Varanians’ blood may save us from superbugs

Komodo varanus is the largest lizard currently living. It is sometimes called the Komodo dragon. It turns out that the blood of the varanusów contains very potent substances, whichóre easily kill antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

Bacteria, whichóre have become resistant to most of the antibiotics known to usów, is a very serious problem. In someóhe situation in which theórej doctors have nothing to treat their patients withów. The problem is so serious that it has been addressed by the National Organization ofóin the United States, calling it „The biggest threat wspóModern medicine”. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of the most dangerous superbugs, whichóre most urgently require the development of new drugs for themów.

It turns out that the blood varanusów contains cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), whichóre can even handle superbugs that are immune to other antibiotics. These peptides are present in the blood of almost all organismsóin the living, but those found in varanusów are real bacteria-killing machines.

Scientists at George's Mason University have isolated antibacterial compounds from the blood of reptileów. Eight of them were able to synthesize and subjected to tests. Seven of the synthesized proteins have shown unusually potent effects on the bacteria blue bacilli and staphylococcus aureus. Both bacteria are resistant to most known antibioticsów, however, peptides from varanus blood have not had the slightest problemów with their liquidation.

The discovery brings hope for the development of new, effective preparationsóin, whichóre will allow to treat diseases caused by resistant superbugs. However, to the drugów based on varanus blood still very far away, nevertheless the discovery of scientistsów from George's Mason University is of great importance.