CIT scientists discover potentially fatal species of bacteria in monkeys

Scientists have discovered a species of bacteria in Cork which could be passed from monkeys to humans, with potentially fatal results for elderly people or those in poor health.

Tests carried out by CIT boffins on a rare lion-tailed macaque in Cork led to the discovery of the bacteria species which has been officially named Campylobacter corcagiensis — in honour of its hometown.

CIT’s CREATE team of Dr Roy Sleator, Dr Bridig Lucey and PhD student Monika Koziel were responsible for identifying the bacteria, which may have caused the monkey gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhoea.