Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Rajgir Hot Spring Bacteria Show Antibacterial Activity
Scientists are exploring hot springs for bacteria that can make antibiotics to fight infections.
At Rajgir hot spring in India, researchers found bacteria, specifically Actinobacteria, that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
They identified seven strains that produce antimicrobials.
One compound, diethyl phthalate, was extracted and found to stop the growth of a foodborne illness-causing bacteria.
This could lead to new drugs.
This is important because bacteria are becoming resistant to existing antibiotics.
Researchers studied the Rajgir hot spring for antibiotic-producing bacteria.
Actinobacteria, known for antimicrobial compounds, were abundant in the spring.
Seven strains of Actinobacteria showed antibacterial activity against various pathogens.
Diethyl phthalate, an antibacterial compound, was extracted from one bacterium.
The compound inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne illness.
- Who
- Researchers at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) and others.
- What
- Researchers found bacteria in the Rajgir hot spring with antibacterial activity.
- When
- Published in June 2024 and findings were published last month.
- Where
- Rajgir hot spring in Bihar, India.
- Why
- To find antibiotic-producing bacteria to combat antimicrobial resistance.
- Location
- Rajgir hot spring, Bihar, India
- Research Institution
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
- Key Bacteria Group
- Actinobacteria
- Antibacterial Compound
- Diethyl phthalate
- Targeted Pathogen
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Publication Date
- June 2024