Brasília, November 18, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Researchers at the Butantan Institute are developing a new diagnostic method capable of speeding up and reducing the cost of treating intestinal infections caused by various types of the Escherichia coli bacteria. The new method will permit the detection and identification of E coli bacteria directly in stool and food samples through analysis of proteins coded by bacterial genes, the so-called virulence factors.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), each year approximately three million people in the world are fatal victims of intestinal infections and severe diarrheas caused by the ingestion of bacterias from contaminated water and food. Other studies reveal that diarrheas also contribute to malnourishment and stunted physical and mental development.

According to the researcher and formulator of the project, Roxane Piazza, the new technology will permit more effective and rapid treatment, as well as better accompaniment in the medium and long run. She explains that similar methods have already been described and are commercially available in developed countries, "but these methods and diagnostic kits are extremely expensive and unsuited for use in developing countries." (University News Agency-USP) (DAS)