Colombian frogs: promising source of new antibiotics

Abstract

Background: In middle Magdalena of the Antioquia region, Colombia frog secretions have been used as antibacterial agents, the purpose of this study is to assess the antibacterial activity of six frog species secretions. Methods: the Kirby-Bauer and the microdilution methods were used to evaluate antibacterial activity of the frogs secretions against S. aureus and E. coli, using two positive controls, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Results: secretions of all six families showed inhibition zones, the concentration at which this zone was bigger was assayed later by the microdilution method and compared to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Only the secretion from the Phyllomedusidae exhibited a comparable effect to that one of control antibiotics. Conclusions: in here we provide evidence that secretions from local frogs have an antibacterial effect against two strains of bacteria, further studies are needed to identify the peptides in the secretions and a wider range of safe concentrations for human use.