E. coli Research Could Lead to Vaccine

     Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are the bacteria that cause about 400 million cases of diarrhea and about 400,000 deaths throughout the world per year. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy have been studying ETEC and have made a major breakthrough. They used comprehensive DNA analyses to reveal ETEC's genetic composition. This gives them the information necessary to determine how the bacteria spread. The team has found that some of the more dangerous strains are derived from a single bacterium that divided and spread throughout the entire world. Although that sounds negative, it has positive consequences for the researchers. This means they will be able to develop a vaccine that for the most common types that will globally benefit people throughout the world.

    The University of Gothenburg itself has one of the largest collections of ETEC strains. They have more than 3,200 strains. With this study specifically, the researchers focused on 362 specific strains. The analysis shows that the strains affect children, adults, and travelers are affected the same, which means the vaccine will treat all of these groups the same.
    This article caught my attention because it focused on ETEC, or E. coli. E. coli is something we seem to hear about somewhat often in the news with various outbreaks in the United States alone. However, this research suggests that this could be coming to an end, or at least tapering. The research seems like the vaccine should be successful, which would have great impacts around the world, considering 400,000 people die from these bacteria a year. The impact should be especially great in poorer countries where the bacteria infects and kills the highest numbers of people.

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141111092829.htm