Scientists have discovered an antimicrobial protein found in the blood of Australian oysters that could help combat superbugs. The protein, isolated from the haemolymph of the Sydney rock oyster, has been shown to kill certain bacteria and enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health crisis that threatens to render critical drugs ineffective by 2050. The new research suggests that the oyster protein could provide an alternative solution. In lab tests, it was effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, which cause pneumonia and strep throat.
When used in combination with antibiotics, the oyster protein improved their effectiveness against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, more research is needed to purify the protein and understand its mechanism of action.
The study’s findings have sparked excitement among scientists, who see this discovery as a potential breakthrough in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The protein could be used to treat respiratory infections that are resistant to regular antibiotics due to biofilms.
While the oyster protein shows promise, it is not yet clear if eating it would be effective. Unlike conventional antibiotics, antimicrobial proteins can be broken down by the digestive system before reaching their target site. Further research is needed to determine its potential as a treatment for human infections.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/21/australia-sydney-rock-oyster-blood-drug-resistant-superbug-bacteria-antibiotics