Researchers have discovered that proteins found in oyster blood have bacteria-killing properties and can boost the effectiveness of some common antibiotics whose use has been negatively affected by the global rise in drug resistance.

In new research published today in PLOS ONE, we show that 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 problematic bacteria species.

Super bugs resistant to existing antibiotics are a growing health problem around the world. Now, scientists believe they've found a possible solution in oysters. Marine scientist Kirsten Benkendorff says the research was sparked because oysters have strong immune defences.

While slurping oysters is not likely to replace popping a pill, they could help in the fight against superbugs. A groundbreaking find by Southern Cross University has shown oysters might be able to help treat a growing worldwide public health problem: antibiotic-resistant bacteria.