E.coli 2011 outbreak: Deadly bacteria is 'a new strain'

Scientists analysing the deadly new E.Coli strain in Europe have found the bacteria combines a highly poisonous but common toxin with a rarely seen "glue" that binds it to a patient's intestines, Reuters reports.

Plasmid pGLO in E.coli DH5 alpha. (ImageWikimedia Commons)

The outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 17 people and left more than 1500 ill across Europe.

The global team of researchers has warned that it may be months before scientists fully understand the characteristics of the bacteria but many are fearful that it could be the most toxic yet to hit a human population. Read on.