Reseachers at the Western College of Mediciine have identified a molecule they believe could revolutionize swine health.
Dr. Matheus Costa, Associate Professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and his research team identified the molecule that not only kills bacteria but also strengthens a pig’s immune response.
That helps fight off multiple pathogens, including viruses and potentially even fungi.
The discovery emerged during trials focused on swine dysentery, a costly and persistent disease in global pig production.
All pigs in the study shared the same genetics, environment, and feed—but some remained resilient. Upon deeper investigation, the researchers found that these pigs carried higher levels of a specific peptide or protein—a naturally occurring molecule that appeared to be doing double duty: fighting off harmful bacteria and modulating the immune response.
Unlike antibiotics, this molecule works across a broader spectrum—impacting bacteria, viruses, and potentially fungal infections—without contributing to antimicrobial resistance, they reported.
