Bacteria-killing viruses may treat stomach bugs
Researchers from the University of Nottingham are using bacteriophages, or viruses that can kill bacteria, as a potential treatment from stomach bugs.
The study is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation in the hopes of treating and preventing illnesses caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and others in children from developing countries.
Professor Paul Barrow in the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, who is leading the research, said: “In developing countries there is a huge amount of enteric disease.
“There is some evidence to suggest that gut flora — the bacteria that live in the gut — in childhood can offer protection against pathogens in later life and that it is tied up with the immunity of the host, their diet and other environmental factors.”
The 18-month project will start by testing the effect of bacteriophages in pigs, which have similar gut bacteria and immune system functions to humans.
If they can prove that these phages are effective in killing and preventing the growth of nasty bugs in the pig gut, this could be translated into a new method for improving intestinal health in children and newborn infants in the developing world.
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
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