Alligator blood could help fight HIV

Research has found that proteins found in Alligator blood could help fight HIV and antibiotic resistant superbugs in humans.

Scientists have found that proteins from their white blood cells can kill a wide variety of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Lancia Darville, one of the researchers, said: "Studies carried out by Merchant showed the 'gator serum had antiviral activity against the human immunodeficiency virus."

Blood samples were taken from alligators which had been injected with a substance to stimulate their immune systems. They then extracted proteins from infection-fighting white blood cells and these killed a range of bacteria, including MRSA, in laboratory tests.

A group from Merchant is now working to isolate and identify the antibiotic peptides responsible for the microbe fighting power seen in the alligator's immune response. If successful they aim to develop the chemical structures for use as drugs in human medicine.

International Aids charity Avert estimates that there are 33.2 million people living with HIV and Aids worldwide.