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Source– This post on Newly discovered peptide that could treat incurable bacterial infections is based on the article “Newly Discovered Peptide Could Treat Incurable Bacterial Infections” published in “The scietech daily” on 6th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Researchers have identified an antimicrobial peptide derived from cows that shows promise in treating incurable infections caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This offers a new approach to tackle severe infections resistant to conventional antibiotics.
About K. pneumoniae bacterium
1. About K. pneumoniae: It is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines and is usually harmless. However, when it enters other parts of the body, it can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections.
2. Causes and its effect: The bacteria become a significant health hazard for vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with health conditions like diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, and liver disease.
3. Recent development: Some infections caused by K. pneumoniae cannot be effectively treated with existing antibiotics. Recently developed cow-derived peptides have been found capable of quickly killing K. pneumoniae by interacting with the sugar connections that maintain the slime structure, making it vulnerable. This breakthrough discovery might create new opportunities for treating drug-resistant infections.
About Peptides
| Aspects | Description |
| About Peptides | i) Peptides are short chains of amino acids naturally found in the body. ii) They are linked by peptide bonds and are essential for various biological functions. |
| Differences between Peptides and Proteins | i) Peptides are shorter than proteins. Peptides are defined as molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino acids, whereas proteins are made up of 50 or more amino acids. ii) Peptides tend to be less well defined in structure than proteins. |
| Functions of Peptides | i) Peptides have various functions in the body such as reducing inflammation, and helping to build muscle. ii) Some peptides work like hormones and can affect different parts of the body from where they are released. iii) Peptide supplements are often derived from food sources or synthesized for their health benefits. |
About Amino Acids
1. About Amino acids: They are the building blocks for proteins and peptides. There are 20 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins. Some amino acids are produced by the body, while nine essential amino acids must be obtained through diet.
2. Essential Amino Acids: The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Health)
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