Komodo Dragon Blood May Hold the Secret to Killing Superbugs
Immunity
Komodos regularly eat carrion but rarely fall ill because they carry proteins called antimicrobial peptides, an all-purpose infection defense.
Study
The researchers analyzed blood samples from captive Komodos in Florida using a mass spectrometer to identify peptides with drug potential.
Bishop, a biochemistry professor at George Mason University, says his team is betting Komodo blood can help battle antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which kill about 700,000 people a year.
Targets
Komodo peptides may be a good match for bacteria that cause staph infections, inner ear and burn infections, dermatitis, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis, Bishop says.
Funding
The Pentagon’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency contributed $7.6 million to Bishop’s research.
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