Naples, Italy -- Italian scientists have discovered a bacteriophage that helps fight Staphylococcus aureus infections, including methicillin-resistant strains.

S. aureus is a potentially dangerous pathogen capable of causing skin abscesses, wound infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome, researchers said. And due to its ability to live inside cells, emerging strains are increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria.

In the study, researchers identified the phage MSa and tested its activity against S. aureus in mice. Following simultaneous inoculation with both MSa and lethal and non-lethal doses of S. aureus, results showed MSa saved 97 percent of mice from death and fully cleared mice of non-lethal bacterial infections.

The researchers, led by Rosanna Capparelli of the University of Naples, said their finding suggests a potential use of the phage for the control of both local and systemic human S. aureus infections.

The study is reported in the August issue of the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.