Exposure to bacterial toxins at a young age increases risk of colon cancer in the future, study finds

 

 

People who are exposed to bacterial toxins at a young age are at increased risk of developing colon cancer in the future, a study has found. A study published in Nature found that a toxin called colibactin, produced by some E. coli strains that live in the colon and rectum, has the ability to change DNA.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California. The study says that early exposure to colibactin causes small changes in the DNA of colon cells. The study also says that this increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer before the age of 50. However, the study does not prove that colibactin causes cancer. Interestingly, the new study only identified a link between mutations related to this toxin and the early stages of the disease. The new finding was made in a study of 981 patients in 11 countries. The new study also raises several questions, the researchers say. Researchers also explain that they still need to find out how children come into contact with colibactin-producing bacteria, whether there is any way to prevent it, and whether certain dietary or lifestyle factors contribute to the growth of such bacteria.