Antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities of temporin-SHd, a 17-residue long membrane-damaging peptide

► Structure, activity and mechanism of action of temporin-SHd were studied. ► It is the first long temporin with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. ► A permeabilization/disruption of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane occurred. ► Activity is also observed against Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. ► We report a useful tool to analyze the antiparasitic mode of action of temporins.