Certain strains of E. coli bacteria found to potentially increase cancer risk levels.

In a significant development for global health, researchers at Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) and the University of Lyon have been working on a potential solution to combat the harmful effects of specific strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. These strains, known for their production of a compound called colibactin, have been linked to an increased risk for certain cancers, including colorectal, bladder, and prostate cancer.

The study, which examined genomic data from several countries, compared the data with cancer incidence rates. The findings suggest that these E. coli strains are prevalent in industrialized countries like the UK and Norway, where rates of these cancers are relatively high. In contrast, such strains are rare in less industrialized countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, where cancer rates for these diseases are much lower.

DNA damage caused by colibactin has been linked to colorectal cancer and, more recently, to cancers of the bladder and prostate. Previous studies have shown that colibactin-producing E. coli can cause DNA breaks in human cells, with evidence of this damage found in tumor samples from colorectal cancer patients.

Addressing antibiotic reliance is significant in light of global health concerns related to antimicrobial resistance. Reducing infections caused by colibactin-producing E. coli could decrease the reliance on antibiotics, thereby preserving the effectiveness of existing treatments for other bacterial infections.

Two proposed strategies to mitigate the impact of these harmful bacteria are the development of vaccines targeting these strains and the creation of therapeutic probiotics designed to outcompete them in the gut. By lessening the need for antibiotics, these interventions could help preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments for other bacterial infections.

The research indicates that interventions to displace these strains, such as therapeutic probiotics, could help reduce their impact on human health. Comprehensive genomic data can inform strategies to address the risks associated with specific bacterial strains, and access to this data can provide insights into how specific bacterial traits influence health outcomes.

Global surveillance of bacterial strains is important for identifying trends and developing effective interventions. By understanding the prevalence and distribution of these harmful E. coli strains, researchers can focus their efforts on areas where the impact is greatest and develop targeted solutions to protect public health.

Certain strains of E. coli bacteria found to potentially increase cancer risk levels.