An antiseptic used to treat wounds during World War I that has been out of use for more than 50 years could help fight superbugs and prevent future pandemics, Melbourne researchers have said.
The team from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research found that pre-treating people with Acriflavine protected cells against the common cold by triggering an anti-viral immune response.
The antiseptic, which is made from coal tar, can help prevent viral infections and cure bacterial ones.
Researcher Dr Michael Gantier says it was originally used to treat wounds and "sleeping sickness" in soldiers during World War I.
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Antiseptic used in WWI could hold key to treating superbugs, viral infections, Melbourne researchers say - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
This forgotten WWI antiseptic could be the key to fighting antibiotic resistance - ScienceAlert
The team from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research found that pre-treating people with Acriflavine protected cells against the common cold by triggering an anti-viral immune response.
The antiseptic, which is made from coal tar, can help prevent viral infections and cure bacterial ones.
Researcher Dr Michael Gantier says it was originally used to treat wounds and "sleeping sickness" in soldiers during World War I.
mo
Antiseptic used in WWI could hold key to treating superbugs, viral infections, Melbourne researchers say - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
This forgotten WWI antiseptic could be the key to fighting antibiotic resistance - ScienceAlert
