The bacteria from food poisoning can stay in the gut for years and encourage the growth of another bacterium – AIEC (adherent-invasive E coli) – which has been linked to the development of Crohn’s, say researchers from McMaster University.
The theory is thus far based on tests on laboratory mice, which had higher levels of AIEC in their gut even after they had seemingly expelled bacteria from a bout of food poisoning. Over time, the symptoms got worse until they started to suffer from inflammation in the intestines, a typical symptom of Crohn’s.
The discovery could result in new tests and treatments, say the researchers.
(Source: PLOS Pathogens, 2016; 12: e1005907)
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