Turkish researchers discover amoeba-based compounds effective against superbugs
Study at Biruni University identifies natural metabolites with strong antibacterial action, offering hope amid rising antibiotic resistance
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Researchers at Biruni University’s Faculty of Pharmacy have discovered that compounds derived from Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism commonly found in natural water sources, show potent antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA.
The groundbreaking study was led by Dr. Şevval Maral Özcan Aykol of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, in collaboration with associate professor Zuhal Zeybek from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Science, reported Daily Sabah.
According to a university statement, the findings could pave the way for new antibiotic development targeting deadly, drug-resistant infections prevalent in hospital environments.
Dr. Aykol explained that certain metabolites secreted by free-living Acanthamoeba species — typically found in lakes, rivers, seas, swimming pools, and even tap water — demonstrated effectiveness against bacteria that no longer respond to standard treatments.
“This is the first study of its kind in Türkiye. We drew inspiration from limited international research and built upon it with local samples,” Aykol said.
The team isolated Acanthamoeba from lake water and tested their acellular fluids — solutions without living amoebae — against resistant bacterial strains. Lab tests revealed up to 100% antibacterial effect against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Additional trials showed the fluids were 75.79% effective against Enterococcus faecalis, another resistant strain, and also impacted Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella.
The study focused on pathogens that frequently cause fatal infections in intensive care units. “We evaluated how amoeba-derived substances interact with high-risk bacteria in controlled settings at our research center,” said Aykol.
Citing World Health Organization warnings that antimicrobial resistance could result in millions of deaths by 2050, Aykol stressed the urgency of identifying alternative treatments.
She noted that while the study is a promising start, further work is needed — including isolating active ingredients, conducting toxicological testing, and verifying results in living organisms.
“This research shows nature may still hold answers to one of modern medicine’s biggest challenges,” Aykol said.
The study was featured on the cover of the March 2025 issue of the Journal of Basic Microbiology.
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