Protein In Breast Milk Could Destroy Antibiotic Resistance Superbugs

A new antibiotic developed from breast milk is being heralded as a breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

The research conducted by the National Physical Laboratory and University College London shows that a protein found in breast milk, lactoferrin destroys bacteria, fungi and viruses within a fraction of a second. Lactoferrin is less than a nanometer in width, which gives breast milk its antibiotic properties.

‘Lactoferrin in breast milk is more than just any other antibiotic as it destroys bacteria, fungi and viruses within a fraction of a second.’

Medical community considers the threat of drug-resistant superbugs potentially lethal as they evolve rapidly to defeat any antibiotics thrown at them.

Lactoferrin is more than just any other antibiotic. The protein works so fast, destroying bacteria in a fraction of a second, which it's hoped superbugs will simply not get the time to develop resistance to it.

Researchers hope that lactoferrin can be used to treat genetic diseases that were previously thought to be incurable, such as sickle cell anemia. There is an enormous amount of research and safety checks to get through first before prescribing a course of lactoferrin.

Source: Medindia