New defense mechanism against bacteria discovered

A research study has discovered a previously unknown mechanism that the body employs to control bacteria that enters the body during wounding. Thrombin, a common blood protein, aggregates the bacteria and their toxins around the wound, allowing the immune system to “eat them”. Researchers believe this could lead to finding alternates to antibiotics for fighting bacteria.

Summary here. Full research here.

Originally published at yourdailyscience.com on May 8, 2017.