Researchers from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History have discovered a promising bacterial probiotic, McH1-7, that effectively treats and helps prevent stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a devastating disease affecting Florida’s coral reefs since 2014. Traditionally, amoxicillin has been the only antibiotic treatment available, but it risks fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria. SCTLD has caused significant coral mortality, impacting at least 24 hard coral species that are vital to marine ecosystems and coastal protection. The study, published in Communications Biology, identified 83 antimicrobial bacterial strains from disease-resistant corals, with McH1-7 proving particularly effective in laboratory tests; it halted disease progression in 68.2% of infected coral fragments and prevented spread in 12 trials. This probiotic solution represents a potential breakthrough, as it circumvents the issues associated with traditional antibiotic treatments. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to assess the probiotic’s effectiveness across different coral species while developing improved application methods for field use. As coral reefs face threats from multiple stressors, including pollution and climate change, this research offers an essential glimmer of hope for coral conservation by promoting healthier ecosystems without contributing to antibiotic resistance.
