Argyrin B from myxobacteria selectively kills C. difficile

Researchers at HIPS (Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research) and Saarland University found that the natural compound argyrin B effectively suppresses Clostridioides difficile infection in lab tests and mice while sparing the gut microbiome. Given orally, it stays largely in the large intestine rather than entering the bloodstream.

• Argyrin B reduced C. difficile bacterial load in mice
• Taken orally, the compound stays in the large intestine, not the blood
• It has virtually no effect on beneficial gut microorganisms
• The argyrin target was previously identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa