Membrane-damaging activity of Taiwan cobra cardiotoxin 3 is responsible for its bactericidal activity

► Naja naja atra CTX3 shows bactericidal action on E. coli and S. aureus. ► CTX3 bactericidal activity depends highly on its ability to induce membrane permeability. ► Lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid inhibit CTX3 membrane-damaging activity.