Oysters’ Antimicrobial Properties

• 23 Jan 2025

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

According to new research, antimicrobial proteins isolated from oyster hemolymph (the equivalent of blood) can kill certain drug resistant-bacteria.  

• The proteins can also improve the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against resistant bacteria species. 

 

What are the Key Facts Regarding Oysters’ Antimicrobial Properties? 

• Role of Oysters: Antimicrobial proteins and peptides from oyster hemolymph can: 
  • Kill bacteria like Streptococcus spp., responsible for pneumonia, tonsillitis, and rheumatic fever. 
  • Inhibit and penetrate biofilms that protect bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses. 
  • Enhance conventional antibiotics’ efficacy by 2 to 32 times. 
• Immune Defenses of Oysters: Oysters face many microorganisms in their marine environment, so they have strong immune defenses. 
  • Oyster hemolymph contains antiviral and antibacterial proteins and peptides effective against various human and marine pathogens. 
• New Antimicrobial Agents: Over 90% of antibiotics humans currently use are derived from nature. The same is true for over 65% of antibiotics under recent development. 
• Traditional Relevance: It is used in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory and inflammatory conditions. 
  • It is integral to the health practices of Indigenous Australians. 

Note: Globally, nearly 5 million people die from antimicrobial resistant infections each year.  

• The annual toll of antimicrobial resistant infections is expected to rise by 70%, with an estimated 40 million deaths between 2025 and 2050. 
• Biofilms are bacterial communities embedded in a self-produced substance that sticks to surfaces, shielding bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics.  
  • They are involved in nearly all bacterial infections. 

What are Oysters? 

• About: Oysters belong to the family Ostreidae and are classified as invertebrates. 
  • They are omnivorous and live in groups called colonies, beds, or reefs. 
  • They are covered with shells that are rough, rock-hard, and usually oval or pear-shaped. 
• Habitat: Oysters are found in shallow ocean waters worldwide and form colonies in beds or reefs. 
  • Food oysters can occasionally produce pearls, though they are not the same as pearl oysters, which belong to a different bivalve family. 
• Ecological Role: 
  • Keystone Species: Oysters are considered a keystone species as Oyster beds and reefs provide critical habitat and protection for various marine organisms, including sea anemones, barnacles, and mussels. 
    • Keystone species are organisms that have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystems relative to their abundance. E.g., Tigers, Sea Otters etc. 
  • Water Filtration: A single oyster can filter over two gallons of water per hour, amounting to up to 50 gallons per day. 
    • Oysters remove pollutants like nitrates, ammonia, phosphates, bacteria, and organic matter, significantly improving water quality and clarity. 
• Diet and Behavior: Oysters feed by filtering algae and food particles from water drawn over their gills.  
  • All oysters begin life as males but typically change permanently to females after about a year. Also, oysters can change gender multiple times during their lifespan. 
• Role as Food: They are high in calcium, iron, and protein and have been consumed raw or cooked by humans for thousands of years.  

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ) 

Prelims 

 Q. Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021)

(a) Catfish  

(b) Octopus 

(c) Oyster  

(d) Pelican 

Ans: (c) 

 Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2019)

1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

(a) 1 and 2  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1, 3 and 4  

(d) 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (b)