Milk produced by Tasmanian devils could kill bacteria resistant to antibiotics, according to research from Sydney University. The marsupials’ milk has been found to contain antimicrobial peptides known as cathelicidins, which are effective against a range of pathogens including “golden staph”. Researchers at the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science have discovered that the protein in Tasmanian devil Tests demonstrated artificial versions of the peptides to be between three and six times more effective than some anti-fungal medications. The peptides could also help fight the tumour disease that has killed 80% of the wild devil population.
Milk produced by Tasmanian devils could kill bacteria resistant to antibiotics, according to research from Sydney University. The marsupials’ milk has been found to contain antimicrobial peptides known as cathelicidins, which are effective against a range of pathogens including “golden staph”. The ability of the peptides to kill superbugs means they could be developed into antibiotics. Tests demonstrated artificial versions of the peptides to be between three and six times more effective than some anti-fungal medications. The peptides could also help fight the tumour disease that has killed 80% of the wild devil population.