UK Scientists Discover Salmonella’s Sweet Tooth Could Lead to Vaccination Against It

UK scientists have shown in new research that the food-poisoning bug Salmonella relies on glucose for its survival, a discovery that could apparently provide a new way to vaccinate against it. Steven D. Bowden, et al, “Glucose and glycolysis are required for the successful infection of macrophages and mice by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium,” Infection and Immunity (April 20, 2009). Institute of Food Research (IFR) scientists claim that their discovery of Salmonella’s weakness for sugar could also lead to vaccine strains to protect against other disease-causing bacteria, including superbugs.

“This is the first time that anyone has identified the nutrients that sustain Salmonella while it is infecting a host’s body,” said study co-author Arthur Thompson in a statement from IFR, which called the discovery “a major breakthrough.” The next phase of the research will reportedly test whether mutant strains elicit a protective immune response in mice. See IFR Press Release, May 2009.