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Typhoid toxin aids survival in mice

Bacterial protein prolonged life of infected host animals with no increase in cancer

Salmonella enterica

TOXIN TANKS  The bacterium Salmonella enterica Typhi causes typhoid fever in humans and produces a DNA-damaging protein called typhoid toxin. Typhoid toxin appears to prolong survival and reduce gut inflammation in S. enterica-infected mice, a new study suggests. 

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By Sarah Schwartz

- More than 2 years ago

A DNA-damaging protein in typhoid bacteria might keep infected animals alive and provide a safe haven for the microbes.