51�Թ�

Bryar went on to face multiple complications from the injuries, and was hospitalised for a staph infection.

In tests with E. coli and S. aureus, the bacterium that causes staph infection, the hydrogel damaged bacteria cell membranes and led to bacterial cell death.

The experimental dressing had excellent antibacterial performance against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species, and effectively eradicated E. coli and staph bacteria in testing.

"The preliminary data shows the material is effective at eliminating common bacteria such as staph or E. coli," she said.

There weren't any antibiotics available, either, so staph infection was rampant – leaving little girls with oozing sores on their legs and boys with pus-filled open wounds on their necks.