Scientists have created a needle-free spray-mist device to deliver last-resort antibiotics through the skin. The method aims to reach infected tissue directly and avoid organ damage that can happen when drugs go into the bloodstream.
The team tested the device in a recent study on MRSA infections and used the antibiotic vancomycin. The spray-mist reached the infection site and did not cause the usual kidney damage. Researchers say the approach could be useful for wound care and they plan more study, possibly leading to clinical trials.
Difficult words
- antibiotic — medicine that kills or stops harmful bacteriaantibiotics
- needle-free — a device that works without using injections
- infection — when bacteria or germs grow in the bodyinfections
- tissue — material of cells that makes body parts
- bloodstream — the flow of blood inside the body
- vancomycin — an antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections
- organ damage — harm to an organ or its normal function
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer a spray medicine instead of an injection? Why or why not?
- How could sending medicine directly to infected tissue help patients?
- What concerns might doctors study before using this spray-mist in people?
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