Can Fish Mucus Fight Infections? Exploring Its Medical Potential

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as one of the most serious global health threats today. It occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to resist drugs that were once effective against them  [2, 4]. This problem is largely driven by the widespread misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, which accelerates the development of resistant strains. While resistance can occur naturally through genetic mutations and the transfer of resistance genes, the increasing cases of drug-resistant infections is making many treatments less effective and increasingly difficult to manage worldwide [1, 3, 5].

Despite many studies and ongoing efforts to fight against these microorganisms, their ability to adapt quickly continues to reduce the effectiveness of current treatments. While global studies provide useful data to guide policies and interventions, their complexity often makes them less relevant at the local level where antimicrobial resistance is actually experienced and managed  [6, 7]. In the search for new ways to combat this growing problem, researchers are now looking at an unlikely source: fish mucus. This slimy layer contains natural compounds that can fight harmful microbes, offering a potential new weapon against resistant pathogens.

Fish mucus is more than just a slimy coating. It serves as the first line of defense against harmful microorganisms of fishes in their aquatic environment. Packed with water and gel-forming molecules like mucins and glycoproteins, this mucus stores a wide range of natural immune molecules such as lysozyme, immunoglobulins, complement proteins, lectins, antibacterial peptides, and enzymes [8, 9, 10]. These antimicrobial peptides can act against both fish and human pathogens, often targeting bacterial membranes directly, making them promising candidates for developing new therapeutic applications. Moreover, the mucus layer also supports essential functions such as reducing friction, regulating water balance, respiration, reproduction, feeding, and even communication, showing how vital it is to the fish’s survival [11, 12, 13].

The World Health Organization has long emphasized the need for a coordinated global effort to contain antimicrobial resistance. Over the years, it has proposed strategies that include improving health systems, promoting proper use of antibiotics, strengthening infection prevention, and supporting the development of new drugs and vaccines. Tackling AMR effectively also requires a One Health approach that considers humans, animals, and the environment [2, 4]. This means enhancing surveillance, promoting stewardship programs, investing in research, and raising public awareness. Multidisciplinary efforts across healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sectors are essential, and promising alternatives such as probiotics, antibodies, and vaccines are showing potential as preventive or supportive therapies for the future [5, 8, 11].

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References

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8. Fekih-Zaghbib, S., Ksouri, Q., & Bouhaouala-Zahar, B (2023). Differences in fish mucus proteomes identify potential antimicrobial peptide biomarkers. Developmental & Comparative Immunology. doi: 10.1016/j.dci,2023.104730

9. Nazurally, N., Balambha, S., Damry, K., Facknath, S., & Sadeer, N. (2023). Antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activity from the cocoon of the Parrotfish (Genus Scarus: Laboridei: Scaridae). Regional Studies in Marine Science. doi: 10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102912

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13. Nainu, F., Permana, A., Djide, N., Anjani, Q., Utami, R., Rumata N., Zhangm J., Emran, T., & Simal-Gandara, J. (2021). Pharmaceuticals approaches on antimicrobial resistance: prospects and challenges. MPDI Journals. doi: 10.2290/antibiotics10080981

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board