Technology Description:

ARS scientists have discovered a method for preventing infections in animals caused by bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and E. coli 0157:H7 – a leading cause of food poisoning in humans. These pathogens can lead to severe diarrhea and ultimately death, particularly in young animals. ARS researchers found feeding animals low levels of swainsonine, a compound found in locoweed plants, keeps bacterial pathogens and the toxins they produce from attaching to the animal’s cells. According to a recent National Animal Health Monitoring Survey, E. coli infections are the leading cause of disease in young swine and cattle. With further development, this invention could be used for preharvest control of E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter – a high priority for the food industry – as well as for treating infections in animals.  Once commercially developed, the invention should help reduce the spread of these pathogens to food and help prevent food borne illness, since these pathogens can be passed on to humans. It could also be further developed to treat bacterial pathogen infections in humans.

Biotechnology companies involved in developing vaccines and treatments for preventing or treating bacterial pathogens in animals and humans could use this invention.

Reference:

Please refer to USPN 6,670,374 (Docket #0131.02), "Swainsonine Compounds as Inhibitors of Toxin Receptor Expression," which issued on December 30, 2003.  Foreign rights are not available. 

Inventors:

Robin C. Anderson Food and Feed Safety Research College Station, TX 77845  979-260-9317 / Fax: 979-260-9332  anderson@ffsru.tamu.edu	David J. Nisbet (Same as first inventor) 979-260-9484 / Fax:979-260-9332 nisbet@ffsru.tamu.edu
Robert E.Droleskey (Same as first inventor) 979-260-9316 / Fax: 979-260-9332 droleskey@ffsru.tamu.edu