IISc scientists discover cow enzyme effective against drug-resistant bacteria

Scientists at India's Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have discovered a cow enzyme that can effectively combat drug-resistant bacteria and their protective biofilms. This discovery is particularly significant in hospital environments, where drug-resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii pose a threat.

The enzyme, named CRhAB, demonstrated its efficacy by not only breaking down the biofilms of K pneumoniae but also disrupting those of A baumannii. These bacteria, both part of the ESKAPE pathogen group, are notorious for causing drug-resistant infections in healthcare settings. The research, led by scientists Debasis Das, Reshma Ramakrishnan, Kirti Parmar, Dipshikha Chakravortty, Debmitra Sen, Velpandi Ramachandran, and Raju S Rajmani, was published in the journal Nature.

The breakthrough follows a similar discovery in November 2024, where another cow enzyme, GH B2, was found to have a similar effect on Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms. The current study involved testing the CRhAB enzyme on infected wounds in mice, using gauze dressings containing the enzyme. The researchers faced challenges in maintaining the gauze in place, as the mice instinctively tried to remove it.

Despite this, the team successfully optimized the experimental setup. Moving forward, the researchers are focusing on developing a wound dressing that could be applied to diabetic foot infections, and exploring the potential of administering the enzyme via inhalation to address respiratory infections.