Researchers develop model to investigate Candida auris spread, finding it grows faster and colonizes skin exceptionally well. The study establishes a new strategy to prevent biofilm formation, which may lead to new strategies to target the pathogen.
A new study finds that a high-fat, high-sugar diet alters the intestinal endocannabinoid system and changes the gut microbiome, with potential interactions between specific bacterial genera and eCB activity observed. These findings could help develop better nutritional strategies to prevent or treat metabolic complications.
Researchers found no link between e-cigarette vapor and pneumonia in mouse models, contrary to earlier concerns about vaping's health risks. However, e-cigarette vapor did alter gene expression of pneumococcus bacteria, which may impact immune response.
A newly developed experimental vaccine has demonstrated over 80% effectiveness in protecting mice from succumbing to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The vaccine targets specific proteins found on the bacteria and has shown promise in preventing biofilm formation, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
A new study found that copper hospital beds in ICUs harbor 95% fewer bacteria than traditional beds, maintaining low-risk levels throughout patient stays. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost savings.
Researchers identify TIMP-1 and D-lactic acid as potential biomarkers for preterm birth risk in resource-poor areas. The study aims to develop a cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic test to assess the presence of known risk factors.
Researchers discovered a single nucleotide mutation in P. aeruginosa that caused rapid resistance to ceftolozane-tazobactam and partial resensitization to carbapenems and piperacilline-tazobactam. This finding may enable the use of these antibiotics in treating extremely drug-resistant P. aeruginosa cases.
Microbiologists discover that wild-type Penicillium molds can evolve rapidly into domesticated strains, such as Penicillium camemberti, used in cheese production. After just weeks of growth, the wild mold resembles its domesticated cousin, changing its metabolism and appearance
A new study demonstrates DNA metabarcoding can amplify and sequence plant DNA from human stool, tracking dietary intake with high accuracy. The method has potential for characterizing animal and fungal components of human diets, offering a promising alternative to traditional assessment techniques.
A study has identified a washing machine as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant pathogens, specifically Klebsiella oxytoca. The bacteria were transmitted to newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit through contaminated clothing washed at low temperatures. Researchers highlight the need for higher temperatures or disinfectants to preve...
Only half of patients with sinus, throat, ear infections received recommended first-line antibiotics, a rate below industry standard. Retail clinics and emergency departments had higher rates, while urgent care centers lagged.
Researchers found that ethanol-based sanitizers can't fully deactivate influenza A viruses in wet mucus, requiring nearly four minutes of exposure. Washing hands with antiseptic soap deactivates the virus within 30 seconds, regardless of mucus consistency.
Scientists engineer a plasmid that removes antibiotic resistance genes from Enterococcus faecalis, reducing its abundance by threefold in mouse models. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas9 and aims to combat antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.
Researchers developed an animal model to test HIV infection and therapies in infants, allowing them to study viral rebound after antiretroviral therapy interruption. The simian-human immunodeficiency virus-infected infant rhesus macaque model mimics breast milk transmission and simulates human infants' immune responses.
Researchers have discovered fungi that flourish in people infected with C. difficile, suggesting a potential new way to treat the disease. The findings suggest that fungal species may contribute to the development of C. difficile infections and could be used as a therapeutic target.
Researchers discovered that EspG protein prevents E. coli from forming pedestals in intestinal cells, allowing the bacteria to anchor and grow. This finding offers new possibilities for treating diarrheal diseases caused by pathogenic strains of E. coli.
Researchers have identified three genes from a probiotic Lactobacillus species as critical for mediating adhesion to the vaginal epithelium. This is likely crucial for how this species benefits vaginal health.
A study explores blood-brain barrier leakage in CNS infections, implicating interferon gamma as a major contributor. Interferon gamma disrupts the barrier by initiating a signaling cascade that changes endothelial cell behavior.
A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...
A new study suggests global warming may have played a pivotal role in the emergence of Candida auris, a serious public health threat. The fungus can grow at higher temperatures than its closely related species, adapting to climate change and breaking through human protective temperatures.
Researchers found that C. difficile spores resist treatment with recommended disinfectant and can persist on hospital gowns and stainless steel surfaces. The study highlights the need to reevaluate infection control strategies in hospitals.
Researchers developed a new vaccine, NOMV-FHbp, which induced higher levels of protective antibodies than licensed vaccines against five of six bacterial strains. The vaccine has the potential to extend coverage to infants and toddlers, who are at high risk of developing meningococcal disease.
Researchers developed a cancer vaccine technology using live, attenuated pathogens as vectors. The novel vaccine causes the bacteria to self-destruct once they've done their job, making it safe for human use. This innovation has potential applications in treating various cancers and infectious diseases.
A recent study has found bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, living in kitchen sponges. The phages were isolated from used kitchen sponges and shown to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could potentially provide a new solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found Cannabidiol effective in killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains, and disrupted biofilms. The compound retained its activity under extended exposure conditions that lead to resistance against other common antibiotics.
Researchers found that patients with high skin concentrations of C. auris can shed the fungus and contaminate their surroundings, leading to outbreaks in healthcare facilities. The study provides an explanation for the extensive contamination often seen during C. auris outbreaks.
A study using whole genome sequencing reveals a single bacterial strain with carbapenem-resistance gene persisted in a Northern California hospital for over 3 years. The strain was transmitted from patient to patient, particularly through lengthy stays in the intensive care unit.
Researchers have discovered that plants can transmit antibiotic-resistant superbugs to humans, highlighting the importance of tackling foodborne resistance from all aspects of the food chain. The study found that certain antibiotics can increase the ability of bacteria to colonize the gut after ingestion, while others can prevent it.
Research found that ocean water exposure can alter the diversity and composition of human skin microbiome, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections. Vibrio species were detected on every participant after swimming, with a significant affinity for attachment to human skin.
Experiments with salt-tolerant bacteria in brine have shown that microbes can survive and grow in conditions similar to those on Mars. The research has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth, as well as the risk of contaminating other planetary bodies.
Research found that 40% of university students' cell phones carried S. aureus, a common cause of hospital and community infections, with 85% resistant to penicillin. The bacteria's presence in healthcare environments could increase infection rates.
Researchers found that six probiotic Bacillus strains are resistant to various types of drugs and can still grow in their presence. The study aims to determine if these bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance to harmful bacteria, posing a threat to human health.
New guidelines recommend nucleic-acid amplification tests (NAAT) for diagnosing Clostridioides difficile infection. NAAT testing practices are considered the most effective, with a recommended algorithm combining GDH/TOXIN/NAAT tests.
Using paper stickers to collect pathogens is more effective and less expensive than swabbing for monitoring in food processing plants. Researchers found that stickers can trap both bacterial and dead pathogens, providing a record of contamination over several weeks.
A study published in mSystems found that stress caused changes in intestinal bacteria that stimulated immune cells, increasing the likelihood of an autoimmune attack. The researchers also identified specific bacterial species and genes associated with autoimmunity.
Researchers have identified a drug that can reverse hyperactivity induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection, reducing inflammation rather than parasite reduction. The study suggests the immune system plays a key role in behavioral changes caused by the parasite.
A new study found no major differences in gut microbiomes of people infected with roundworms or hookworms and uninfected peers. However, curing hookworm infections resulted in specific changes to the microbiome, while deworming had minimal effects.
Researchers analyzed over 850 drug-resistant E. coli genomes to identify survival strategies, finding that clones use niche separation and NFDS to evolve and succeed in the host environment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding bacterial ecology to develop effective prevention methods.
Researchers found a new, more powerful variant of an antimicrobial resistance gene in Staphylococcus epidermidis, making it harder for the bacteria to be killed by chlorhexidine bathing. The discovery was an unexpected result of a study on central venous catheter infections.
The study reveals that dietary phytoestrogens are metabolized by the gut microbiota of southern white rhinoceroses, leading to infertility. The researchers also found species differences in estrogen receptor sensitivity to phytoestrogen metabolites.
Researchers found that intestinal worms prevented weight gain on high-fat diets by boosting specific bacteria producing norepinephrine, leading to increased energy consumption and fat burning. This mechanism may lead to the development of new methods for weight loss.
A cluster of four NYC hospital patients harboring highly resistant E. coli with the MCR-1 gene were identified, highlighting the risk of spread and need for ongoing surveillance of this rare antibiotic resistance gene.
Researchers discover that targeting a specific protein called neuraminidase (NA) in flu vaccines can induce a broader protective response against influenza type B viruses. This finding suggests a potential way to boost the efficacy of current vaccines and develop a universal flu vaccine.
The study demonstrated that DSM265 can clear low-level Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia with a single oral dose. A companion drug is needed to prevent development of resistance and advance the goal of eradicating malaria.
Researchers have discovered that breast milk contains a variety of yeasts and fungi, including Malassezia and Davidiella, which are present in different geographic locations. These findings suggest that breast milk plays an important role in the initial seeding of fungal species to the infant gut.
Research suggests the cervical microbiome influences HPV infection, with a richer microbial mix found in high-grade lesions. Mycoplasma bacteria may promote HPV-related lesion growth.
Researchers have discovered a way to block the VCC-1 enzyme, which disables a new antibiotic resistance gene found in benign Vibrio cholerae strains. The discovery uses Avibactam, a US FDA-approved combination drug, to effectively combat the resistant bacteria.
A new experimental antibiotic AN12855 has been shown to be more effective against tuberculosis than isoniazid, a decades-old drug. In mouse studies, the new drug demonstrated a much lower tendency to develop resistance and remained in tissues where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria reside for longer, killing them more effectively.
Acarbose, a type II diabetes drug, changes the gut microbiome in a reversible and diet-dependent way, according to new research. The findings suggest that more attention should be paid to how medications affect the gut microbiome, particularly for diabetes treatments.
Studies show that lactic acid bacteria positively impact coffee fermentation, yielding fruity notes and enhancing flavor. Microbial communities also affect the build-up of fermentation-related metabolites on coffee beans, influencing overall quality.