Australian researchers have modified probiotic microbes -- 'good' bacteria -- that may be useful in preventing or treating travelers' diarrhea, an all too common problem during trips to certain countries.
The microbes work against a type of E. coli bacteria that causes diarrhea by producing a chemical that is toxic to intestinal cells. The probiotic microbes carry a molecule that looks a lot like the toxin receptor found on intestinal cells. This mimicry causes the toxin to bind to the microbes instead of the intestinal cells.
Good bacteria may help against travelers' diarrhea
