IIT Roorkee Researchers Identify Thymol as a Potential Aid in Combating Relapse in Bacterial Infections

IIT Roorkee, March 27, 2025: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, making bacterial infections harder to treat. One of the most challenging drug-resistant pathogens is Acinetobacter baumannii, known for causing persistent and chronic infections in hospitals. This bacterium has an ability to enter a dormant state, allowing it to tolerate antibiotics and survive treatment. These dormant cells, called persisters, contribute to recurrent infections leading to treatment failures.

A research team at IIT Roorkee, led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania, has made a significant discovery regarding how A. baumannii withstands meropenem, a last-resort antibiotic. The team including Arsalan Hussain,  Timsy Bhando, Ananth Casius, and Rinki Gupta found that persister cells of A. baumannii alter their membrane properties and energy metabolism, increasing their antibiotic tolerance.

Based on this understanding, the researchers explored the potential of safe, naturally derived compounds to counteract bacterial persistence. Their study suggests that thymol, a plant-based compound commonly found in thyme, may help weaken these persisters. Preliminary findings indicate that thymol, in combination with meropenem, enhances the antibiotic’s activity, offering a potential approach for tackling persistent infections.

Prof. Ranjana Pathania, the lead researcher, emphasized the study’s significance, "The ability of thymol to disrupt bacterial persistence and enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics presents a promising avenue in addressing antimicrobial resistance. By targeting persister cells, we may be able to improve treatment outcomes for chronic and recurrent infections."

Further experiments suggest that thymol works through multiple mechanisms to weaken persister cells. It disrupts bacterial energy production, making survival more difficult. Additionally, it damages the protective outer membrane, increasing the bacteria’s vulnerability. Thymol also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which stress and weaken the bacteria, and inhibits bacterial efflux pumps, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of meropenem. While these findings provide valuable insights, additional research and clinical validation are required to assess thymol’s potential in real-world therapeutic applications.

Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted the broader impact of this research, "Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global challenge. This study by IIT Roorkee researchers demonstrates how innovative approaches, including natural compounds, could contribute to overcoming persistent infections. It reflects our institute’s commitment to research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges."

These findings have been published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The next phase of research will focus on refining the thymol-meropenem combination and evaluating its potential through further studies.

If validated through clinical trials, this approach could contribute to new strategies for combating antibiotic persistence, offering an additional tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

This research suggests that thymol, a natural compound, could help weaken drug-resistant bacteria and make antibiotics like meropenem more effective. By disrupting bacterial energy, damaging protective barriers, and preventing resistance mechanisms, thymol presents a promising strategy against stubborn infections. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness before it can be used in real treatments. This discovery brings new hope in the fight against treatment failure in clinics.