Streptomyces also can produce streptozotocin, a known trigger of Alzheimer's pathology. The production of Abeta by degus could serve as a protective mechansim against brain infection by streptomyces.

Coincidentally, streptomyces produce an aminopeptidase that degrades beta amyloid monomers, oligomers and fibrils.

The one study that didn't find such AD pathology in degus brains used captive degus housed under controlled conditions, which could have limited their exposure to soil bacteria and the innate immune response to it.

Perhaps this will be helpful information for your investigations.

Eli Kammerman