Now,a deadly bug-killer to replace antibiotics

Scientists have discovered the structure and operating procedures of a deadly bug killer.

Written by Agencies | Melbourne | Published: July 24, 2012 6:52:01 pm

Scientists have discovered the structure and operating procedures of a deadly bug killer,a breakthrough crowning a 40-year quest to replace antibiotics in therapies.


Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria using special proteins called lysins,under investigation since 1919 for potential treatments,but abandoned with the discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s,a Monash University statement said.

“PlyC,in its purified form,has been shown to be 100 times more efficient at killing certain bacteria than any other lysin to date even faster than household bleach,” said study co-author Ashley Buckle from Monash University.

“Scientists have been trying to decipher the structure of PlyC for more than 40 years. Finally knowing what it looks like,and how it attacks bacteria,is a huge step forward,” said Sheena McGowan,study co-author from Monash.



McGowan said PlyC looked a little like a spaceship.

“PlyC is actually made from nine separate protein ‘parts’ that assemble to form a very effective bacterial killing machine. It actually resembles a flying saucer carrying two warheads.”



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