New pathogen from peptic ulcer disease

Scientists have isolated a new bacterium in the pig stomach thanks to a pioneering technique, which gives hope for new treatments for people with stomach ulcers, according to the study published. in the June issue of the international journal on evolution and classification of microbiology.

The bacterium that often causes stomach ulcers in humans is called Helicobacter pylori. A wide-ranging study was done on this bacterium, and two scientists discovered it won the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine in 2005.

However, in a small percentage of biopsies, a similar type of bacterium has not been identified before. Since the bacteria was tracked in 1990, many studies failed to grow them in the laboratory. Today Belgian scientists have succeeded.

Professor Freddy Haesebrouck of Gent University in Belgium said: 'We have developed a new method to cultivate this bacterium, and can now study their main characteristics and toxicity. . "

Scientists have to create a natural habitat for this bacterium - it's the stomach. They used acid, which can kill other bacteria but is necessary for this bacterium to grow. Coal is used to remove substances that are harmful to stomach bacteria.

An analysis has found that there is a new bacterium related to the stomach ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Its name suicobacter suis is derived from the word 'pig' in Latin.

(Photo: asiavn.vn)

Dr. Margo Baele of Gent University in Belgium said: 'H. suis has been associated with gastric ulcers in pigs, these ulcers can cause sudden death, and that is a big problem for farmers. Losses in the pork industry and the risk of bacteria spreading to humans require more research. The data show that people who have close access to pigs are at high risk of infection, suggesting that H. suis is an infectious agent, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. ' .

Dr. Freddy Haesebrouck said: 'We know very little about how bacteria spread to humans and pigs, and how it causes illness. Thanks to this study, there are currently the pure substances extracted from H. suis bacteria, bringing new perspectives to the study of this organism and its interaction with parasites'.

This new technique will allow researchers to determine if the bacterium will tolerate antibiotics. This will bring better treatment strategies for both pigs and humans. The researchers also hope it can develop an effective vaccine.