Hyderabad: Alternative to antibiotics found

Hyderabad: A novel anti-microbial protein which can fight possible infections has been identified by CSIR-CCMB scientists, which, after further research, can be used as alternatives to present day antibiotics. It was published in the recent Biochimica et Biophysica Acta- Biomemberanes.  

The protein was found in the milk of mammals like Echidna which are found only in Australia and New Guinea. A CSIR-CCMB team of researchers led by Dr Satish Kumar have shown that this protein creates punctures in the cell members of multiple bacterial species.

The initial results of the research have been encouraging and the team states that future research will make this as a potential alternative to present day antibiotics.

The researchers have also identified methods to produce anti-microbial proteins in large quantities using E.Coli which is an easy system to use in life scientists industry. Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director, CSIR-CCMB, said; “Studies such as these give us novel approaches to fighting infectious diseases by taking clues from nature. They are the best way forward in this emerging scenario of increased infectious disease burden and resistance to current treatments.”