Our bodies are remarkable. A new study published in the journal Cell reveals that the vaginal microbiome harbors specialized bacteria producing potent molecules with antibiotic properties—ideal for treating vaginal infections.
Researchers at the University of California identified key commensal bacteria, scientifically known as Lactobacillus gasseri. These beneficial microbes constantly bolster our immune defenses and generate lactocillin, a natural antibiotic strikingly similar to pharmaceutical treatments for vaginal infections.
Unlike over-the-counter chemical antibiotics that wipe out both good and bad bacteria indiscriminately, these natural compounds selectively target pathogens, preserving the microbiome's balance.
Even more impressive: the team uncovered 3,118 distinct bacterial gene clusters in the human body dedicated to synthesizing these therapeutic molecules.
"Typically, drugs are discovered by pharmaceutical companies, approved by the FDA, and prescribed by doctors. Here, we find that bacteria living in us can bypass this entire lab process," says Michael Fischbach, a lead biologist on the study, in an interview with The Huffington Post.
"The methods used to identify these bacteria could revolutionize pharmaceutical research and drug manufacturing," he adds.
