Kiwi scientists believe they have identified a toxic bug that causes bowel cancer - a discovery that could lead to the development of a life-saving vaccine or early detection test.
The University of Otago researchers found a toxic form of bacteria, called Bacteroides fragilis, existed in the gut of almost 80 per cent of people with a cancerous lesion, known to be a precursor to the disease.
Bacteroides fragilis is a common bug in our gut, and for the most part, helps with digestion and the general health of the colon.
However, in some people it produces a toxin that disrupts the cells lining the gut and starts the process of cancer in the bowel.
Research head and bowel cancer surgeon, Professor Frank Frizelle, described the finding as a "game-changer".