A new study found that ICU patients experience a rapid depletion of health-promoting microbes and an increase in pathogenic strains, leading to worsening dysbiosis. Researchers tracked changes in bacterial makeup over time and compared data to healthy individuals, revealing the critical impact of ICU stays on gut microbiomes.
Researchers have identified a strain of E. coli bacteria from a New Jersey patient with a complicated urinary tract infection that harbored resistance to both carbapenem antibiotics and colistin. The study highlights the need for active surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Research on smokeless tobacco products has identified several bacteria species associated with opportunistic infections, such as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause illness in large quantities and may also contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
Researchers cloned an epidemic strain of Zika virus, creating a model to test strategies for stopping the pandemic. The clone is used for developing a live but attenuated vaccine to create long-term immunity.
Researchers discovered highly diverse bacterial populations in raw milk arriving at dairy facilities, with a core microbiota of 29 taxa. The study found that processing facility environment influences microbial composition, leading to spoilage issues or defects in products like cheese.
Researchers have discovered two distinct growth forms of Candida auris, a fungus resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, which can cause fatal infections in hospital patients. The strain's ability to cause disease is surprisingly high, rivaling that of the most invasive Candida species.
A trio of researchers identified the agr1 gene locus controlling toxin production in C. difficile bacteria, suggesting a new approach to treat the life-threatening infection. The study found that jamming the signaling communication system can stop toxin production, providing hope for non-antibiotic therapy.
The study found a small number of species associated with periodontitis, but not gingivitis, including Prevotella, Treponema, and Selemonas. This research may lead to an inexpensive and rapid point-of-care test based on distinguishing the two conditions' microbiomes.
Researchers have developed a new model to study the phenomenon of secondary bacterial pneumonia caused by S. aureus and influenza A virus. The model, which simulates the natural pathogenesis of infection, reveals that viral infection induces bacteria to disseminate to the lungs.
Researchers isolated MCR-1 gene from a diabetic patient's foot infection in Brazil, marking the first detection of the gene in humans. The discovery highlights the potential for antibiotic resistance to spread within countries.
A recent study published in mBio found that obese mice who received influenza vaccines with and without adjuvants were not protected against the flu. Despite increased antibody responses, obese mice succumbed to infection due to a combination of factors, including increased viral load and severe disease severity.
A French team of researchers discovered that acquired antibiotic-resistant plasmids rarely drop their resistant genes even when selection pressure is absent. The study, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, focused on extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance.
Researchers found that green monkeys in The Gambia acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains from humans through contact with contaminated food. The bacteria adaptation process was observed as strains lost genes associated with human adaptation, highlighting the risk of pathogen transmission.
A study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that two genes, ArsS and ArsR, play a crucial role in regulating biofilm formation in H. pylori. The researchers created strains with mutations in these genes and observed that they formed thicker and more rapid biofilms.
A new variant of the emerging antibiotic resistance mechanism mcr-1 has been discovered on a multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was isolated from a child hospitalized with leukemia. The newly identified gene, mcr-1.2, confers resistance to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic.
Researchers tested serum antibodies from Ebola survivors and found substantial cross-reactivity with other filoviruses, suggesting long-lived immunity. The study's results indicate that antibody responses extend beyond the primary virus, imparting at least partial immunity to other filoviral infections.
A clinical isolate of bacterial pathogen carrying the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has been detected in humans in the US, sparking concerns about antibiotic resistance. The isolate was found to be susceptible to several commonly used antimicrobial agents, but its plasmid-mediated nature is still unknown.
A study found that 14% of patients kept a stash of antibiotics at home and 40% used them without a prescription. Self-prescribing can lead to antibiotic resistance and serious side effects, highlighting the need for proper medical guidance.
A study published in mSystems journal found that Boston's subway system is heavily colonized by microbes from human skin, with surface type being the major driver of variation. The majority of microbes found were from normal human skin and were harmless, but some samples showed low levels of gut and oral microbes.
The study reveals that Group B streptococcus (GBS) uses the enzyme hyaluronidase to evade the immune system during pregnancy, leading to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Blocking this enzyme could lead to eradication of GBS and new treatments for other ascending infections.
Researchers found that oral bacteria cooperate to make a pathogenic bacterium more infectious by providing an oxygen-rich environment. This cross-respiration allows the pathogen to grow and thrive, leading to worse infections.
Research suggests that beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Streptococcus may protect women from breast cancer by inducing anticarcinogenic properties. Probiotics could be a potential tool to boost these beneficial bacteria, potentially lowering the risk of breast cancer.
Researchers developed stealth nanocapsules that cure more than half of infected mice with Chagas disease, outperforming conventional nanocapsules. The new delivery system is simple to produce and can be taken orally, making it a practical solution for treating the disease in less developed countries.
A phase II clinical trial showed that GEN-003 immunotherapy significantly reduces genital herpes virus activity and recurrent outbreaks, lasting up to a year after treatment. This new approach may provide relief similar to daily antiviral medications but with improved convenience.
Researchers found that contaminated gloves can spread healthcare-associated pathogens to hospital surfaces, with types of bacteria affecting transmission rates. Proper glove use is crucial to reduce HCAI risk.
Research at ASM Microbe meeting reveals a new way bacteria can cause dramatic changes in human cells, leading to contact lens wear complications and inflammation. The study identifies key genes responsible for bleb formation, which may lead to novel therapies to prevent infection-associated inflammation.
Researchers created a sediment Microbial Fuel Cell (sMFC) system that can remotely investigate the physiology and ecology of electrically active microbes in submerged field sites. The device's cathode depth affected microbial community composition and energy recovery from sediments.
Recent testing indicates that Flint drinking water quality is improving, with decreasing levels of DNA markers for Legionella. However, pathogenic forms of the bacteria were still culturable at some sampling points, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
A recent study found that 72% of children have S. mutans strains not found in family members, suggesting external transmission from other children or population sources. Children can share strains with siblings or cousins, highlighting another dimension to inter-familial transmission.
Researchers found that microbes in must can be used as biomarkers to predict metabolite abundances in finished wine. This study could lead to improved winemaking by identifying bacteria and fungi associated with desirable metabolites or detecting troublesome taxa before spoilage occurs.
Researchers discover potent activity of oxaboroles against malaria parasites, highlighting a promising new class of antimalarial drugs. The compounds target the LeuRS enzyme, which is essential for protein synthesis, making them a potential cure for malaria with minimal resistance risk.
Research found that crows on a university campus carried high rates of Campylobacter jejuni, suggesting they could play a role in transmitting the bacteria to humans. The study tracked crow movements and behavior, revealing that their foraging habits often bring them into close proximity with livestock and humans.
A study published in mSystems found that Burkholderia multivorans bacteria evolve and adapt in bursts to survive in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The bacteria target adherence, metabolism, and changes to the cell envelope to evade antibiotics and persist in the host.
Researchers found that low temperatures trigger genes involved in biofilm formation, toxin production, and cold adaptation in Vibrio cholerae. Expression of virulence factors is reduced at low temperatures, suggesting a link to environmental lifecycle.
A new study finds that probiotic bacteria can reduce cadmium absorption in the intestines of mice by mitigating oxidative stress. The research provides evidence that probiotics can inhibit the toxic effects of cadmium on the gut barrier, potentially offering a solution to heavy metal contamination in public health.
Researchers found that exposure to triclosan through household products did not significantly affect the gut or oral microbiome. The study, published in mSphere, suggests that people can safely use triclosan-containing toothpaste without worrying about its impact on their microbiome.
Researchers identified a novel tuberculosis pathogen, Mycobacterium mungi, transmitted through environmental urine and anal gland secretions in banded mongooses. This discovery radically changes the understanding of TB transmission, with implications for wildlife and livestock health.
A new antibiotic, Debio 1452, shows promise in selectively targeting Staphilococcal pathogens while sparing the gut microbiome. Conventional broad spectrum antibiotics cause significant damage to the gut microbiome.
Researchers have developed a method to identify HPV infections using self-collected vaginal swabs, which provides accurate results similar to clinician-collected cervical specimens. This technology enables same-day screening and treatment, critical for preventing premature deaths from HPV-associated cancers in low-income countries.
A new proteomics method has been developed to measure the carbon uptake of specific marine bacterioplankton taxa, revealing metabolic patterns and taxonomic identification. The technique uses stable isotopic probing to analyze proteins from seawater samples, providing information on substrate incorporation and enzyme activity.
A team of Danish investigators manipulated the metabolic properties of yogurt-producing bacteria to create a sweeter, less-sweetened yogurt. They achieved this by modifying the bacteria to consume galactose instead of glucose, resulting in a product with reduced lactose and increased natural sweetness.
A study found that cities have distinct microbial communities, with offices in the same city showing minimal variation. Human skin was a significant source of microbes in office environments, accounting for 25-30% of the microbiome.
A team of researchers has identified the compound in mothers' milk that supplies nourishment to infants' gut microbiota. This compound can be obtained from cow's milk and may be used as a prebiotic for infants, potentially improving their formula.
A 2010 outbreak in Maryland was caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a strain sourced from raw oysters from Asian restaurants. Whole genome sequencing helped identify the pathogen's origin and introduced techniques for future outbreaks.
Researchers discovered a new fish virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), causing mass die-offs in Ecuador and Israel, affecting wild and farmed tilapia populations. The team identified the virus's genetic sequence and showed it replicates in fish cells, providing a foundation for developing a vaccine.
Researchers found that resveratrol changes the gut microbiome, reducing levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide and inhibiting TMA production, which contribute to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that resveratrol could be used as a natural treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in over half of hospitalized children with pneumonia in Beijing, predicting an ongoing epidemic. The study may help clinicians slow the spread of the disease.
A new study found that nonpathogenic viruses can be transferred during fecal transplants, but these viruses appear to be harmless to humans. The researchers analyzed fecal transplants from a single donor to three children with chronic ulcerative colitis and found mostly temperate bacteriophages were transmitted.
Research finds that botulism in waterbirds is spread by an invasive species of freshwater snail carrying Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in polluted wetlands. Global warming is expected to exacerbate outbreaks due to increased temperatures and drought.
A study found that contact lenses alter the natural microbial community of the eyes, making it more skin-like. This shift in bacterial composition increases the risk of eye infections such as giant papillary conjunctivitis and keratitis.