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

A previously unknown species of bacteria found in patients with noma could be key to creating treatments for the neglected tropical disease The “astonishing” discovery of a new bacteria could open the door to better ways to prevent, detect and treat a fatal and disfiguring childhood disease, researchers hope. Noma, which is fatal in 90% of cases without treatment, begins as a sore on the gums but goes on to destroy the tissues of the mouth and face. Continue reading...

By Kat Lay, Global health correspondent