Sydney. A protein found in the blood of Australian oysters could be helpful in the fight against antibioticresistant superbugs, according to a study published Tuesday.
According to Xinhua news agency, a study conducted by a team from Southern Cross University (SCU) in Australia has revealed that a protein in the blood of Sydney rock oysters kills bacteria as well as has some action against several types of bacteria. Able to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics.
In laboratory tests they found that this protein was effective in killing bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, which cause pneumonia and strep throat, respectively.
When used with antibiotics, this protein becomes two to 32 times more effective at killing Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
The researchers said the study supports the potential use of natural products derived from oysters to treat bacterial infections.
They found that the protein is not toxic to human cells, indicating that it should be possible to adapt a safe antibiotic from oyster blood. Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) superbugs, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that no longer respond to antibiotics designed to kill them, have been identified as a major threat to global public health.
According to the World Health Organization, infections caused by AMR may be difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death.
The research team found that oyster proteins can kill bacterial pathogens in biofilms, communities of organisms that live together, allowing them to evade antibiotics and the human immune system.
“Mussel hemolymph proteins were found to inhibit biofilm formation and disrupt the biofilm, so bacteria remain available for antibiotic exposure at low doses,” said coauthor Kirsten Benckendorff, from SCU's Faculty of Science and Engineering.
He said that this discovery has provided a great opportunity for researchers and the aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries to collaborate to develop a new antibiotic.
—
– .
Image Credit: KhasKhabar.