​The Gastroenterologist rang the Microbiologist in a state of excitement, “we have a patient who we think has Whipple’s disease” he exclaimed. “How do we send samples?”
 
“Why do you think the patient has Whipple’s disease?” asked the grumpy Microbiologist (it had been a long day!).
 
Not put off by the Microbiologist's lack of enthusiasm the Gastroenterologist went on to explain about their patient with diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain and no other diagnosis.
 
“Okay, okay, send samples to us in normal saline and send some to the Histopathologists as well” replied the Microbiologist...“but you do know how rare Whipple’s disease is, don’t you?”

I think I might have missed my calling in life. In the past there were explorers searching out new lands, then plant hunters looking for the next new thing to put in your garden, and now there are “antibiotic hunters”! I want to be one!! Let me explain why…
 
An article in one of Nature’s associated magazines called Biofilm and Microbiomes (B&M) caught my eye; “Komodo dragon-inspired synthetic peptide DRGN-1 promotes wound-healing of a mixed-biofilm infected wound”1. What a catchy title?!
 
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a massive monitor lizard found on only five islands in Indonesia; Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. They grow up to 3 metres long and weigh about 70kg. They have been around for millions of years, a bit like alligators and crocodiles, but are much more dinosaur like than these. They are also capable of short sprints up to 20mph and that’s nearly as fast as Usain Bolt. How do I know all this? I’ve been to Komodo and Rinca to see Komodo dragons and they are amazing.