This innovation is a water-soluble nanocarrier that can precisely and quickly eradicate the healthcare-associated pathogen enterococci. The carrier can complex with oligonucleotides that can bind to bacterial mRNA, preventing translation and inhibiting bacterial functions of enterococci. It is also non-toxic to both human tissue and bacteria and may be used as a selective gastrointestinal tract decontaminant. Background: Enterococci are Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals but also present in environmental sources such as soil and water. They have intrinsic resistance to some antibiotics, such as Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and acquire and transfer resistance to other bacteria via mobile genetic elements. Enterococci are implicated in 7.4% of all health care-associated infections, with E. faecalis the dominant species in hospitals. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), which account for approximately 30% of nosocomial enterococcal infections, are of particular concern as resistance limits treatment options. This innovation allows for the pathogen-specific eradication of enterococci bacteria while addressing resistance and protecting the gut microbiome. Applications:
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