Enzyme Found In Body Fluids Destroys Anthrax Bacteria

August 26, 2010: 12:03 PM EST

An antibacterial enzyme known as lysozyme applied to food could protect people from intentional contamination with anthrax, U.S. scientists report. Lysozome, which is found in human tears and other body fluids, destroys protective cell walls of bacteria. Lysozyme in breast milk protects infants from certain infections and in the whites of hens’ eggs protects developing chicks. In their study, the researchers used a surrogate bacterial strain considered a stand-in for anthrax in hens’ egg white, and found that the lysozyme in egg white effectively killed the bacterial spores. It also showed some activity in killing spores added to ground beef and milk. The scientists say more research is needed on the effect of lysozome on bacteria in other types of foods, such as ground beef, milk, fruit juices, and vegetables.

Saeed A. Khan, Ph.D., et al., "Toward Safer Foods for Human Consumption with Anthrax Protection", Presentation, national meeting of the American Chemical Society, August 26, 2010, © American Chemical Society

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Enzyme Found In Body Fluids Destroys Anthrax Bacteria

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