Scientists Learn More About a Foodborne Pathogen

We’re surrounded by bacteria; they live everywhere in our environment and even inside of our bodies. Many of those microbes are harmless, and some are also beneficial. But others can be extremely dangerous when they’re ingested. Bacillus cereus is one of those virulent microbes. It can contaminate food, and cause gastrointestinal symptoms in those that become infected.

Researchers at the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Australia have now learned more about the toxins produces by B. cereus, and how it impacts cells. This work will enable them to create better therapeutics for the infection. The bug can be found throughout the environment, and pathogenic strains have sickened people not only in Australia but in the United States and other countries.