DNA from stomach bug can minimise effects of colitis

DNA from Helicobacter pylori, a common stomach bacteria, ameliorates the severity of colitis, according to a new study.

"This research shows further evidence that we should leave the bugs alone because there may be a benefit to hosting them in the stomach", said John Y. Kao, senior author of the University of Michigan's Division of Gastroenterology.

In the study, researchers found that H. pylori DNA is uniquely immunosuppressive containing high numbers of sequences known to inhibit inflammation.

They isolated the DNA from both H. pylori and another bacterium, E. coli, for further comparison. They found that mice receiving H. pylori DNA displayed less weight loss, less bleeding and greater stool consistency compared with mice infected with E coli DNA.

"With one dose, there was a significant difference in the bleeding and inflammation in the colon," said Luther.

The study has been published in Gut.