 |
|
Monash scientists debug superbug
March 02, 2009An international team of scientists, led by Monash University researchers, has uncovered the workings of a superbug that kills elderly hospital patients worldwide - a discovery that has the potential to save lives and health care systems billions of dollars each year.
The research published today in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, unravelled ways to genetically modify the bacterium Clostridium difficile and solved the mystery surrounding its toxicity.
Professor Julian Rood from the Department of Microbiology and lead author, microbiologist Dr Dena Lyras, made a major scientific breakthrough which allowed mutants of the superbug to be made. They then identified which of two suspected toxic proteins was essential for the bacterium to cause severe disease.
"Contrary to previously accepted scientific belief, our results show that toxin B, which was considered the less important toxin is actually the toxin that causes disease," Professor Rood said.
"This discovery will lead to new methods for the control and prevention of this disease".
Professor Rood and Dr Lyras have been working toward this result for more than a decade. Dr Lyras said strains of Clostridium difficile are found in almost every hospital in Australia.
"It is the major cause of diarrhoea in hospital patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. The antibiotics destroy the 'good' bacteria in the gut, allowing a 'bad' bacterium to grow in the colon, where it causes a chronic bowel infection that is very difficult to treat," Dr Lyras said.
"The disease produces two types of Toxins, known as A and B. Worldwide research has tended to focus on these purified toxins in isolation from the bug. This only resulted in part of the story being told. We took a big picture approach and through genetic modification of the bug, together with infection studies with our US collaborators, we were able to see the whole picture," Dr Lyras said.
Statistics show that in the US, more people die from Clostridium difficile infections than all other intestinal infections combined, with most deaths involving patients aged 65 years or over. The disease is believed to have contributed to more than 8,000 deaths in the UK in 2007. A less aggressive form of the bacteria is present in Australia but statistics in 1995-dollars show the cost of managing the disease to be around $1.25 million dollars per hospital, per year.
Their research lays the foundation to find better ways to treat the superbug.
"We are now beginning to understand the workings of the superbug, which allows us to work on treatments for it. We are confident our research will pave the way for future drugs to try to wipe out this disease. I can't put a time frame on how quickly drugs could be developed, but we're certainly on that road to discovery," Dr Lyras said.
Monash University
"Contrary to previously accepted scientific belief, our results show that toxin B, which was considered the less important toxin is actually the toxin that causes disease," Professor Rood said.
"This discovery will lead to new methods for the control and prevention of this disease".
Professor Rood and Dr Lyras have been working toward this result for more than a decade. Dr Lyras said strains of Clostridium difficile are found in almost every hospital in Australia.
"It is the major cause of diarrhoea in hospital patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. The antibiotics destroy the 'good' bacteria in the gut, allowing a 'bad' bacterium to grow in the colon, where it causes a chronic bowel infection that is very difficult to treat," Dr Lyras said.
"The disease produces two types of Toxins, known as A and B. Worldwide research has tended to focus on these purified toxins in isolation from the bug. This only resulted in part of the story being told. We took a big picture approach and through genetic modification of the bug, together with infection studies with our US collaborators, we were able to see the whole picture," Dr Lyras said.
Statistics show that in the US, more people die from Clostridium difficile infections than all other intestinal infections combined, with most deaths involving patients aged 65 years or over. The disease is believed to have contributed to more than 8,000 deaths in the UK in 2007. A less aggressive form of the bacteria is present in Australia but statistics in 1995-dollars show the cost of managing the disease to be around $1.25 million dollars per hospital, per year.
Their research lays the foundation to find better ways to treat the superbug.
"We are now beginning to understand the workings of the superbug, which allows us to work on treatments for it. We are confident our research will pave the way for future drugs to try to wipe out this disease. I can't put a time frame on how quickly drugs could be developed, but we're certainly on that road to discovery," Dr Lyras said.
Monash University
Superbug Current Events and Superbug News RSSH1N1 Pandemic Virus Does Not Mutate Into 'Superbug' in UMd. Lab Study
A laboratory study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that some of the worst fears about a virulent H1N1 pandemic flu season may not be realized this year, but does demonstrate the heightened communicability of the virus.
Newly discovered reactions from an old drug may lead to new antibiotics
A mineral found at health food stores could be the key to developing a new line of antibiotics for bacteria that commonly cause diarrhea, tooth decay and, in some severe cases, death.
How superbugs control their lethal weapons
It appears that some superbugs have evolved to develop the ability to manipulate the immune system to everyone's advantage.
What makes C-Diff superbug deadly?
A major breakthrough about the potentially deadly superbug Clostridium difficile (C-diff) could lead to new ways to combat the bacterium, according to a study to be published March 1 in the journal Nature.
MRSA pre-screening effective in reducing otolaryngic surgical infection rates
Pre-operative screening of patients for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be an effective way to reduce infection rates following otolaryngic surgeries, according to new research published in the January 2009 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
Is re-emerging superbug the next MRSA?
Loyola physicians warn little-known bacteria Clostridium difficile next emerging disease threat, killing 1,000s in the United State.
Rattlesnake-type poisons used by superbug bacteria to beat our defenses
Colonies of hospital superbugs can make poisons similar to those found in rattlesnake venom to attack our bodies' natural defences, scientists heard today (Monday 8 September 2008) at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin.
'Superbug' breast infections controllable in nursing mothers, researchers find
Many nursing mothers who have been hospitalized for breast abscesses are afflicted with the "superbug" methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, but according to new research by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians, conservative treatment can deal with the problem.
More severe bone infections, health complications in children linked to MRSA, researchers find
The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a major pathogen has led to more complications and longer hospital stays for children with acute bone infections, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report.
Less hype and more research needed into new 'superbug,' say experts
Recent tabloid hype over the "newly emerging superbug", Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, is misplaced, say experts in this week's issue of the BMJ.
More Superbug Current Events and Superbug News Articles
 |
Superbug Super Agent Starring: George Goodman, Heidi Hansen, Robert Mark, Rudolf Zehetgruber Directed By: Rudolf Zehetgruber The bug is back in an all-new, high-powered, high-flying family adventure of a laugh-time. Superbug the Super Agent roars into high-gear to put the clutch on the bad guys and the brakes on crime. Its four-on-the-floor action as our Volkswagen hero rides |
|
Superbug: How MRSA Has Surged Out of Control And Is Lurking In All Corners of Our Lives by Maryn McKenna (Author) Deeply researched revelation of escalating danger of drug-resistant bacteria, MSRA. | |
 |
Superbug Goes Wild Starring: Sal Borgese, Eric Falk, Walter Giller, Evelyn Kraft, Ruth Jecklin Directed By: Rudolf Zehetgruber Dudu, the lovable Superbug Volkswagen that does it all is back...in an all-new, all-action adventure! This time, Superbug hits the jungle trails, hot on the heels of a fleeing gang of bank robbers. It is a jumbo jungle joyride as Superbug out-swims croco |
|
Superbug Rides Again [VHS] Starring: Rudolf Zehetgruber | |
 |
Viruses vs. Superbugs: A Solution to the Antibiotics Crisis? by Thomas Hausler (Author) In the US alone some 90,000 people die from superbugs--bacteria that have grown immune to antibiotics. Officials agree that this problem will only get worse with time and new alternatives must be found. One alternative that is being considered by scientists is a kind of virus called a bacteriophage. "Phages"--viruses that kill bacteria but not humans--were discovered in 1915. Phage therapy was successfully used for twenty years before the invention of penicillin made them obsolete everywhere but Eastern Europe, where they are still in use today. In its first English translation, this book tells the fascinating story behind the history of the phage, its discovery and development, as well as the strides that are being made to bring the therapy back to the West today. |
|
Buzzzzz by Superbug | |
 |
Superbug Karim Fanous (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Antibiotic Resistance: Stopping the Superbugs Directed By: ITV Also With: ITV (Producer) |
 |
Superbug Craziest Car in World - Movie Poster - 11 x 17 by Pop Culture Graphics MovieGoods has Amazon's largest selection of movie and TV show memorabilia, including posters, film cells and more: tens of thousands of items to choose from. We also offer a full selection of framed posters. Customer satisfaction is always guaranteed when you buy from MovieGoods on Amazon at www.amazon.com/moviegoods |
 |
Whiteline Rear Swaybar-X h/duty Blade adjustable - RACE 27mm: VW - Beetle Type 1 (68-76) 1.5l, 1.6l, (71-75) Superbug #9431 by Whiteline Product Details: The standard sway bar links are very compliant. The rubber bushes easily distort, while the actual plastic link flexes under load. This may be quite acceptable for everyday use, however it does severely limit the effectiveness of the sway-bars. Even worse, if you use high performance options like Blade Adjustables. The original Rear Links distort enough to reduce the rear bar rate by up to 80kg of force. Aftermarket sway bars add even higher loads, which can lead to premature cracks and mounting failure. Fit bigger rear bars with confidence or just upgrade your OE brackets to remove mounting flex. Specially strengthened to handle adjustable bars. Application Notes: Adjustable bars suitable for street and race use. Front bars only... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |