotic resistance within the ancient strain. Researchers suggest this finding indicates that antibiotic resistance has evolved naturally in the environment long before the advent of modern medicine.
While the ancient bacterium shows resistance, researchers noted there is no evidence it is currently infecting humans or spreading. Furthermore, its resistance is measured in a laboratory setting and cannot be directly compared to clinical standards for classifying dangerous superbugs.