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.
A study published in Nature found that species loss leads to increases in disease-causing organisms, increasing the risk of infectious diseases such as Lyme disease and hantavirus. The researchers argue that preserving natural habitats is crucial to preventing this effect.
A recent study published in Nature found a correlation between biodiversity loss and increased incidence of infectious diseases. Researchers discovered that environmental degradation can lead to an increase in disease-carrying pathogens, as seen in the decline of opossum populations, which allows ticks to flourish and spread Lyme disease.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that aerosol transmission of influenza may have occurred in a Hong Kong hospital. The authors identified an unbalanced indoor airflow that spread infectious aerosols across the ward, infecting nine patients.
The 1510 influenza pandemic originated in Asia and spread quickly to Africa and Europe via trade routes. New scientific and public health advances have improved our ability to plan and prepare for seasonal and pandemic influenza.
A new analysis of old data suggests that bacterial infections associated with the 1918 influenza pandemic may be important in modern pandemics. The study confirms the importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccines in preventing pneumonia and death, which could lead to reduced mortality rates in future outbreaks
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded four new contracts for large-scale clinical trials to evaluate treatment alternatives for diseases caused by resistant bacteria. These trials will focus on acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, and Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new 3D cell culture method that better mimics the in vivo environment, allowing for more accurate study of infectious diseases. This innovation has the potential to expand our understanding of disease onset and progression, and could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
A recent study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases identified herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus as the most common causes of encephalitis in the UK. However, up to 85% of patients worldwide have an unknown cause, emphasizing the need for further research to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded contracts to develop three biodefense vaccines to protect against dengue, anthrax, and other emerging infectious diseases. The vaccines aim to improve vaccine delivery and immune response for large-scale protection.
The NIH has awarded a $7.7 million grant to Arizona State University to unravel the structures of membrane proteins that play a key role in protecting against infectious diseases. The ASU center will target membrane proteins of key viral and bacterial pathogens, their infectious pathways and molecules involved in host defense.
Dr. Jerrold J. Ellner leads an international research team to identify biological markers for tuberculosis (TB) and develop novel treatments and vaccines. The five-year grant aims to prevent TB, which kills nearly two million people annually.
A new molecular test has been shown to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) and detect drug-resistant bacteria with high sensitivity and specificity. The Xpert MTB/RIF TB test successfully identified 98% of confirmed TB cases and patients with rifampin-resistant bacteria in under two hours.
The National Institutes of Health has launched a nationwide research initiative to define changes in the human immune system using human studies. The effort aims to improve vaccine safety, effectiveness, and overall therapeutic outcomes for various infections and diseases.
A recent study led by Daniel Streicker analyzed hundreds of rabies viruses from 23 North American bat species, providing estimates of cross-species transmission (CST) frequency. CST occurs only once for every 72.8 transmissions within the same species, with factors like geographic range and genetics influencing its likelihood.
The ST131 strain of E. coli is a major cause of serious antimicrobial-resistant infections in the US, accounting for 67-69% of resistant isolates. Researchers urge discovering its sources to prevent further spread.
Scientists discovered that abnormal prions, a type of infectious protein, can suddenly appear in healthy brain tissue when coated onto metal surfaces. This finding raises questions about the origin of these deadly proteins and their potential role in neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study estimates that waterborne diseases like Legionnaires', cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis cost the healthcare system up to $539 million annually. The three diseases cause severe illness often requiring hospital stays of over a week, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
Researchers have found two human antibodies, VRC01 and VRC02, that can neutralize over 90% of known HIV strains. These antibodies could be used to design improved HIV vaccines or developed as a therapy for HIV infection. The discovery was made using a novel molecular device that targets specific cells making antibodies against HIV.
The new edition of Infectious Diseases provides comprehensive guidance on overcoming the latest clinical infectious disease challenges, including updates on H1N1 and avian influenza viruses. The book's editorial team offers regular content updates, case studies, and an interactive disease outbreak map.
Researchers will monitor infectious disease threats from countries participating in the tournament and cities with high air travel to South Africa. They aim to predict potential outbreaks of diseases like mumps, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Rift Valley Fever, and more.
The study reveals a small chemical makes Staphylococcus aureus stronger, more infectious and resistant to antibiotics. Shutting down this synthesis renders the bacteria non-functional and non-infectious.
Dr Pellegrini's research focuses on HIV, tuberculosis, and how the human immune system responds to these infections. His work aims to develop therapies that target the host immune system to eradicate chronic infections.
Six collaborative research projects aim to develop treatments, vaccines, or antimicrobial products for gastric flu, hepatitis B, dengue fever, and tuberculosis. Researchers will work together to shed light on bacterial signaling pathways and train immune cells to overcome viral infections.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the CISH gene and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, malaria, and serious bacterial infections. The study found that a single genetic variant in the CISH gene increases disease risk by 18% compared to those without the variant.
A University of Tennessee study found high-risk water sources in East Tennessee contain fecal contamination, including E.coli, coliforms, Bacteroides, and infectious viruses. This highlights a potential health hazard for rural residents who drink untreated groundwater.
Ecological speciation is a main route for the emergence of new fungal diseases in plants, according to researchers. Fungi account for 30 percent of emerging infectious diseases in plants.
The need for longitudinal cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa is highlighted due to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. These studies can investigate multiple complex diseases and risk factors over an individual's lifetime.
Preventable infectious diseases are the leading causes of child mortality worldwide. According to a new study published by The Lancet, these diseases are responsible for two-thirds of nearly 9 million child deaths globally in 2008. The analysis reveals that global efforts must be targeted to have maximum impact.
Research by Weijia Xing and colleagues reveals that most SARS epidemiological articles were submitted after the epidemic had ended, with only a small percentage published during the outbreak. The study suggests that journals alone are not sufficient to address delays in publishing epidemiological research on emerging infectious diseases.
African wild dog populations decline due to domestic dogs' presence, illustrating the impact of human behavior on disease transmission. Human behavior, such as range differences and animal husbandry practices, shapes disease risk and is a key driver of emerging infectious diseases.
Twelve new research projects on infectious diseases and immunology have been awarded grants by A*STAR's Biomedical Research Council and Singapore Immunology Network. These projects aim to develop better vaccines and improve clinical care for patients, with a focus on viral infections and the human immune response.
The journal will support high-quality continuing professional development and enable travel medicine practitioners to share research and recent developments. The partnership aims to promote best levels of health and high standards of healthcare worldwide.
Scientists have confirmed that ovale malaria is caused by two distinct but similar species of parasite. The discovery was made using DNA technology, revealing the parasite's unique characteristics and potential impact on global health.
The South East Asia Infectious Disease Clinical Research Network emphasizes the importance of laboratory improvement for generating reliable data in resource-constrained settings. Local experts and scientists are vital to research, requiring active participation in scientific activities and continuing education programs.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious Diseases Society of America have released new clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults. The guidelines update recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control measures to address changes in epidemiology and disease severity.
A new study reveals that fungi have the capacity to quickly change their genomes and become infectious to plants and animals, including humans. This discovery raises concerns for crop agriculture and human health, as fungal diseases are more difficult to treat than bacterial diseases.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America calls for the development of 10 new antibiotics by 2020 due to rising antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The urgency is underscored by heartbreaking patient stories of those who have suffered and died from these infections.
Scientists have discovered a new form of prion disease that causes brain artery damage, distinct from the typical sponge-like brain deterioration. The study may hold clues for treating Alzheimer's disease, as researchers found that removing a specific anchor from prion protein could prevent plaque accumulation and block fluid drainage.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston are using real-time intelligence systems to monitor potential infectious disease threats to mass gatherings like the Olympics. The collaboration is providing actionable intelligence to help organizers prepare for and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Dendritic cells produce higher levels of α-defensins 1-3, associated with slower HIV disease progression and potential therapeutic implications. The findings open a new line of investigation for treating HIV/AIDS.
Researchers propose a real-time Internet-based surveillance model to detect emerging diseases in mass gatherings. The system integrates air traffic patterns and global disease intelligence, enabling early warning of potential outbreaks.
Dr. Kim Orth's pioneering work focuses on mechanisms bacteria use to cause disease, expanding the frontiers of chemistry through innovative research. Her discoveries have important implications in medicine, especially in understanding and treating infectious diseases.
Scientists have developed an experimental VLP vaccine that protects macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a debilitating disease with no current treatment. The vaccine, using non-infectious virus-like particles, elicits immune responses and provides complete protection from infection.
Scientists have determined how a normal protein can be converted into a prion, an infectious agent causing fatal brain diseases in humans and mammals. The study provides the strongest evidence yet to prove the prion hypothesis and offers insights into molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.
A nearly $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation will support research on the potential effects of climate change on infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which annually infect 500 million people worldwide. The project aims to quantify how environmental temperature influences disease transmission and risk.
A Zambian study suggests halting breastfeeding early harms children born to HIV-positive mothers, increasing mortality. Longer breastfeeding protects against fatal infectious diseases in low-resource settings.
Prions, infectious protein particles devoid of DNA, can develop mutations and adapt through natural selection, leading to drug resistance. The study suggests that normal prion proteins may be more effective therapeutic targets than their abnormal forms, offering new hope for treating deadly neurodegenerative diseases.
The La Jolla Institute will receive funding to identify epitopes for developing effective vaccines against these diseases. The study aims to make new inroads toward vaccines that can target the body's immune system to launch an attack, with potential applications for tuberculosis and malaria.
A large-scale genetic study has identified seven genes that increase an individual's susceptibility to leprosy, a chronic infectious disease affecting skin and peripheral nerves. The discovery highlights the role of innate immune response in leprosy development and may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have found that infectious HIV-1 virus particles can bind to the surface of red blood cells, significantly increasing their infectivity. This discovery suggests that erythrocytes may serve as a hidden reservoir for infectious HIV-1 virions.
New research suggests that biodiversity loss and habitat destruction can increase the incidence and distribution of infectious diseases in humans. Studies show that extinction of plant and animal species can lead to a rise in new diseases, such as West Nile Virus, and even re-emergence of diseases thought to be in decline, like malaria.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases commentary highlights the lack of understanding on influenza transmission and its impact on healthcare worker protection. The article emphasizes the importance of source control, personal protective equipment, and immune status in preventing H1N1 spread.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded approximately $208 million to two programs that support research on the human immune response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This funding aims to identify new vaccines and drug targets, with a focus on developing prevention tools and therapeutics.
The PLOS collection explores how genomics can provide insights into emerging infectious diseases. Genomics research has the potential to track the spread of disease agents, develop vaccines, and combat pathogens more effectively. This could lead to a better preparedness for and response to biological threats.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is building its first US cancer clinic and training center in Africa, focusing on infectious diseases. The $500,000 grant from USAID will aid in the construction of a new outpatient clinic and training facility to improve access to clinical care and train medical professionals.
A recent survey reveals that most healthcare professionals do not have access to reliable tests to diagnose primary syphilis. The study's authors emphasize the need for a rapid point-of-care test to accurately detect early-stage syphilis, which is critical for preventing transmission.
The study emphasizes the role of population mobility in spreading drug-resistant diseases worldwide. Researchers propose a new approach that considers the 'human factor' in health policy and processes to combat this growing threat.
Noninvasive ventilation can save lives in acute respiratory failure without increased risk of infectious transmission. The author argues that the precautionary principle suggests using noninvasive ventilation to conserve ICU equipment during an epidemic.
Scientists have characterized the detailed structure of prions using unconventional X-ray diffraction methods. The results show significant structural differences between natural and synthetic prions, which may explain their infectious behavior.