Image: Lannon Harley, ANU
Image: Lannon Harley, ANU - Scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) have discovered new details about the tools used by bacteria to trigger dangerous food poisoning symptoms. They've shown for the first time how a new toxin can infect our cells, even when the body has successfully fought off others. Food poisoning is estimated to affect more than 4.1 million Australians every year - costing the economy $1.25 billion, and in some cases can cause death. Professor Si Ming Man and his colleagues study a foodborne bacteria known as Bacillus cereus . It carries the toxins responsible for causing diarrhoea and vomiting, and for helping the bacteria to multiply. Previously, the ANU researchers showed one of these toxins is used to kill cells in our body and establish an infection. "Now, we've discovered another toxin that's equally capable of destroying cells," Professor Man said.
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