USF inventors have developed a novel fusion protein that is the combination of a human defensin and the lysis protein of a bacteriophage called LHD. LHD bypasses antibiotic resistance by not being an antibiotic drug. LHD was shown to lyse C. difficile at lower minimum inhibitory concentration than top antibiotics like metronidazole and vancomycin. It has also been shown to be effective over a range of pHs, working in neutral, acidic and basic environments. Finally, LHD inhibits the cytotoxicity of toxin B, preventing disruption of the body through unwanted acute inflammation. It works on a number of strains, including epidemic strains.
Lytic Activity of LHD (red) on a Strain of C. difficile