Articles tagged with Acute Infections
A blood test that compares two molecules in the blood can accurately distinguish between bacterial and viral infections in newborn babies with fever. The test showed a high sensitivity and specificity, and could potentially improve treatment and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers discovered a unique system C. diff uses to sense and respond to host-mediated nutrient deprivation and a microbiota-produced antibiotic compound. Bacitracin, produced by the gut commensal bacterium Bacillus licheniformis, inhibits symptoms and eliminates the pathogen in a mouse model.
Researchers developed a 3D micro-bladder model to test phage therapy on UTI bacteria. The treatment successfully wiped out bacteria in hidden reservoirs, reducing the risk of recurrent infections. The study suggests a two-pronged approach combining phages and antibiotics may be more effective.
Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and hospitalizations due to infections in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study found a relative risk reduction of about one-third, corresponding to a 36% reduced risk of infection-related hospitalization.
The American College of Chest Physicians' open-access journal CHEST Critical Care has received its first Journal Impact Factor of 2.7, reflecting the dedication of its authors, reviewers, and readers. This recognition highlights the journal's growing impact in critical care medicine.
An observational study found that early remdesivir treatment reduced the risk of all-cause graft loss and cardiovascular events in adult kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19. The study included 432 participants, with 177 receiving at least three days of remdesivir therapy.
A study found that antibodies generated by vaccination against Zaire ebolavirus can neutralize the current Bundibugyo ebolavirus variant, suggesting possible cross-protection. However, further studies are required to confirm clinical benefit during the ongoing outbreak.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a new method to analyze cellular behavior in sepsis infections, identifying 18 different clusters of behaviors involved. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapeutics and improved survival rates for patients.
The study found that sepsis continues to be a significant cause of mortality in China, with infections accounting for the majority of deaths. The analysis also revealed age-related differences in sepsis burden, with older adults and males consistently carrying the highest risk.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
A recent study published in JAMA found that prone positioning in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis receiving high-flow nasal cannula support did not significantly reduce escalation of care. The study suggests that further research is warranted due to the wide confidence interval around the observed odds ratio.
Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.
Hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infections often have underlying chronic conditions that require intensive care. The study found that these patients are at a higher risk of severe disease and death. Understanding the epidemiologic profile of this population can help optimize outcomes for pediatric patients.
A recent study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that antibiotics for uncomplicated acute sore throats have minimal preventive effect against serious streptococcal infections. Early recognition of warning signs is crucial, and a vaccine is being awaited as a long-term solution.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.
A new study presents dual immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using RSVpreF and nirsevimab, showing reduced hospitalizations among infants in France. The study found that this combined approach demonstrates potential for enhanced RSV prevention and protection
Researchers found a protein called RAB5c that helps white blood cells kill Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus. Without this protein, immune cells are disarmed despite attacking at full force. The discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with weakened immune systems.
A cross-sectional study found that older adults are disproportionately prescribed medications affecting cognition from acute or postacute care settings. This highlights the need to target prescriptions from these settings to reduce such prescribing.
Researchers found that antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota, suppressing protective immune system pathways and increasing severity of A. baumannii pneumonia. The study highlights the gut-lung connection as a potential therapeutic target for hospital-acquired lung infections.
A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Among highly boosted patients with cancer, overall postacute sequelae risk was not elevated compared to noninfected patients; hospitalized COVID-19 patients remained at increased risk despite therapeutics. Vaccination and boosting remain important in mitigating long COVID among immunocompromised patients
A new study suggests that autoantibodies from Long COVID patients can induce persistent pain-like symptoms in mice, providing evidence for a potential causal role of autoantibodies in the condition. The research also highlights distinct biological subgroups and offers hope for targeted antibody-based therapies.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...
A Dartmouth study found that plasmids can form tight clusters within bacterial communities, making them resistant to antibiotics and clinical treatments. This phenomenon introduces a new avenue for bacterial infections to become more difficult to treat.
A recent study found significant changes in post-COVID respiratory infections among children, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae experiencing a surge after restrictions were lifted. The study also revealed strong interactions between pathogens, including negative correlations and pathogen interference.
The program brought together 31 health professionals from nine Asian and African countries for advanced training in epidemiology, clinical treatment, and research & diagnosis. Participants also conducted on-site field visits to leading institutions, strengthening their response capacities.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A team of researchers has identified two proteins critical to the destruction of red blood cells by the Oroya fever pathogen. This discovery paves the way for a potential novel therapy against this deadly neglected tropical disease.
A study of over 85,000 patients found that IV iron improved survival rates and increased hemoglobin levels in those with iron-deficiency anemia and acute bacterial infections. The treatment was safe and showed significant benefits across different types of infections.
Researchers at LJI have discovered a cellular driver that leads to the development of tissue-resident memory T cells, which specialize in defending specific organs. The study found that GPR25 sustains TGF-\u00b2 signaling, promoting differentiation and transformation into these specialized immune cells.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy using biomaterial scaffold vaccines to protect against Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopedic device implants. The vaccines, made with immune cell-attaching molecules and S. aureus-specific antigens, create a beneficial immune response that significantly lowers bacterial burden.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered central routes that deadly viruses take to invade human cells, designing decoy molecules to block infections. The studies set the stage for developing new strategies for yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis viruses.
A team led by Professor Jay Hinton will explore how the gut microbiota prevents Salmonella infection in healthy individuals. By analyzing data from a previous human challenge trial, they aim to reveal the microbial mechanisms that confer colonisation resistance.
A new study projects that US funding cuts will result in a catastrophic effect on pediatric TB, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia experiencing a significant spike in preventable cases and deaths over the next decade. The loss of US bilateral health aid is projected to result in an additional 2.5 million pediatric T...
A University of Houston professor has received funding to develop effective treatments for Cryptosporidium infections, which cause severe diarrhea and have no existing cure. The team aims to design drugs that target the parasite's enzyme CDPK1 to minimize systemic exposure and maximize efficacy.
A meta-analysis found significantly higher treatment failure and major complication rates within a year with nonoperative management among children and adolescents. Pediatricians can now inform shared decision-making with families using up-to-date data.
A new review article highlights the need for effective control and prevention strategies for sexually transmitted gut infections, which can persist longer and be harder to treat. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community-level education and testing.
Researchers found that dengue infection can reprogram the body's immune system, leaving a lasting genetic imprint that influences future infections. This effect is not seen with vaccination, but rather with gene activity patterns in specific types of immune cells that the dengue virus infects.
A case series of children with influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy highlights the condition's severe impact on young, previously healthy children. The study emphasizes the need for prevention, early recognition, intensive treatment, and standardized management protocols to address this critical public health concern.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham found larazotide effective in treating children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but serious condition. The oral drug strengthened intestinal barriers to limit SARS-CoV-2 viral particle entry, resolving symptoms and improving recovery.
A new study found that less than 5% of children admitted to hospital with suspected sepsis met the Phoenix Sepsis Score, highlighting the need for more accurate measures to diagnose sepsis in children. The research also showed that the current clinical tool failed to detect cases early and underestimated the overall burden of disease.
A UK clinical trial found that almost nine in ten patients with a penicillin allergy label were not truly allergic after testing, and had their allergy label safely removed. This could help patients access more effective antibiotics and combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers from ASU and international collaborators tested a handheld DNA sequencing device at six chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia. The study found signs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading from wastewater into nearby rivers, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to reduce its spread.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze cerebrospinal fluid samples from tuberculous meningitis patients and found that certain metabolic pathways may contribute to poor outcomes. Three hydroxylated fatty acids with a maximum carbon length of eight were strongly associated with mortality, regardless of HIV status or disease severity.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Virginia Health System reveals distinct immune patterns in patients with persistent breathing issues after COVID-19. The research identifies specific T cell changes linked to lung damage and fibrosis, paving the way for personalized treatments.
Researchers analyzed medical claims data to identify increased risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and fractures among breast cancer survivors. The study highlights the importance of preventive care for these individuals.
This study explored the immune dynamics across different phases of HBV infection, identifying key factors influencing T cell function and liver priming. The research team uncovered distinct types of intrahepatic T lymphocytes and dual roles of DC-SIGN+ macrophages in modulating immune responses.
A recent study found that telehealth visits in pediatric primary care significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections. The research analyzed over 540,000 visits and showed that children treated with telehealth were less likely to receive antibiotics than those examined in person.
Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center found that an existing drug can revive immune cells paralyzed by sepsis, a leading cause of death in ICUs. The study provides new perspectives for the treatment of sepsis and may lead to potential treatments for patients with immune paralysis.
A large US cohort study found SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with adverse postacute kidney outcomes in children and adolescents, especially those with chronic or acute kidney disease. Long-term monitoring is recommended for these patients.
A major Danish nationwide cohort study found that adults with respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute respiratory infection (RSV-ARI) experience significantly worse health outcomes, including a 2.7-fold higher risk of death within one year compared to the general population. RSV-ARI also leads to exacerbations of COPD and asthma, ...
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed in Elsevier's Scopus database. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality research published in these journals, which provide open access content in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University develop a disposable microchip technology for HIV-1 self-testing during acute phase or viral rebound. The device is expected to be affordable and provide results within 40 minutes.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that pregnancy may offer protection from developing Long COVID. The research analyzed data on approximately 72,000 pregnant women and 208,000 non-pregnant controls, revealing lower rates of long-term complications related to COVID-19 among pregnant women.
Researchers found robust, virus-fighting T cells in lung tissue that correlate with reduced viral load, inflammation, and improved respiratory function. These cells maintain a polyfunctional memory phenotype after viral clearance, highlighting their role in controlling COVID-19.
A case study found Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 DNA in brain tissue samples from a young child with seizures. The presence of these pathogens suggests their potential role in complex neurological illnesses.
Researchers found that people who later experienced persistent shortness of breath or fatigue had significantly fewer steps per day and a higher resting heart rate before contracting the virus. These findings suggest a link between lower fitness levels and preexisting health conditions in long COVID patients.
Researchers have discovered how severe COVID-19 can destroy immune cells' ability to repair the lungs, leading to lingering effects of long COVID. By enhancing damaged organelles using a FDA-approved drug, they found improved lung healing and reduced inflammation.