A Gram-negative-selective antibiotic that spares the gut microbiome

Gram-negative infections are becoming more prevalent, leading to disruption of the gut microbiome. A Gram-negative-specific antibiotic, lolamicin, has been designed and discovered. It targets the lipoprotein transport system, has activity against over 130 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, and spares the gut microbiome, preventing secondary infections. This selective strategy could be a blueprint for other microbiome-sparing antibiotics.