Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, have identified three novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from dromedary camels capable of targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria, according to a study published January 21, 2026, in Frontiers in Immunology.
The study, which combined bioinformatics analysis with laboratory testing including colony-forming assays and electron microscopy, focused on strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Peptides designated CdPG-3 and CdCATH exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, inducing membrane damage and leakage without demonstrating high toxicity to camel or human red blood cells at lower concentrations.
The research team, including Wafa Al-Mamari of the Department of Biology, College of Science, and Yasmin Elhag of the Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, suggests the findings could offer alternatives to conventional antibiotics as antimicrobial resistance continues to escalate globally. The study acknowledges contributions from Dr. Ahmed Al-Alawi of the Food Science and Nutrition program at Sultan Qaboos University, as well as Dr. Meher Rizvi and Dr. Arwa Al-Rigibi from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine, SQU, who provided the bacterial strains used in the research.
Unlike traditional antibiotics, which can be rendered ineffective as bacteria develop resistance through target mutations, AMPs function by disrupting bacterial membranes, potentially reducing the risk of adaptation. The researchers note that the camels’ inherent resistance to infections common in other ruminants may be linked to these naturally occurring cathelicidin-like AMPs.
Future research will concentrate on optimizing these AMPs for potential clinical applications, leveraging Oman’s substantial camel population. The study authors state that their work “lays the foundation for exploring camel AMPs as therapeutics against resistant pathogens.”
