Scientists warn that a dangerous superbug capable of digesting medical plastic is silently spreading through hospitals, threatening patient safety worldwide.
A powerful bacterial superbug is making headlines for its unique and alarming ability to feed on plastic found in medical devices.
Researchers at Brunel University of London have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium linked to over 559,000 deaths globally each year, has developed a disturbing survival mechanism. The bug not only resists treatment but can also "digest" polycaprolactone, a type of plastic used in common medical tools like sutures, catheters, implants, and wound dressings.
According to a groundbreaking study published in Cell, this adaptation helps the bacterium cling to hospital environments, creating tougher biofilms that resist antibiotics and standard cleaning protocols. "Plastics, including plastic surfaces, could potentially be food for these bacteria," said study leader Ronan McCarthy. "Pathogens with this ability could survive for longer in the hospital environment."
The discovery is a chilling reminder that pathogens are constantly evolving to thrive in unexpected ways. In this case, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isn't just surviving -- it's actively undermining medical devices designed to save lives. The plastic-eating enzyme it produces could weaken critical tools like ventilators, drug-delivery patches, and surgical meshes, making them less effective and harder to sterilize.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already lists P. aeruginosa as a major contributor to infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, particularly among patients with compromised immune systems or those recovering from surgery.
While more research is needed to determine the full extent of this superbug's capabilities, SciTech Daily reported that McCarthy emphasized the urgency: "Plastic is everywhere in modern medicine, and it turns out some pathogens have adapted to degrade it. We need to understand the impact this has on patient safety."
With its ability to withstand antibiotics and thrive on plastics in hospitals, Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a dual threat. One that could reshape infection control strategies and force a rethink of how medical tools are designed and deployed.