Archaeal-derived antimicrobials effective against plant, animal, and human pathogens

Unmet Need: Effective prevention and treatment of fire blight, an emerging concern in apple and pear orchards.

Fire blight is a one of the most destructive diseases in apple and pear crops, resulting not only in lost crops but the destruction of entire orchards depending on the timing of infection and environmental factors. This destruction produces significant economic impacts – totaling more than $100 million per year and growing. The disease, caused by bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is expected to grow in coming years due to climate change. Current treatment and prevention strategies rely on antibiotics like streptomycin, but antibiotic resistance is increasing, efficacy is highly dependent on timing, and infection, once established, is difficult to defeat entirely. There is significant unmet need for a novel antimicrobial capable of controlling fire blight. 

The Technology: A novel, archaeal-derived antimicrobial capable of controlling Erwinia amylovora, the bacteria that causes fire blight.

Researchers at WSU have discovered an archaeal-derived antimicrobial effective against Erwinia amylovora. The antimicrobial is (benefit 1, benefit 2, benefit 3). In vitro data suggests that the agent is highly effective, heat-stable, and provides lasting antibiotic activity against E. amylovora.

Applications:

• Prophylactic treatment to prevent orchard infestation with E. amylovora
• Treatment to reduce spread of active infections of E. amylovora

Advantages:

• Stable under low pH
• Stable at high temperatures
• More effective than existing options for prevention and treatment

Patent Information:

A provisional patent application has been filed.