The Nature Microbiology journal reported that scientists at the German University of Tübingen have discovered a novel antibiotic substance from the human nose that can be used against pathogenic bacteria.
“Named epifadin, the molecule is produced from specific strains of the bacterial species Staphylococcus epidermidis, which occur on the mucous membrane of the inside wall of the nose,” the journal added.
Epifadin constitutes a new, previously unknown class of antimicrobial compounds that kills microorganisms and could be used as a lead structure for the development of novel antibiotics.
Epifadin not only works against the bacteria that are locally in competition with Staphylococcus epidermidis, it is also effective against bacteria from other habitats such as the intestine and certain fungi.
The researchers found that it is especially effective against the potential pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, a hospital-acquired infection which is particularly dangerous in antibiotic-resistant form (MRSA). But, more research is needed to discover whether epifadin or its derivates can be used for therapy.
