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When insects attack

26 March 2009

Insect immune systems use natural antibiotics to ‘mop up’ the remains of infections after clearing the majority of bacteria first. This helps to prevent antibiotic resistance, suggest researchers from the University of Sheffield. Further study of antimicrobial proteins in natural settings could help to formulate new medical strategies against drug resistance.

Reference

Haine ER et al. Antimicrobial defense and persistent infection in insects. Science 2008;322(5905):1257-9.

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Home > News and features > 2009 > When insects attack: insect immune systems and antibiotic resistance

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