Life Science log

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Ever wonder why even if you're exposed to bacteria in your food that could cause food poisoning, you don't get sick?Now, one scientist presenting at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting says he's uncovered some clues. According to Professor Colin Hill, bacteria use different "tricks" to help them survive inside the body.One of the biggest problems for food-borne bacteria is acid. Acidic conditions in the stomach and gut kill most microbes found in contaminated food. The researchers showed that Listeria bacteria, which may be found in soft cheeses and chilled, ready-to-eat products, can overcome harsh acid conditions by exploiting key food ingredients.Researchers also say the amino acid glutamate can help bacteria neutralize acid, allowing them to pass through the stomach. "People who consume foods that are contaminated with Listeria and are also high in glutamate, such as soft cheese or meat products, have a higher chance of developing serious infection than some

"People who consume foods that are contaminated with Listeria and are also high in glutamate, such as soft cheese or meat products, have a higher chance of developing serious infection than someone eating the same quantity of bacteria in a low-glutamate food," he said. "Of course this is further complicated by the fact that a contaminated, low-glutamate food could be eaten in combination with a high-glutamate food such as tomato juice, which could also increase the risk of infection."
"The number of cases of listeriosis has nearly doubled in the last decade in Europe. This is because the bacterium is so good at overcoming the challenges it faces in food and in the body," he said.