Zoo poo virus could save diabetes patients from limb amputations

Zoo poo virus could save diabetes patients from limb amputations

A crowned lemur enjoys a snack – and what goes in, must come out (Picture: Getty/Westend61) Viruses found in the poo of endangered animals could be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers and save the NHS £1 billion a year, researchers have suggested. A team from the University of Sheffield said naturally occurring viruses in the poo – known as bacteriophage or phages – could be included in dressings applied to untreatable ulcers with further researc…

Poo of endangered species ‘could help fight against diabetic ulcers’

University researchers have found faeces from animals including lemurs and Guinea baboons could save the NHS an estimated £1 billion a year by treating foot ulcers

Zoo animal poo could be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers - saving the NHS £1bn a year

The excrement of endangered animals could be used in so-called phage therapy, that has been found to combat bacteria resistance to antibiotics.

‘Zoo poo’ could save NHS £1bn a year

Naturally occurring viruses found in the faecal matter of some animals could be included in dressings used to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

'Zoo poo' could help treat diabetic foot ulcers and save NHS £1bn a year

The research used faecal matter from various animals, including Guinea baboons, lemurs and Visayan pigs, which are housed at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

‘Zoo poo’ could save NHS £1bn a year

Viruses found in the poo of endangered animals could be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers and save the NHS £1 billion a year, researchers have suggested.