« Double trouble: Cells with duplicate genomes can trigger tumors | Main | Enzyme complex thought to promote cancer development can also help prevent it »

October 13, 2005

Fungi 'antibiotics' for superbugs

Topics: Medical Science News

[Image - Streptococcus causes diseases such as pneumonia]

Scientists believe they may have found powerful new antibiotics in fungi that could fight drug-resistant bacteria. Since most of the antibiotics we use today are produced in fungi and soil bacteria, this comes as no surprise. However, interestingly, scientists say that the protein compound or peptide which lives in a fungus found in northern European pine forests is as powerful as penicillin and vancomycin.

When tested in the lab, "plectasin" killed Streptococcus bacteria including strains that are now resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Cross posted by Hyscience

Posted by Richard at October 13, 2005 10:40 PM

Articles Related to Medical Science News: