Bacteria turned into 'silver bullet' to combat flu [silver added to bacteria]

Scientists have discovered that they can attach tiny studs of silver onto the surface of otherwise harmless bacteria, giving them the ability to destroy viruses.

They have tested the silver-impregnated bacteria against norovirus, which causes winter vomiting outbreaks, and found that they leaves the virus unable to cause infections.

The researchers now believe the same technique could help to combat other viruses, including influenza and those responsible for causing the common cold.

Professor Willy Verstraete, a microbiologist from the University of Ghent, Belgium, who unveiled the findings at a meeting of the Society for Applied Microbiology in London last week, said the bacteria could be incorporated into a nasal spray, water filters and hand washes to prevent viruses from being spread.

"We are using silver nanoparticles, which are extremely small but give a large amount of surface area as they can clump around the virus, increasing the inhibiting effect.

"There are concerns about using such small particles of silver in the human body and what harm it might cause to human health, so we have attached the silver nanoparticles to the surface of a bacterium. It means the silver particles remain small, but they are not free to roam around the body."

The bacteria used, Lactobacillus fermentum, is normally considered to be a "friendly" bacteria that is often found in yogurts and probiotic drinks that can help to aid digestion.

The researchers found that when grown in a solution of silver ions, the bacteria extrete tiny particles of silver, 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, which stud the outside of the cells.

Although the bacteria eventually die as a result of the silver, they remain intact and the dead cells carrying the silver particles can then be added to solutions to create nasal sprays or handwashes.

I would be concerned about patients’ overuse of the product causing problems. Which is worse, a bad cold or a permanently blue nose?

I saw a woman at the grocery store one day who had really gray skin. Made me do a double take; the first thought in my mind was “Zombie!” Second thought was, “Oh, too much silver.” It was hideous to see. Poor woman.

What rot - any "concerns" about colloidal silver are -literally - a million times less than those about aspirin.

"Attaching them to a bacterium" is just the gimmick they're using for their patent.

And then watch - the FDA will try to declare "non-attached" colloidal silver "dangerous."

Well, they can tell it to burn victims in hospitals all across the country, because when you need the best, immediately, to stop any and all infections or the burn victim dies, guess what you use to clean the exposed flesh, over and over and over again? That's right - colloidal silver infused water.

But don't tell anyone - the hospitals do this very quietly. Otherwise... why, patients might ask why colloidal silver isn't used elsewhere, instead of those expensive, patented antibiotics and antivirals with warning labels that roll out across the floor every time you open their bottles.

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