Oyster blood shows potential in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, say Australian scientists
Australian scientists have found that proteins in the blood of Sydney rock oysters may help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These proteins can kill bacteria and enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics, potentially making it easier to treat infections. The study shows that oyster hemolymph proteins can prevent bacteria from forming protective biofilms, which makes them harder to eliminate. They can also directly destroy harmful bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and boost antibiotic effectiveness significantly. While this discovery is promising, developing a new antibiotic from oyster blood is still in the early stages. For now, oysters remain a nutritious food that may support immune health.