Scientists find the “Achilles’ heel” of deadly gut bacteria

According to ScienceDaily, researchers have found what they're calling an "Achilles' heel" shared by E. coli, Shigella, and other bacteria behind the world's major diarrheal infections. The common weakness is a set of enzymes these microbes use to punch through the protective layer of mucus lining the gut. Because so many different pathogens rely on the same trick, scientists say targeting it could open the door to a single vaccine that heads off several major infections before they take hold.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton