U of G Discovery in the News
July 13, 2011 - In the News
A University of Guelph discovery that could help fight food-borne pathogens including E. coli and C. difficile was featured this week in the Toronto Star and on CTV news.
Food science professor Mansel Griffiths, director of the U of G-based Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, has found that a molecule in certain probiotics can help rid food-borne pathogens from the body.
The molecule prevents the bacteria from attaching to the intestinal wall so that they are flushed out. Griffiths believe the molecule interferes with bacterial communication, and that this discovery will work on many pathogens, including E. coli and C. difficile.
Oakville-based MicroSintesis Inc. recently licensed a patent from U of G for this research.
Griffiths has studied the pertinent molecule for several years. His work was highlighted in an article, “Keeping Bacteria at Bay,” in the spring 2008 issue of the University’s Research magazine (page 41).
