Cranberry Juice May Inhibit Respiratory Bacteria
 (Chicago, Reuters-Health, 10/28/02)

When Dr. Kirk McCrea of the University of Michigan, and colleagues, exposed some strains of the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria to cranberry juice, they found that the proanthocyanidins in the juice blocked the bacteria. Cranberry juice inhibits the bacteria's pili, hair-like structures that help them adhere to surfaces and, if the bacteria cannot stick to mouth cells and blood cells, it may not be able to linger in the body. This research is significant because, not only is Haemophilus influenzae a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children, but most children are now vaccinated for a more dangerous form of this bacteria (Hib) which can cause meningitis and pneumonia.