The intestinal Escherichia coli bacteria, commonly called E. coli, promote the development of colon cancer, according to a study by researchers at INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research).
Bacteria usually peacefully colonize the human digestive tract. But, according to the study, some strains are still able to produce a substance harmful to the DNA of colonic epithelial cells. This provokes a change in the number and structure of chromosomes in intestinal cells, causing a malignant transformation of cells.
Study authors write: "The phenomena of chromosomal instability and gene mutations are common causes of malignant transformation of cells and are fundamental in the genesis of cancer."
The presence of certain strains of the bacteria is therefore a predisposing factor for the development of cancer.
The study was done jointly by the veterinary school and hospital centre in Toulouse, France.