Antibacterial activities of serum from the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

摘要: Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are able to feed on large prey items by injecting a dose of toxic bacteria with their bite that, over time, kills the systemic infection. Dragons also suffer bites from other members own species during territorial disputes and feeding frenzies. However, they do not same fate as prey, suggesting that have developed strong immunity bacterial infections. This study was undertaken determine antibacterial activities serum dragon. Bacterial cultures were treated different volumes Varanus komodoensis growth monitored optical density at 430 nm. In addition, protease, chelators divalent metal ions, or mild heat mechanism activities. Treatment resulted in volumedependent decrease growth. Cultures Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella oxytoca exhibited moderate-strong inhibition V. serum, while Streptococcus epidermitis, Salmonella typhimurium, Providen cia stuartii, Shigella flexneri nearly completely obliterated for 24 h only 10% (v/v) serum. The activity komodensis occurred very rapidly, 18% E. coli inhibited five min exposure Furthermore, 10- 20-min incubations 43 68% growth, respectively. bactericidal capacity against 2,075,000 bacteria/ L treatment, pronase, EDTA, phosphate, indicating action is most probably due presence potent complement protein system.