‘Astonishing’ discovery could help save children from deadly disfiguring condition

Newly discovered bacterium in noma patients offers hope for preventing and treating a fatal childhood disease that destroys facial tissue. | Contesto: cronaca

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• ‘Astonishing’ discovery could help save children from deadly disfiguring condition

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Researchers have identified a previously unknown species of bacteria in patients suffering from noma, a devastating and neglected tropical disease that kills 90% of children who do not receive treatment. The discovery, described as “astonishing” by the scientists involved, could pave the way for new strategies to prevent, detect, and treat the condition, which begins as a small sore on the gums but rapidly progresses to destroy the tissues of the mouth and face. Noma, also known as cancrum oris, primarily affects young children in impoverished regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, and weakened immune systems are common. The disease starts with inflammation of the gums, but without prompt intervention—typically antibiotics and nutritional support—it can lead to gangrenous lesions that consume the cheeks, lips, and jawbones. Survivors often face severe disfigurement, social stigma, and lifelong disability. The newly discovered bacterium was found in samples taken from noma patients, offering what researchers call a critical clue to understanding the disease’s origins. While the exact role of the microbe remains under investigation, its presence suggests it may be a key trigger or contributor to the rapid tissue destruction characteristic of noma. This finding challenges previous assumptions that the disease was solely caused by a combination of common oral bacteria and environmental factors. For decades, noma has been largely overlooked by global health initiatives, partly because it is most prevalent in remote, marginalized communities with limited access to healthcare. The World Health Organization estimates that hundreds of thousands of new cases occur each year, though accurate data is scarce due to underreporting. Without treatment, the disease is almost universally fatal, but even with care, survivors often require extensive reconstructive surgery that is rarely available in affected regions. The identification of this new bacterial species could lead to the development of targeted diagnostic tests, allowing for earlier detection when the disease is still reversible. It may also open avenues for...

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Categoria: cronaca