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Expert Research: The Surprising Source of Next-Gen Antibiotics: Oyster Blood

TCUs Shauna McGillivray has her work featured in Phamed.com

Mar 10, 2025

1 min

Shauna McGillivray


Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern across the world and it has doctors worried and scientists working hard to find a solution


Basically, AMR is when bacteria and viruses no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. The result is making infections harder to treat and increases the risk of spreading disease.


Recently, Texas Christian University researcher Shauna McGillivray commented on exciting new research in this area that was featured in the media:


The search for a solution to antimicrobial resistance found something. And researchers found it in a true “it’s always the last place you look” location. Australian oysters. Or more specifically, Australian oyster blood. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPPs) “… are an exciting area with a lot of potential,” said Shauna McGillivray, professor of biology at TCU with an emphasis on host-pathogen interactions. “[They] are by themselves very potent but, as has been noted in multiple studies, they can also synergize with existing antibiotics, thereby improving efficacy of antibiotics, even in some cases to antibiotics to which there are high levels of resistance.” Feb. 22 -Phamed.com



This is an amazing find and could be groundbreaking for the pharmaceutical industry and health care.


And if you're looking to know more about this research and what it means for health care - then let us help.


Shauna McGillivray, associate professor of biology is available to speak with media about her recent research - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.




Connect with:
Shauna McGillivray

Shauna McGillivray

Professor & Associate Department Chair

Biology expert, focusing on genetic methods of fighting disease

Antibiotic ResistanceMicrobiologyIntersections of Genetics and DiseaseBacterial Virulence in GenesBacterial Pathogenesis
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