SCOTTISH scientists have cracked the puzzle of how pneumonia spreads, a breakthrough which could pave the way for new antibiotic treatments.

The discovery came after bacteriologists from St Andrews University and Oxfordshire-based science facility Diamond Light Source unravelled the structure of a key enzyme in Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia.

Respiratory infections are one of the biggest killers in the western world, particularly among children and the elderly.

Researchers used intense beams of light to uncover the structure of NanC, a type of enzyme known as a neuraminidase. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria contain up to three neuraminidase enzymes – NanA, NanB and NanC.

The scientists had already uncovered the structure of NanA and NanB – and the discovery of the NanC structure is the final step in identifying how these enzymes work to sustain Streptococcus pneumoniae, and how they could be targeted to destroy the bacteria.

Garry Taylor, Professor of Molecular Biophysics and deputy principal of St Andrews University, said: “With a fuller understanding of the structure and function of S. pnemoniaes three neuraminidase enzymes, we’re now better equipped to design next generation antibiotics for some of the most prevalent and deadly respiratory infections.”

There are approximately ninety distinct pneumococcal serotypes, which are groups within a single species of micro-organisms such as bacteria or viruses, and, although not all cause disease, this makes treatment challenging.

An effective vaccine has been available since 2001, which targets seven serotypes and has significantly reduced the spread of the pneumococcal disease in the first world.

However, there has been a rise in antibiotic resistance in serotypes not covered by this vaccine and previously non-infectious serotypes are increasing in virulence.

Earlier this month the World Health Organization warned the world is heading for a “post-antibiotic era” unless new drugs are developed.

Martin Walsh, deputy life sciences director at Diamond Light Source and lead author on the study, said: “With the structure of NanC, we now have a vital new piece of the puzzle which informs wider research into drug design and equips us to better tackle the pneumococcus in all its forms. The next step will be for scientists to use this structural information to aid in the design of inhibitors of the pneumococcus neuraminidases which could lead to new treatments for pneumococcal disease.”

Last month, The National reported that Scots are being urged to pledge their support to help protect antibiotics for future generations by becoming an Antibiotics Guardian.

The main aim of the campaign, led by the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG), is to help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.

The campaign also raises awareness that antibiotics should not be used for coughs and colds as overuse could mean they won’t work in the future.

Jacqueline Sneddon of SAPG said: “Many of us take antibiotics we don’t need.

“Antibiotics don’t work for coughs and colds, but patients still ask for them, and once we have them, we don’t always take them in the way we should.”