New research reveals that African buffalo are a key source of the SAT 2 virus responsible for foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study shows that the virus can spread over relatively short distances through infected hosts, highlighting the importance of genetic tracking for predicting future outbreaks.
Researchers found that certain management practices, such as manure application and irrigation timing, can boost or decrease the risk of contamination from salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Adjusting these practices can significantly reduce the risk of produce-borne illness with minimal cost to growers.
Researchers identified a novel HBV mutation in Korean men that may explain the gender disparity in liver cancer incidence. The mutation is associated with severe liver disease and was found exclusively in male patients.
Researchers found that patients who relapse after leishmaniasis treatment are infected with more infectious parasite strains, which cause a greater parasite load and make treatment challenging.
A universal infant vaccination campaign in China has led to a doubling of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations, which may enable the virus to evade the vaccine. The mutations have risen from 6.5% in 1992 to nearly 15% in 2005, necessitating new vaccination strategies.
Researchers found that two benign strains of C. difficile can prevent infection by more dangerous strains. The harmless strains occupy the same niches as the infective strains, preventing colonization and ultimately infection. This study provides promising results for developing new protective measures against C. difficile infection.
Researchers found resistance genes for five common antibiotics and the Clostridium botulinum toxin gene in vacuum dust, which could lead to infant botulism infections. The study suggests that vacuum cleaners can act as a vehicle for indoor bioaerosol exposure.
Researchers developed a mutant MERS virus that replicates but cannot spread, making it a potential vaccine candidate. The virus is engineered to produce antigens to train the human immune system to fight MERS-CoV infection. Additional mutations are needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Researchers found that apoptosis can reactivate latent herpesviruses in dying cells, which could have significant clinical implications. This discovery highlights the potential for cytotoxic cancer chemotherapies to activate dormant viruses, raising questions about the use of antiviral medications in treatment.
Researchers have identified changes in the microbiome that can predict chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and developed new diagnostics, including a breath test for fungal disease. A single dose of an antibiotic candidate has been found to be as effective as a week-long course of vancomycin for certain skin infections.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivered an effective and long-lasting influenza vaccine, providing 100% protection in mice over one year. The vaccine used virus-like particles coated on needles, reducing refrigeration needs and potential side effects.
Researchers identified a protein that correlates with breast cancer aggressiveness and may predict prognosis; small molecule inhibitors could be developed as therapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between HIV infection and increased susceptibility to cryptococcal disease, which can cause devastating fungal meningitis. Patients with the high-affinity Fc receptor gene are up to 20 times more likely to develop the disease, highlighting the need for a predictive test to save lives.
A new study has found that two forms of iron are needed to control cystic fibrosis lung infections. Targeting both ferrous iron (Fe(II)) and ferric iron (Fe(III)) was more effective in preventing biofilm formation than targeting only one form.
A study found that CDV infected at least 1% of Amur tigers since 2009, causing fatal neurological disease. The virus is spread through contact with domestic dogs or other wild carnivores, posing a significant threat to the critically endangered species.
A study found that MRSA strains in humans originated from cattle, with a 40-year timeline for the emergence of resistance to methicillin. The bacteria's genetic analysis revealed that bovine strains were closer to the root of the phylogenetic tree, indicating a common ancestor.
A large-scale analysis reveals many common cancers are not associated with DNA viruses, contradicting earlier estimates. The study highlights the importance of bioinformatics in understanding virus integration into cancer subtypes.
Researchers found that injected methamphetamine significantly enhanced colonization of the lungs by Cryptococcus neoformans and accelerated progression of the disease. The fungus can cause a deadly brain infection when it crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is more susceptible due to drug-induced changes in the blood-brain barrier.
Reducing overall antibiotic consumption does not necessarily decrease resistance, particularly for MRSA, where some antibiotics like clindamycin and methicillin are more effective in reducing resistance. The success of antibiotic reduction programs depends on the targeted antibiotics that are reduced.
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody effective against human norovirus, which can prevent infection in susceptible host cells. The study aims to explore the antibody as both treatment and disease prevention strategy for outbreaks, particularly among vulnerable populations like healthcare workers and travelers.
A benign crystal protein produced by bacteria could be a safe and inexpensive treatment for parasitic worms in humans. The protein, Cry5B, achieved a 93% elimination of hookworm parasites from infected hamsters.
Recent study found that 35% of H7N9 viruses are resistant to oseltamivir and zanamivir due to a faulty enzyme-based test. Gene-based surveillance techniques can detect these resistant strains, which could spread if not treated properly.
The H7N9 avian flu strain has a tendency to become established in bird, horse, and swine populations, leading to repeated spillover into humans. The virus's unusual characteristics, such as its ability to mutate and infect conjunctival cells, make it a cause for heightened concern.
A new study published in mBio confirms that the cholera epidemic in Haiti was caused by a single introduction of Vibrio cholerae bacteria from Nepal, rather than repeated introductions. The strains have not acquired new genetic material since their introduction and have limited ability to acquire genes through transformation.
Researchers discovered that forced telomere elongation promotes cancer cell differentiation, suppressing genes involved in tumor malignancy. Telomeres may modulate cell behavior by controlling gene expression, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
New research correlates oral ingestion of antibiotics with rapid rise in resistance. Alternative routes like injection may slow the spread of resistance genes. The study found that oral administration led to faster development of resistance in mice compared to injection.
Scientists have developed a palm-sized microarray platform that can grow up to 1,200 individual cultures of fungi or bacteria. This technology has the potential to accelerate drug discovery for treating various types of infections.
A team of researchers found that E. coli contamination on spinach farms is strongly influenced by factors such as time since last irrigation, workers' personal hygiene, and field use prior to planting produce. The study also identified the role of weather in producing contamination as a critical factor.
Frank Leo van de Veerdonk has received a 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on fungal immunology. He discovered that mutations in STAT1 are responsible for autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a major breakthrough in diagnosing immunodeficiencies with fungal infections.
Drusano's work in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling has been instrumental in simulating and validating dosing regimens to maximize the safety and efficacy of antibiotics. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on anti-infective pharmacology and antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Ken Cadwell has been recognized with the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his exceptional research in infectious diseases and pathogenesis, with findings already having a profound impact on the fields of immunity.
Baligh Yehia has received the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his pioneering work in HIV health services and quality research. He is recognized for his contributions to developing policies on healthcare reform, access to medical care, and performance measurement.
Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.
Researchers detected a new virus, CyCV-VN, in 4% of patients with central nervous system infections and up to 58% of farm animal fecal samples, raising concerns about animal-to-human transmission
Marc Torrent, a researcher at the Medical Research Council, has been recognized for his outstanding work on antimicrobial regions in proteins and aggregation properties of antimicrobial peptides. His algorithm prediction tool is being applied to full genomes to identify new peptide leads.
Joshua Obar has been honored with the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on immunological memory responses. His work focuses on understanding how latent viral infections affect CD8 T cells and the formation of immune memories.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that microbial changes can regulate entire ecosystems, specifically mitigating the release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The research found that type II methanotrophic bacteria replaced other microbes, oxidizing methane and reducing its impact.
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia found a strong correlation between poultry farm contamination and later processing plant contamination. The findings suggest that reducing pathogens on farms can reduce contamination levels at processing plants, potentially lowering the risk of foodborne illness.
Researchers have shown that interleukin-22 reduces lung inflammation during influenza A virus infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection. The study suggests that interleukin-22 may play an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity, providing a potential benefit for patients with flu.
Researchers have developed a new agent that targets the NS5B replicase protein, disabling HCV replication and evading resistance. The aptamers inhibited diverse genotypes of HCV without causing toxicity or immune response.
A study found that colistin resistance in bacteria also makes them resistant to the human immune system's defense mechanisms, such as LL-37 and lysozyme. This cross-resistance increases the risk of complications for patients with life-threatening multi-drug resistant infections.
Researchers have developed a solar-powered nano filter that can remove harmful antibiotics and carcinogens from groundwater at a significantly higher rate than traditional activated carbon filters. The new filter uses two bacterial proteins to absorb 64% of antibiotics, offering an eco-friendly solution to combat antibiotic resistance.
Research reveals that non-pathogenic bacteria naturally occurring in the human intestine can eliminate Stx from the intestinal contents and completely prevent HUS in a mouse model.
A retrospective study of nearly 40,000 proficiency test results found that food laboratories report false negatives for Campylobacter (9.1%) and Salmonella (4.9%), while also experiencing high false positive rates for these pathogens. Improved accuracy is crucial for a safer food supply.
Researchers engineered bacteria to produce electricity solely from hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide, enabling the growth of a biorenewable energy source. The breakthrough utilizes Geobacter species, which can transfer electrons over long distances via conductive filaments.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis have successfully engineered a strain of photosynthetic cyanobacteria to grow without light. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective and controllable biofuel production in diurnal conditions.
Coral-building microbes have been found to capture, store, and release nitrogen to feed reef-forming corals. The microbes' ability to store excess nitrogen in crystal form allows them to regulate the amount of nutrients available to the coral host, enabling it to thrive in low-nitrogen environments.
Scientists discover that Pseudomonas aeruginosa modifies elongation factor-Tu to mimic phosphorylcholine, enabling it to adhere to and invade human cells. This modification could represent a new strategy to inhibit the bacterium's virulence.
Researchers developed a method to deliver tumor-killing enzymes using protein packages that protect the enzyme until it reaches the cell's interior. The addition of ubiquitin enhanced the enzyme's persistence and potency without hindering its delivery, also reducing toxicity to non-tumor tissues.
Researchers found that infection with nematodes reduced body weight by up to 15% in obese mice and lowered fasting blood glucose levels. The study suggests a potential therapeutic effect of nematode infection on metabolic disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and allergies.