eli5: Does the salt water of the Oceans make aquatic Sealife less susceptible to infection?

Question

eli5: Does the salt water of the Oceans make aquatic Sealife less susceptible to infection?

In: 247

Answer 1

Salt only works against bacteria and virusses which are not used to endure higher concentrations. If you live in the sea, you are adapted to the concentrations of salt. They are your norm, what you need to properly function. And less salt may be harmful to you.

Many salt and freshwater species cannot live in the other habitat. This includes bacteria and fungi and such.