Could Clay Block MRSA?

Mineral Clays May Fight Bacteria, Including MRSA, Scientists Say

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

April 7, 2008 — The hunt for new ways to fight bacteria including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is taking an earthy turn.

Researchers at Arizona State University have found three minerals in certain types of clay that target MRSA, antibiotic-resistant E. coli, and other bacteria.

The scientists studied more than 20 different types of clay to learn about antibacterial minerals in those clays.

The researchers, who included Lynda Williams, PhD, note that clay has long been used in healing. But they aren't recommending clay treatments for MRSA. Instead, they want to figure out how to harness the clay minerals to block or treat skin infections.

Williams and colleagues presented their findings in New Orleans at the American Chemical Society's 235th national meeting.

SOURCES: American Chemical Society's Spring 2008 National Meeting & Exposition, New Orleans, April 6-10, 2008. News release, American Chemical Society.

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