In the past, the concentration of acetic acid used as antibacterial treatment was much higher, 2.5%. Miss Holsted continued: "A key way for bacteria to cause infection is in the biofilm; they do not exist in the form of single cells, but form communities in the form of thick layers, as we see on wounds, valves or catheters."

"Up to 80% of the infections in the body are caused by these biofilms. Generally, they are more resistant to antibiotics, because their number is basically safe, and their metabolic rate is much slower. Therefore, it is great to see that acetic acid is effective for all types of these pathogens."

The team is currently designing clinical trials using acetic acid. They will compare the ordinary dressing soaked in acetic acid with the more commonly used silver based dressing. A further study will test the effectiveness of two specific concentrations of acetic acid on patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Burn Research Healing Foundation Center.

Dr. Mark Weber of Birmingham University added: "Acetic acid, or more common vinegar, has occasionally been used in medicine in the past 6000 years - successfully used to treat pestis, ear, chest and urinary tract infections. In this sense, it is a well-known antibacterial drug, which has sporadic applications in clinical practice. Our work now provides a solid evidence base to guide the development of cheap and effective treatment methods."

"These new trials are expected to provide a clear explanation for how to implement this technology in burn patients around the world. However, we can say that more work needs to be done to determine the best way to use acetic acid or similar chemicals to treat and prevent bacterial infections. We also need to study how bacteria adapt or evolve when exposed to these acids, so as to once again understand how effective they are, and ensure that any The clinical application is to minimize the emergence of drug resistance, as we have seen with antibiotics. "

The research team stressed that people should not apply vinegar on their own when they are burned; But we should go to the hospital for acetic acid treatment as usual. Only in severe burns, infection may become a problem.