It would appear that ants are also capable of harnessing the power of antibiotics for keeping their colonies alive, just like humans do. The finding was made by experts in the United Kingdom.
The research team, based at the University of East Anglia, conducted a series of investigations on the renowned fungus-farming ants, which live in the southern parts of the United States.
They are however endemic to the forests of South and Central America, researchers say. Their scientific name is Acromyrmex octospinosus, but they are also known as leaf cutter ants.
UEA researchers found in their studies that these social insects were capable of using antibiotics derived from bacteria in order to keep their fungus gardens alive and healthy.
The chemicals are used to keep the growth of the fungus under control, and also to kill various species of invading weeds, that were competing with the ants' plants for space and survival.
Details of the investigation appeared yesterday, August 26, in the esteemed journal BMC Biology.
The experts say that growing only the right type of fungus is vital for the survival of the colony, given that the stuff is used to feed both the nest's queen, and the larvae. If any harm comes to either of them, the very survival of the colony is jeopardized.
The antibiotics that the ants use are produced by actinomycete bacteria, which can be found on the bodies of the ants themselves. The two organisms have over millions of years learned to live in symbiosis.
This particular type of ants was chose because it represents the species that creates the most impressive colonies in the animal kingdom. Their nests can feature as much as several million individuals.
“"This was really a fun project which started with a PhD student, Joerg Barke, streaking leaf-cutting ants onto agar plates to isolate antibiotic producing bacteria,” says UEA professor Dr Matt Hutchings.
“We found a new antifungal compound that is related to a clinically important antifungal named nystatin so we're excited about the potential of these ants and other insects to provide us with new antibiotics for medical use,” he adds.
Funding for the investigation was provided by the UK Medical Research Council,
“It's also very exciting that ants not only evolved agriculture before humans but also combination therapy with natural antibiotics. Humans are just starting to realize that this is one way to slow down the rise of drug resistant bacteria – the so called superbugs,” the team leader concludes.
Follow the editor on Twitter @tudorvieru The research team, based at the University of East Anglia, conducted a series of investigations on the renowned fungus-farming ants, which live in the southern parts of the United States.They are however endemic to the forests of South and Central America, researchers say. Their scientific name is Acromyrmex octospinosus, but they are also known as leaf cutter ants.UEA researchers found in their studies that these social insects were capable of using antibiotics derived from bacteria in order to keep their fungus gardens alive and healthy.The chemicals are used to keep the growth of the fungus under control, and also to kill various species of invading weeds, that were competing with the ants' plants for space and survival.Details of the investigation appeared yesterday, August 26, in the esteemed journal BMC Biology.The experts say that growing only the right type of fungus is vital for the survival of the colony, given that the stuff is used to feed both the nest's queen, and the larvae. If any harm comes to either of them, the very survival of the colony is jeopardized.The antibiotics that the ants use are produced by actinomycete bacteria, which can be found on the bodies of the ants themselves. The two organisms have over millions of years learned to live in symbiosis.This particular type of ants was chose because it represents the species that creates the most impressive colonies in the animal kingdom. Their nests can feature as much as several million individuals.“"This was really a fun project which started with a PhD student, Joerg Barke, streaking leaf-cutting ants onto agar plates to isolate antibiotic producing bacteria,” says UEA professor Dr Matt Hutchings.“We found a new antifungal compound that is related to a clinically important antifungal named nystatin so we're excited about the potential of these ants and other insects to provide us with new antibiotics for medical use,” he adds.Funding for the investigation was provided by the UK Medical Research Council,“It's also very exciting that ants not only evolved agriculture before humans but also combination therapy with natural antibiotics. Humans are just starting to realize that this is one way to slow down the rise of drug resistant bacteria – the so called superbugs,” the team leader concludes. Copyright © 2001-2010 Softpedia. Contact/Tip us at
researchers led by Dr Matt Hutchings have discovered that  deploy several antibiotics to protect fungi they grow as food for their queen and larvae.  It is the first time ants have been found using more than one antibiotic in combination.  The new antibiotics discovered have anti-fungal effect, and can be useful for modern medicine. UK  funded the investigation.

Leafcutter ant Acromyrmex octospinosus on a stick carrying a leaf 
'''' leaf cutter ants form the biggest known animal colonies, reaching several million individuals.  They are native to South and Central America, but are now found in the southern United States as well.  They are known to grow fungi gardens, and this is why the researchers looked into the interaction of ants and fungi.  The scientists collected them from three colonies in Trinidad and Tobago.  UEA professor Dr Matt Hutchings explained, "This was really a fun project which started with a PhD student, Joerg Barke, streaking leaf-cutting ants onto agar plates to isolate antibiotic producing bacteria."

The health of a certain type of fungus gardens is vital for the ants colony since the fungus is used to feed larvae and the queen. The antibiotics act both as  and regulators of fungus growth. The antibiotics are produced by '''' bacteria, which live in a state of  with the ants, and are found on the bodies of the ants themselves. The symbiotic relationships benefit both the ants and the bacteria.

As a result of the study, a new antibiotic has also been discovered.  It's related to '''', one of the antifungals used in modern medicine.  The researchers expect to discover more new antibiotics and are optimistic about their use in medicine.  Dr Matt Hutchings who was leading the research said, "It's also very exciting that ants not only evolved agriculture before humans but also combination therapy with natural antibiotics.  Humans are just starting to realize that this is one way to slow down the rise of drug resistant bacteria — the so called superbugs."


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