Tackling specific E.coli strains could cut cancer risk, scientists suggest

Researchers used genomic surveillance to track different strains across different countries. Picture: Alamy/PA

Targeting specific strains of the bacteria E.coli with vaccines or other treatments could help reduce the risk of bowel, bladder and prostate cancers, according to scientists.

It comes as a study suggested higher cases of certain cancers in industrialised countries could be linked to two particular types of E.coli, which can cause infections in the urinary tract and bloodstream.