Bacteria-infecting viruses bind mucosal surface and protect from disease

(University of Jyv ä skyl ä - Jyv ä skyl ä n yliopisto) Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have been shown to preferentially bind to mucosal surfaces. This has been suggested to provide an extra level of immunity against bacterial infections. Researchers at the University of Jyv ä skyl ä , Finland tested this idea using fish, phages (viruses) and a fish-infecting bacteria. Phages were confirmed to bind to the mucosal surface, staying there for days and give protection from subsequent bacterial infection. Research was published in mBio in November 2019.

Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - November 22, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: news