Rice Strain Developed To Protect Against Rotavirus

TOKYO A strain of rice has been developed to protect against the rotavirus infection that affects many in developing countries, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Rotavirus is a diarrheal disease that can be life threatening for children and immune compromised adults in developing countries where vaccines against the infection are not very effective. Researchers at the University of Tokyo reported the development of an engineered rice that produces a rotavirus-specific antibody. In the study, both normal and immune deficient mice fed the engineered rice were protected against rotavirus. The researchers also reported that the rice maintains its efficacy even after long-term storage and heat exposure.

For more information on utilizing rice varieties in food formulation visit the Slide Show: Working with Rice Ingredients, Forms and Varieties.