They aren’t pretty but they are pretty scary. If the predictions of some Louisiana scientists come true, however, people in general may develop a whole new attitude when it comes to those ferocious-looking alligators so abundant in Louisiana’s marshlands.

It seems that alligators have a unique ability to develop an immediate immunity when exposed for even the first time to many of the microbes that cause infection, disease, and death in humans. Immediate immunity may be an evolutionary solution to the frequent wounds one alligator inflicts on another over territorial battles that can be quite fierce.

Isolating the antibiotic and antifungal proteins from their blood may prove to be a powerful weapon in the medical arsenal against drug-resistant strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, often referred to as superbugs. Some potential uses could be treating the infections diabetics often develop that lead to amputation; persistent Candida yeast infections which plague patients with AIDS, impaired immune systems, and transplanted organs; and burn patients who battle infections that make it difficult for their skin to heal.

Laboratory tests have proven that even a very small amount of protein extracts from alligator blood kills many strains of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), often associated with healthcare facilities and which claims the lives of thousands of Americans each year. Research even suggests that alligator blood proteins may be useful in the fight against HIV.

Mark Merchant, PhD, biochemist at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and colleagues Kermit Murray and Lancia Darville, both associated with Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, say the alligator blood extracts are particularly promising when used as a topical ointment and they express hope that the alligator proteins will some day be marketed as antifungal and antibacterial drugs in both pill and cream form.

There are several factors under further study to determine the exact chemical structure in the alligator blood that brings such promise. Once isolated, it may be possible to use it in pharmaceutical formulations. Researchers estimate seven to ten years more research and development time before gator-blood remedies hit pharmacy shelves.

In the meantime, researchers warn against using raw alligator blood as a home remedy. In an unprocessed state, it can cause sickness and death to humans.

This study, funded by the National Science Foundation and the state of Louisiana, was reported yesterday at the American Chemical Society’s 235th national conference in Louisiana.