Russian researchers develop antibiotic alternative for veterinary medicine

Scientists in Russia have proposed a new approach to treating infectious diseases in farm animals, offering a potential alternative to the widespread use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. The development aims to address one of the key drivers of antimicrobial resistance – the routine and often unjustified application of antibiotic drugs. This is reported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The research team has created an innovative method for producing an antibacterial substance that can be used in the treatment of bacterial and protozoal infections in agricultural animals. The technology, which has been granted patent protection, is based on the use of a newly developed surface-active compound belonging to the class of quaternary ammonium compounds.

According to the researchers, excessive reliance on antibiotics in animal health has significantly contributed to the emergence of resistant microorganisms, particularly in livestock farming. As an alternative, surface-active substances are attracting increasing attention due to their broad antimicrobial spectrum and their much slower induction of resistance compared with conventional antibiotics.

Laboratory studies have confirmed that the newly obtained compound demonstrates high biological activity against a range of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as fungal microorganisms and protozoa. The substance was shown to be effective against infections commonly encountered in veterinary practice, such as mastitis, endometritis, wound infections, and inflammatory diseases.

Experimental trials were conducted using poultry, with the researchers noting that the compound’s mechanism of action suggests broad applicability across animal species. The method involves the interaction of epoxidised soybean oil with a specific amine compound, resulting in a stable antibacterial agent suitable for veterinary formulations.

Experts involved in the project emphasise that the introduction of such treatments could improve animal health outcomes, strengthen veterinary biosecurity and significantly expand the range of non-antibiotic therapeutic options available to veterinarians.

The findings highlight the growing role of innovative antimicrobial strategies in safeguarding animal health while supporting global efforts to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Photo: Zakharova Elena / iStock