Antimicrobial proteins isolated from oyster hemolymph (the equivalent of blood) can kill certain bacteria responsible for a range of infections.
The proteins can also improve the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against the problematic bacteria species.
Oysters are exposed to the high concentrations of diverse microorganisms in their natural marine environment.
Because of this, they have evolved strong immune defences.
The antimicrobial proteins in the hemolymph of Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) are particularly effective at killing Streptococcus spp. bacteria.