Scientists have evidence that bacteria dangerous to humans
have begun evolving in insects, for reasons that are not clear.
The October edition of Nature Reviews: Microbiology reports
that invertebrates such as worms and insects may have begun
enabling a rapid evolution for bacteria normally not
harmful to humans. Not only are insects capable of
delivering disease through bites and stings, they now may be
the breeding ground for strains of infectious bacteria never
before seen in humans.
A group of English physicians led by Dr. Nick Waterfield of
the University of Bath has
already found an unusual new bacterium causing oozing sores
on its victims. They believe the new bacterium may have
evolved from one which previously only affected insects via
the nematode worm. This new strain has infected
approximately a dozen Americans and Australians so far.
?Understanding the mechanism that the bacteria use to change
their disease-causing ability is important if we are to
successfully treat emerging infectious diseases before they
get out of control and become epidemics,? says Dr.
Waterfield.
?The species of bacteria may have been around for centuries,
but it is just that a new strain evolves that is suddenly
able to infect humans as well as other animals,? Waterfield
said.
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