British scientists at the Imperial College London, claim to have developed a chemical that kills Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).
The scientists say it is a major breakthrough in the fight against the superbug. As well as destroying MRSA, the chemical, known as AQ+, can wipe out other hospital-acquired infections.
Dr Mark Enright, who led the scientists said: "The number of hospital-acquired infections is increasing.
"AQ+ could prove to be of tremendous importance in fighting hospital infections. It is extremely potent against MRSA and effective against other types of bacteria”.
The scientists now hope the AQ+ will be used in gels for hand washing in hospitals and to eradicate MRSA from patients and medical staff.