Scientists in Belgium have genetically modified commensal bacteria present in the tsetse fly to fight the parasite responsible for sleeping sickness. The scientists modified the bacteria Sodalis glossinidius and altered its genes so it released antibodies against the parasite trypanosome which is responsible for causing African typanosomiasis, sleeping sickness. This disease is prevalent in many regions of Africa and without treatment is fatal.
Our media policy
This is the era of applied microbiology with stories every day in the media about avian flu, MRSA, C. difficile and MMR to name just a few. A measure of the respect that SfAM's Communication team has gained is that journalists contact us for background briefing and explanation as well as the names of microbiologists they can contact.
We will:
always do our best to provide facts, information and explanation
if speculation is required, explain the rationale behind that speculation
desist from hyping a story - whether it is the journalist or the scientist doing the hyping