New e. coli strain that exclusively targets meat-eaters

Omnivores have something new to worry about besides their artery-clogging, diabetes-prone culinary lifestyle. A new strain of e.coli targest meat-eaters exclusively.

The bacterium – a strain of Escherichia coli – makes a toxin that does its worst by latching onto a sugar molecule that humans don’t have naturally. We can, only acquire it by eating red meat or dairy products.

The researchers who discovered this new danger thinks the acid the new strain of e.coli attaches itself to, GC, could be responsible in part for other meat related illnesses, such as “cancer, heart attack, and autoimmunity.”

New Scientist – Toxic bug has meat-eaters in its sights