Japanese scientists say they have completed the genetic sequence of one of the most virulent bacteria. This could pave the way for new medicines to fight multi-drug resistant superbugs.
A team of researchers from Juntendo University in Tokyo sequenced two strains of staphylococcus aureus - a common cause of deadly infections caught in hospitals.
The researchers have identified up to 70 potential targets for the design of new drugs and vaccines. The sequence also reveals genes that have been acquired from other organisms, including humans.
The bacteria have antibiotic-resistant moveable pieces of genetic material the scientists said have the potential to spread between species.
In addition to providing new information about infections the genomes could also give researchers new clues about other diseases with unknown causes.
Scientist have also mapped the genetic blueprint of other bacteria as well as the fruit fly, worm and humans.