AN ANTIBIOTIC found in crocodiles and alligators being touted around the world as a potential breakthrough cure for hospital superbugs was discovered in the Northern Territory.
CROC ELIXIR: A possible life-saving antibiotic found in crocs was discovered in the Territory
Dr Adam Britton, from Darwin-based crocodile research group Big Gecko, discovered almost a decade ago that crocodiles contained powerful antibiotics that could be used to fight MRSA -- an anti-biotic resistant type of golden staph commonly found in hospitals.
Now, American scientist Dr Mark Merchant from the NcNeese State University in Louisiana has found the same antibiotic properties exist in American alligators.
The finding has been hailed in the United States and United Kingdom in the fight against hospital superbugs, which can cause serious illness or even death.
Dr Britton first made the discovery after observing the crocodile's remarkable powers of recovery.
"I observed crocodiles that had all kinds of injuries and they never seemed to get an infection, despite the fact they were living in filthy water,'' he said.
Working with Dr Gill Diamond from the New Jersey Medical School, Dr Britton found crocodiles had a strong immune system -- powered by antimicrobial peptides in their blood -- that was able to combat even antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Dr Britton said if the peptides could be harnessed they could prove ground-breaking for human medicine.
"We called this substance crocodillin, in homage to penicillin because we thought that, like penicillin, it could have a major impact on medical science,'' he said.
Dr Britton said he had insisted the crocodile deserved some credit.
"We really want to make sure that the saltwater crocodile remains in the limelight because this is where the discovery was first made,'' said Dr Britton.