As a result of technological innovation, the use of genomic re- 2006 search in the battle against pathogenic has been gaining power over the past few years. The is the entire hereditary information of an organism coded by its DNA molecules. Genomic research in general, and pathogenomic research in particu- lar, provides us with novel understanding of bacteria and their rela- Bacteria – Friend or Foe? tions with the human body and the environment we live in and of their resistance to various medications. Such information is impor- tant and provides weapons against the rapid evolution of . Furthermore, it could provide a rapid epidemiological tool with the potential to locate the bacteria's natural reservoir and the source of outbreaks. For example, researchers have developed ge- netic markers that have enabled rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria in food and water as well as revealing the possible source of infection. Such developments, based on genetic research, are our hope for better and healthier future.

Genomics – facing the future

• Specific and sensitive treatment against pathogenic bacteria. Illustration: the double • Development of novel vaccines based on genetic knowledge. helix of DNA

• Novel development of rapid techniques to identify bacteria.

The brochures are published by the ERA-NET PathoGenoMics. Trans-European cooperation and coordination of genome and functional of human-pathogenic microorganisms. For more information on ERA-NET PathoGenoMics: www.pathogenomics-era.net ©Written, organized and designed by: by: and designed organized ©Written, Broza Y. Yoav Solnik– Hadas Isaac Bacteria – Friend or Foe? Some food & water bacterial Bacterium Related food Main Population at Risks Pathogenic bacteria, skilled warriors symptoms high risk Salmonella spp. Beef, poultry, milk, Diarrhoea, Elderly, infants Septicemia, Bacteria a r e Most virulent (hostile) fac- such as the ability to adhere to eggs, vegetables fever, and those with death single-celled, mostly tors of the bacterium are and penetrate into the body’s abdominal impaired immune independent organ- proteins that are encoded by cells, the ability to proliferate cramps systems isms that reproduce genes in the bacterial DNA in different areas in the body, Vegetables, meat Fever, muscle pregnant women, Miscarriage or by fission. (the genetic material) or by the ability to produce toxins monocytgenes and dairy products aches, nausea, newborns infants stillbirth, pre- chemicals secreted by the which destroy or damage diarrhea and adults with mature delivery, Pathogenic bacteria bacterium. body cells function and the impaired immune infection , death Are disease-causing ability to avoid the body's systems bacteria. Bacterial virulence is influ- defense, the immune system. enced by a number of factors Ground beef, Bloody diar- Children and the Kidney failure, O157:H7 unpasteurize milk, rhea elderly death However it is important to note, that there could be two genetically similar bacteria that sewage have very different pathogenic levels. Novel genetic technologies are requierd to distin- contaminated water guish between them. How can one avoid food contamination? Some recommendations: Bacteria and food & water poisonings *Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, such as poultry or beef. Food and water related infections are the diseases are caused by result of poor treat- *Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating. the consumption of ment and storage of *Uncooked meats should be kept separate from fruits, vegetables and ‘ready to eat’ foods. contaminated food, food or consumption Food: important *Unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized milk products should be avoided. infected by pathogenic of polluted water and tasty but could be harmful bacteria, parasites, tox- (e.g. sewage percolat- *Maintain good hygiene, wash hands thoroughly before handling food. ins and so on. Most ing ground water). The dangers – what do researchers need to cope with? Some statistics A variety of treatments are nowadays in use, such as antibiotics and vaccines, but their wide spread overuse causes drug resistant bacteria. *Based on the World *Based on the World Health *An estimated 27,000 Zoonotic diseases communicable from animals to humans (e.g. avian influenza) Health Organization re- Organization, there are over reported outbreaks in are caused by specific . gional office for Europe, a 8000 cases of infections with European countries Emergence of novel pathogenic bacteria or , whose source or spreading total number of 3,000,000 Salmonella spp. (see table) between 1995 and 2003 vector is unknown, cause epidemics and pandemics . cases related to microbi- per year. Furthermore, over were related to food- Current techniques for the identification of bacteria are not sensitive enough, ological foodborne dis- one million deaths resulted borne pathogenic bacte- take a long time, are costly and their reliability is sometimes doubtful. eases were reported from from infectious and parasitic ria. -use of pathogenic bacteria in terror attacks 1995-2003. diseases in European coun- tries between 1994-2004. Scientists are required to study these issues and Pathogenic bacteria to develop creative solutions. colonies