Typhoid toxin increases host survival and promotes asymptomatic infection

(PLOS) Genotoxins damage the genetic material in cells and can cause mutations and cancer. Some bacteria code for and produce genotoxins. A study published on April 7th in PLOS Pathogens reports the surprising finding that one of them, typhoid toxin, actually increases survival of the infected host and promotes long-term colonization without causing disease in the host. The work, the authors say 'poses the semantic and biological question of whether 'toxin' is the appropriate designation'.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/p-tti033116.php

Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - April 7, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news