Sore throat zapper

by JAMES CHAPMAN, Daily Mail

A spray that cures sore throats in seconds could be available by next winter.

American researchers have discovered a way to destroy on contact the germs behind sore throats and a variety of other infections.

They have developed a throat spray which mimics the action of naturally-occurring viruses that attack and destroy bacteria.

The scientists envisage the spray will cost just a few pence per dose.

Professor Vincent Fischetti, who led the research at Rockefeller University in New York, said trials had shown the spray had a 'remarkable effect' in tackling infection.' It kills the target bacteria instantly. It's amazing,' he explained.

'It does this by punching holes in the cell walls. We can take ten million organisms in a test tube, and five seconds later, they are all dead.

'Nothing other than strong chemical agents can kill bacteria this quickly.

The enzyme could be given in the form of a spray, administered at intervals - such as once or twice a day - to maximise effectiveness.'

The U.S. military has expressed considerable interest in the research, because of a need to control infections among its recruits.

The spray attacks streptococcus pyogenes - bacteria commonly found in the throat and on the skin. At any one time, up to a fifth of the population is carrying the bug in their throats.

It is the leading cause of acute bacterial pharyngitis, known as 'strep throat'. The condition occurs most commonly in children, affecting one in three each year.

However, victims of any age can be struck down with the illness, which tends to occur in winter or spring.

As well as a sore throat, symptoms can include a headache, fever and swollen glands.

The bacteria are also responsible for far more serious diseases, including necrotising fasciitis, the 'flesh-eating disease', and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

The spray, which would work best as a preventative measure, offers several advantages over antibiotics, according to the experts.

As well as killing bacteria instantly, it should not lead to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria.

Professor Fischetti reveals details of the breakthrough in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, published today.

He described the treatment as 'targeted killing', adding: 'We kill only the disease bacteria without disturbing the normal bacteria needed for health, unlike antibiotics which kill everything.'

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