News

Discovery could ease E. coli threat

Scientists working with the Agriculture Research Service have discovered key interactions between a specific gene and a chemical that allow E. coli bacteria to colonize inside cattle.

They say the bacteria senses a key chemical that plays a critical role in allowing the bacteria to colonize inside the cattle’s gastrointestinal tract. It’s important because cattle not only host, but can shed the pathogen, which can cause illness in humans.

ARS animal scientist Thomas Edrington says that a better understanding of when, why and how these bacteria colonize could lead to practical applications in the future.

Research shows that “quorum sensing” chemicals are sensed by a regulator present in E. coli, prompting the pathogen to attach and colonize.

The researchers believe that limiting production of the regulator, or the chemical it senses, may eventually lead to new strategies for keeping E. coli from attaching inside the animal.

The NAFB News Service contributed to this article.