This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Komodo blood poses new treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria
A study published in npj biofilms and Microbiomes has suggested that the blood of the Komodo dragon contains a type of protein which could offer a new treatment for infected wounds.
Researchers involved in the study, conducted at George Mason University, created a synthetic version of the compound which contains antimicrobial effects. They believe the peptide, named DRGN-1, could help produce antibiotics which are needed to fight drug resistant pathogens.
The komodo dragon has more than 80 bacterial strains in their mouths, some of which can cause sepsis, however the reptiles themselves are not harmed by the bacteria - suggesting they are immune.
Microbiologist Monique van Hoek, who worked on the project, said: “Synthetic germ-fighter peptides are a new approach to potentially defeat bacteria that have grown resistant to conventional antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptides we’re tapping into represent millions of years of evolution in protecting immune systems from dangerous infections.”
“The synthesized peptide DRGN-1 is not a Komodo dragon’s natural peptide; it’s been altered to be stronger in terms of both potency and stability.”
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