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.

Fri, 06 Jun, 2014 - 01:00

Sean O’Riordan

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.

There are only 3,000 lion-tailed macaques left in the world.

Dr Sleator said the big question was whether the bacteria could be spread to humans.

“A lot of campylobacter bacteria can lead to food poisoning in humans and if they are old or their health is compromised it could kill.”

He said the team would have to handle the bacteria with care until this was either proved or disproved and they would be working closely with Cork University Hospital on the project.

“We are now embarking on the second stage to see if it is dangerous. This could take anything from months to years to complete,” Dr Sleator said.

Dr Lucey said in approximately 80% of severe human gastroenteritis cases no cause was found.

She said the CREATE team was hoping to find bad bacteria and eliminate them, while at the same time work closely with UCC to encourage good bacteria which live in the gut.

“Full marks to Monika. It’s not every day a PhD student finds a new species,” Dr Lucey said.

The discovery of the bacteria will be officially announced today at opening of the €5m CREATE building at CIT by Research and Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock.

The 1,600sq m building will provide space for more than 60 researchers and their academic and business partners.

The centre will focus on finding solutions to public health problems, improving disease diagnosis and stimulate the discovery of new and more effective medicines.