Scientists believe pigs could provide a new weapon to help fight off hospital infections, and maybe superbugs such as MRSA.
They have found an antibacterial agent produced by the animals can help prevent skin infection in humans. The molecule – PR39 – is from a family of protective proteins called cathelicidins.
Tests showed that PR39 in combination with a human cathelicidin can kill streptococcal bacteria. When scientists delivered PR39 to human skin cells in the laboratory, the cells were better able to fend off infection by the bugs.
Humans only have one cathelicidin gene, whereas pigs, cows and horses have several. The new study suggests that having more than one kind of cathelicidin offers extra protection. The San Diego team synthesised the pig cathelicidin PR39 in the form which only becomes active once inside the body. They then combined it with the human version, LL-37.
Since most bacteria are become resistant to currently prescribed antibiotics it is useful to have new compounds on the horizon to fend off infection by superbugs.
Reference – BBC News
