July 22, 2008
Philippine scientists discover mushroom-derived antibiotic
Scientists have discovered an antibiotic-producing microorganism from mushroom, which has been found to be effective in treating livestock diseases, especially swine diseases, according to the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).
The mushroom-derived antibiotic may possess the potential to solve the problem of high mortality rate from animal diseases.
NRCP plant pathologist Dr Asuncion Raymundo and her team analysed the genetic code of the mushroom species Clitopilus passeckerianus. The team used classical and recombinant DNA techniques to determine how this mushroom species produces the antibiotic called pleuromutilin, which prevents the bacteria from producing protein.
Without protein, the bacteria will stop reproducing and subsequently dies. Pleuromutilin also acts as the building block for the production of tiamulin, a biological compound effective in treating common hog diseases such as mycoplasma, arthritis, enzootic pneumonia, and dysentery.
This discovery may prompt more government funding and support in order to boost the Philippines' pig producing industry and make it more competitive.
