Findings of the Efficacy of Komodo Blood to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs Bacteria

Liputan6.com, Jakarta A photo of a komodo “intercepted” a truck going viral a few weeks ago. This has also triggered public concentration on the resort development plan on Rinca Island. Several parties highlighted the impact of project development on the Komodo dragon.

Some people are worried that the process of building a modern tourist park on Rinca Island will actually disturb the native Indonesian animals. In addition, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) NTT have also criticized the project.

According to the Director of Walhi NTT Umbu Wulang Tanaamahu Paranggi, if the government wants to develop tourism komodo, should focus on science and conservation of Komodo dragon habitat, in matters of genetics, ecosystems, anthropology, social relations with local communities.

“So, science is being promoted, Komodo civilization science tourism,” said Umbu, as reported by the Liputan6.com Regional Kanal.

Apart from the pros and cons of developing a tourism project on Rinca Island, the latest studies on Komodo dragons reveal the potential of native Indonesian animals to overcome super bacteria.

Researchers in Washington, DC, United States, designed an antidote or drug developed from Komodo dragon blood to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study revealed that this native Indonesian reptile managed to survive the conditions full of bacteria.

“Komodo dragons have been very successful in surviving conditions infested with malignant bacteria that live with them,” said Monique Van Hoek, associate director of the School of Systems Biology at George Mason University, who led the study.

Researchers developed a new type of antibiotic, DRGN-6, by combining two genes found in Komodo dragon blood. Use Komodo dragon blood In research it sounds like a children’s fairy tale about witch’s potions, but preclinical studies of DRGN-6 show this new antibiotic has been successful in killing the resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is the culprit of the aggressive type of pneumonia.

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