31 May 2005 Blog Home : May 2005 : Permalink
European red tape is impeding research into new hygiene measures to combat hospital superbugs, including MRSA, it was claimed today.
Researchers at the University of Manchester said European Union regulations were holding up clinical trials to test the effectiveness of three essential oils, usually used in aromatherapy, in tackling superbugs.
The team tested 40 essential oils on 10 of the most dangerous bacteria and fungi including MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and E coli. Two of the oils killed the bugs almost immediately, and a third was found to have a beneficial effect over a longer period of time.
Researchers now want to carry out trials on healthy volunteers who are carrying MRSA but are not infected by it. It is estimated that between 20% and 40% of people in the UK carry MRSA, mostly in their noses or on their skin, without any ill effects.
But nurse and aromatherapist Jacqui Stringer, clinical head of complementary therapies at the Christie hospital in Manchester, said the European clinical trials directive was slowing their progress. The directive was applied in the UK a year ago by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What next? do bears still defecate in arborial surroundings? has the Pope converted to the Chruch of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints? will Dominque De Villepin launch a radical program of tax-cuts, privatization and social security reform with the enthusiastic support of the overwhelming majority of Frenchmen?