Researchers identified a rare immune cell's role in antibody production and 'memory' of infectious agents, crucial for vaccine development and potential treatment of immune disorders. T follicular helper cells can remember past infections, enabling rapid responses to future attacks.
Leading infectious diseases experts call for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and combat emerging infections. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, IDSA, and PIDS position paper outlines measures to improve antibiotic use and monitor resistance.
Cedars-Sinai researchers identified the mechanism that leads to interleukin-1beta production, a major contributor to inflammation in conditions like atherosclerotic heart disease and strokes. This discovery could lead to treatments that prevent its production, resulting in more effective medications for inflammatory diseases.
A University of Alberta research team discovered that ozone-treated water can eradicate infectious proteins from cattle brain matter, providing a potential solution for decontaminating wastewater and sterilizing neurosurgical equipment. This breakthrough technique offers improved prion removal methods in meat processing plants and surg...
Researchers propose a new approach to treating infectious diseases by targeting tolerance to infection. This strategy aims to reduce tissue damage and promote host protection. By distinguishing between failed resistance and failed tolerance, scientists can choose more effective therapeutic approaches.
Hospital admissions for serious infectious diseases have increased by over 50% in New Zealand since 1989, with Môori and Pacific peoples disproportionately affected. The country's commitment to reducing health inequalities has been questioned, as the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous populations widens.
A new global analysis reveals that water-associated infectious disease outbreaks are more likely to occur in areas with growing population density. The research used a massive database of 1,428 water-associated disease outbreaks and found that population density was the greatest risk factor for these outbreaks.
Researchers at Arizona State University investigate the coordination of a particular type of immune response involving the release of IFN-λ, a cell-signaling protein molecule. They found that antigen-independent production of IFN-λ by memory T cells relies on splenic dendritic cells and NOD-like receptors.
A multi-year study published in PLoS One found that domestic cats and wild cats living in the same area share diseases such as Toxoplasmosis, Bartonellosis, and FIV. This can happen through contact with shared habitats, even if they don't come into direct contact.
Scientists from NIAID outline key advances in understanding and combatting infectious diseases, including the development of vaccines to prevent many infections. They also note the ongoing challenge of emerging pathogens, such as HIV, which can have devastating effects on societies.
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência receive €2.2 million funding to investigate mechanisms behind 'tolerance to infection'. They aim to identify protective genetic programs controlling tissue damage in various diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic interventions.
The CDC completed a comprehensive study of Morgellons, finding no infectious agent and no environmental link. The researchers enrolled 109 persons with symptoms, ruling out infection through extensive testing, and determined the fibers were fragments of cloth or debris.
A Canadian-led research team has developed a new model to anticipate disease outbreaks at mass gatherings like the Olympics. By integrating global and local surveillance, they can create a more effective approach to preventing infectious disease risks.
A novel technology called Bio.Diaspora tracks air travel patterns to anticipate global disease spread. This approach could benefit hosts of future mass gatherings by identifying infectious disease outbreaks and prioritizing public health measures.
Mass gatherings provide a unique opportunity to promote vaccination and reduce the spread of infectious diseases, as seen in outbreaks at World Youth Day and music festivals. Coordinated risk assessment and management are key to preventing disease transmission during and after events.
Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.
Scientists developed a new strategy to fight infectious diseases by blocking pathogen entry into cells rather than killing the bug itself. This approach targets specific elements of the infection process inside the host body and has shown promising results in treating Leishmania parasites.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a protein that disables the immune response, allowing the bacteria to live comfortably in human cells. This breakthrough provides new targets for developing better treatments against this devastating disease.
A potential EBV vaccine could prevent infectious mononucleosis and cancers linked to the virus. Researchers prioritize studying immune responses to vaccination and identifying biological markers for cancer prediction.
A human antibody given to monkeys infected with Hendra virus completely protected them from disease. The study results are cause for hope that the antibody may be developed into a possible treatment for people who become infected with these viruses.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded five-year contracts totaling $150 million to develop broad-spectrum therapeutics against multiple types of bacteria and viruses. The development focuses on creating products that can be stockpiled to protect the public in bioterror attacks or public health crises.
Estimating the severity of a flu epidemic can be done in real-time using serological data coupled with clinical surveillance data. This approach provides valuable insights for pandemic preparedness and response, making it useful not only for influenza pandemics but also for other emerging infectious diseases.
A study by UTHealth suggests that Alzheimer's disease may arise from an infectious process similar to other neurological diseases. Researchers injected brain tissue from a confirmed Alzheimer's patient into mice, which developed plaques and brain alterations typical of the disease.
Researchers aim to combat diseases like zoonoses, transmitted from animals to humans, using models to predict and control outbreaks. Projects funded by $17M in US-UK collaboration will draw on biological and social sciences expertise.
Dr. Ashraf Ibrahim, a leading researcher on infectious diseases at LA BioMed, has been recognized by the American Society for Microbiology for his groundbreaking work on Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly antibiotic-resistant bacterium. The honor acknowledges his contributions to understanding and combatting this threat to public health.
Benjamin P. Howden, a leading expert in S. aureus and E. faecium research, receives the award for his groundbreaking work on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and virulence. His research has led to new insights into vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus and reduced linezolid susceptibility.
Dr. John G. Bartlett has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to antimicrobial chemotherapy and infectious diseases research. He is a pioneer in understanding emerging problems and innovations in the field.
The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease has solved over 375 protein structures, providing a blueprint for fighting infectious disease. The center's work may lead to new drug therapies urgently needed to prevent outbreaks of multi-drug resistant and XDR strains of TB.
The new guidelines prioritize preventing bacterial pneumonia in children, recommending yearly flu vaccines and targeted antibiotic therapy. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing pneumonia to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed funding for a research project at Virginia Tech to develop computational models to assist policymakers and researchers in making better-informed decisions about emerging infectious diseases. The project aims to refine existing models to provide software tools that can help public health off...
A novel DNA-sensing mechanism plays a role in the innate immune response to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The study identifies an unknown receptor coupling to molecules linked with DNA-mediated type I interferon production, suggesting a broader impact on infectious diseases.
UC Riverside researcher Joao Pedra to investigate immune system response to rickettsial infections, potentially leading to novel therapeutics against devastating tick-borne diseases.
Boston Medical Center has received a grant to expand its HIV/AIDS clinic and provide more comprehensive case management services. The new facility will enable collaboration between infectious diseases and primary care departments, improving the quality of care for patients with HIV/AIDS.
A new research area seeks to discover ways to manage the evolution of drug-resistant disease organisms and slow their spread. The goal is to develop a science-based model for drug-resistance management that can inform treatment guidelines for various diseases, including malaria, MRSA, AIDS, and cancer.
Researchers found that orphan disease genes encode hub proteins with multiple protein-to-protein interactions vital to cell function. Deleting about 43% of these gene homologs is lethal or causes premature death, highlighting their essential survival role.
NIH-funded researchers identified three types of odor molecules that disrupt mosquito carbon dioxide-sensing machinery. These findings could lead to the development of more effective repellents and lures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
Vaccine development for 'big three' diseases is being accelerated by new approaches like systems biology and structure-based antigen design. Systems biology enables the capture of massive biological data to predict vaccine behavior.
The CDC study found that a significant proportion of respondents had traveled to countries with reported prion diseases, increasing the risk of exposure. Hunting and venison consumption were also associated with increased risk of prion disease exposure, particularly in areas with chronic wasting disease.
USGS research suggests that certain lichens can break down the infectious proteins responsible for chronic wasting disease, a prion disease fatal to wild deer and elk. The study found that some lichen species contain a protease enzyme capable of significantly breaking down prions in the lab.
A major randomized clinical trial found that treating an HIV-infected individual can significantly reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HIV to an uninfected partner. The study, known as HPTN 052, demonstrated a 96% reduction in transmission when antiretroviral therapy was initiated early.
Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have developed a highly sensitive blood test for detecting human prion diseases, which are fatal brain disorders. The new method improves upon previous tests by being 10,000 times more sensitive and can rapidly detect abnormal prion proteins in blood plasma.
Control of infectious diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, Chagas disease, and those preventable by vaccination have been successful in Brazil. However, failures exist, including the ongoing public health problem of dengue fever and visceral leishmaniasis.
A study published in The Lancet highlights Brazil's success in reducing the burden of infectious diseases, but notes that some programs have failed to control diseases like dengue fever. Despite this, experts argue that investing in human and social capital has led to sustainable economic growth and improved health outcomes.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that UK immigration screening procedures fail to detect over 70% of latent tuberculosis (TB) cases, with better selection of immigrants to screen increasing detection rates to over 90%. Treating people at an early stage can prevent them from developing active TB and becoming...
Researchers found a strong association between low sunlight exposure and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people who have had infectious mononucleosis. The study, published in the April 2011 issue of Neurology, suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in this association.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that antibiotic-resistant super bugs threaten public health, citing a need for urgent action. The organization recommends initiatives to combat resistance, including incentivizing R&D, recalibrating FDA requirements, and promoting judicious use of antibiotics.
A new joint research centre between Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Innovative Vector Control Consortium and Saudi Ministry of Health will focus on cutting-edge research for vector-borne disease control. The centre aims to develop innovative ways to monitor and evaluate insect-borne diseases.
A 6-month daily dose of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk to infants of HIV-infected mothers. The extended regimen achieved a 54% reduction in HIV transmission risk compared to six-week treatment, while preserving health benefits of extended breastfeeding.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases article explores possible explanations for NDM-1 cases in Balkan countries. Authors suggest two hypotheses: independent emergence or import from the Indian subcontinent via medical tourism.
Scientists have designed a new type of nanoparticle that can deliver synthetic versions of proteins normally produced by viruses, eliciting a strong immune response comparable to live virus vaccines. The nanoparticles consist of concentric fatty spheres that can be used to develop vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases.
A study published in Cell identified the motors driving non-infectious prion proteins up and down long neuronal transport pathways. The research sheds light on how these proteins interact with infectious forms to cause disease, potentially aiding therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that convalescent plasma therapy may reduce the death rate in patients severely ill with 2009 H1N1 influenza. The treatment showed a 20% mortality rate compared to 55% in non-treated patients, and reduced viral load at a higher rate.
India faces significant challenges in its public health-care system, including infectious diseases, maternal and child mortality, chronic diseases, and inequities. Experts call for a universal health-care system to be established by 2020, with a focus on improving infrastructure, human resources, and access to care.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released its first-ever guidelines for the treatment of MRSA, which may mean not prescribing antibiotics for less complicated forms of infection. The guidelines address treatment of both common and invasive MRSA, a potentially deadly infection responsible for 18,000 deaths annually.
A team of scientists identified a set of brain proteins that accounts for over 130 brain diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study provides a new way to study the evolution of the brain and behavior, and opens paths toward tackling these diseases.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that cranberry juice had no significant effect on reducing the recurrence of urinary tract infections. Among participants who suffered a second infection, those who drank cranberry juice showed a higher recurrence rate compared to those who received a placebo.
The Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Seattle Structural Genomics Center have experimentally determined 500 three-dimensional protein structures from bacterial and protozoan pathogens. These structures could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat deadly infectious diseases.
A new test method has been developed to detect and measure infectious agents called prions that cause devastating brain-damaging conditions. The real time quaking induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC) can detect miniscule amounts of infectious prions, potentially leading to early treatment and prevention.
A study by scientists at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a critical connection between conservation and disease. Loss of species large and small can increase pathogens, leading to increased disease transmission. The authors call for careful monitoring of areas with high animal densities to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.