Articles tagged with Anthrax
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed a fast-acting anthrax vaccine that uses gene transfer technology to provide rapid immunity. The new vaccine works quickly, granting mice immunity within 12 to 18 hours of vaccination and may be used in combination with active vaccines for enhanced protection.
Researchers developed a probability model to predict how many cases of anthrax could be prevented under varying conditions. The study found that antibiotics distributed within 6 days after exposure and taken for 60 days can prevent up to 70% of anthrax cases.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that targets the anthrax capsule, providing improved protection against experimental infection. The study showed that mice vaccinated with the capsule vaccine survived challenge doses of spores, demonstrating the effectiveness of this new approach.
The Imperial College London team, led by Dr. Danny Altmann, is developing new vaccines against anthrax and other bio-weapons using state-of-the-art technologies. The research will also contribute to a better understanding of emerging infectious diseases and the development of effective diagnostics and treatments.
Despite widespread concern about bioterrorism, only one in five patients who discussed anthrax with physicians received antibiotics or vaccines. Antibiotic prescription was most highly associated with patient requests and report of potential exposure.
The study uses nearly 1000 SNPs to define the genetic and evolutionary types of several anthrax isolates, providing a critical step toward future detection of this potential public threat. The results also establish a model for other biothreat pathogens and common public health-related diseases.
The new powder-based vaccine formulation has shown an 83-100% survival rate in rabbits exposed to lethal doses of inhalation anthrax. Initial data indicates improved stability over the liquid version, allowing for stockpiling without refrigeration. Further studies are needed before clinical trials could begin within two to three years.
Researchers discovered two small molecules that can block anthrax toxins, including edema factor and lethal factor. These compounds, Nitro10506-2A and DS-998, may lead to new treatments for the deadly disease, but further testing is needed.
Researchers found specific features like nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status were more frequent in inhalational anthrax cases. Mediastinal widening or pleural effusion on a chest X-ray were the most accurate predictors of anthrax. Studies using prospectively collected data are needed to corroborate or modify these findings.
Researchers solved the puzzle of the molecular structure of the protective antigen protein and CMG2 bound together, providing clearer targets for shutting down the anthrax toxin's entry into cells. This detailed image also points to a potential new tumor treatment using a genetically modified anthrax toxin.
Researchers at The Burnham Institute have determined the crystal structure of the anthrax-cell binding complex, offering new leads for the discovery of antitoxins. This breakthrough also provides insights into using anthrax toxin as an anti-tumor agent, with potential applications in treating cancer.
The TIGR president discussed the significance of finding anthrax toxin genes in a naturally occurring microbe other than Bacillus anthracis. The study found these genes in a virulent strain of Bacillus cereus, suggesting natural horizontal gene transfer may have occurred.
The team discovered a compound called DS-998 that shows promising activity against anthrax lethal factor in cell cultures, blocking the molecule's harmful cutting action. Mass spectrometry is used to screen a library of compounds, enabling rapid screening and reducing costs associated with drug development.
Scientists are developing a new anthrax vaccine that requires fewer shots and has fewer side effects. The study aims to improve upon the existing vaccine, which causes numerous side effects and takes 18 months to confer protection.
A study found that anthrax survivors reported multiple body system symptoms, increased psychological distress, and reduced quality of life compared to non-survivors. The most common complaints included respiratory problems, fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment.
A new bio-bar-code amplification test could provide a comprehensive disease profile from a single drop of blood, making it ideal for resource-poor settings. The test has already shown promise in detecting anthrax and prostate cancer, with the potential to be ready for marketing within one year.
A new investigational anthrax vaccine is being tested in a phase II human study at Saint Louis University. The vaccine aims to provide better protection, an improved safety profile and a simpler dosing schedule.
The Phase I study demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship between the amount of rPA102 administered and the subsequent immune response, with antibody titers continuing to increase after the second and third administration. The vaccine was well-tolerated, with no evidence of dose-limiting toxicity or reactogenicity at any dose.
Researchers have found that a clinically approved drug for chronic hepatitis B can block the action of an anthrax toxin. Adefovir dipivoxil effectively reduces the effects of edema factor, one of two deadly toxins produced by anthrax, at non-toxic doses.
Researchers found that anthrax spores can germinate, reproduce and form new spores in soil samples, defying the long-held belief that they require a host to survive. The study suggests that the deadly pathogen may be more versatile and resilient than initially thought.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researcher is developing a compound to neutralize anthrax toxin, which could be injected into healthy humans as a preventive measure or given to infected individuals as an antidote. The goal is to develop a safe and effective treatment for bioterrorist anthrax attacks.
Researchers have discovered a common pharmacophore that can be used to develop more potent and selective lethal factor inhibitors. This breakthrough holds promise for developing new anthrax therapies, particularly in cases where antibiotics are not effective.
Researchers at UCSD have identified a protein molecule targeted by anthrax toxin that prevents cytokine production, allowing bacteria to evade the immune system. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may develop new drugs to protect against anthrax infections.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified an anthrax toxin inhibitor that could lead to more effective therapy for the deadly agent. The discovery, made using a 'mixture-based peptide library' technique, reveals new approaches to design better inhibitors that might prove effective in clinical use.
Researchers have identified a potential inhibitor of anthrax toxin, which could lead to more effective therapy for the deadly agent. The study's findings suggest that combining antibiotics and protease inhibitor drugs may provide a cost-effective solution for treating inhalational anthrax.
Researchers have identified key genes and proteins involved in anthrax spore formation, revealing a complex process that involves the production of over 750 individual proteins. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular biology of anthrax and could lead to new vaccines and treatments.
ThraxVac uses alpha particles from polonium-210 to kill anthrax spores, making them vulnerable to heat and moisture. The technology has several advantages over current methods, including being lightweight and eliminating health and radiation hazards.
Researchers will analyze the external environment of tularemia bacteria, develop a vaccine for ricin, and engineer antibodies against anthrax. They will also work on developing drugs to treat Lassa fever and understand how plague blocks the immune system.
The Blanke Lab will conduct fundamental research about anthrax and methods to neutralize its impact, with a goal of generating novel therapeutics and vaccines. This project is part of the Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, bringing together leading researchers from various disciplines.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed Fe-TAML activators that can substantially decontaminate a cultured, benign simulant of anthrax. The technology has the potential to be used in water disinfection and environmental remediation, with applications extending beyond biological warfare agents.
Researchers at UIC aim to develop new drugs to combat engineered strains of Bacillus anthracis, a serious threat that can cause widespread disease and death. The four-and-a-half-year program will integrate multiple strategies to find novel antimicrobials and direct inhibitors against the anthrax toxin.
Ohio State University researchers developed a three-tiered biowarfare agent detection system for Navy ships, using portable hand-held assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. This allows for quick detection of suspected biological agents, enabling medical personnel to provide timely treatment.
A comprehensive study on anthrax lethal toxin reveals that human infection is not caused by septic shock but rather hypoxia-induced liver failure. The findings suggest that existing therapies for cytokine-mediated sepsis will not be effective in treating anthrax, highlighting the need for new approaches to treatment.
A recent study found that anthrax lethal toxin causes liver failure through hypoxia-induced toxicity, rather than septic shock. This discovery challenges current treatment approaches and emphasizes the importance of understanding unique pathophysiology in anthrax patients.
Researchers found no evidence of persistent cytokine increase or link between cytokines and anthrax toxin effects, contradicting earlier beliefs. The study suggests that current efforts to design cytokine-suppressing drugs may be misguided.
A new vaccine targets both the anthrax bacterium and its toxins, demonstrating improved effectiveness in mice tests. The dual-action approach also holds promise as a therapeutic vaccine to help those already infected control the bacteria over time.
A recent study found treating older adults with the flu to be cost-effective, while a Hong Kong-based SARS study reveals higher-than-expected mortality rates, highlighting the need for more effective diagnostic tools.
A new anthrax inhibitor being researched by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute may be able to prevent the toxin from binding to human cells, thereby hindering its damage. This breakthrough could enable successful treatment of anthrax at later stages and save more lives.
A new study found that larger exposures to anthrax spores require longer antibiotic therapy. In low-exposure cases, sixty days of antibiotics provide adequate protection, but four months are needed for high-exposure situations.
Dr. Collier's pioneering research has led to significant advances in vaccine design and therapeutic development, with applications in anthrax treatment and cancer therapy.
Researchers at Emory University discovered a novel mechanism of how anthrax disables the immune response by compromising dendritic cell function. The study found that the lethal factor (LF) disrupts mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes in dendritic cells, leading to lethargy and preventing the activation of the immune system.
NYU researchers identify a gene, luxS, necessary for robust growth of the bacterium in test tubes. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing antagonists or inhibitors to control anthrax, a highly lethal bacterial infection.
Researchers have deciphered the genome of Bacillus anthracis, a deadly soil bacterium that has been weaponized as a biowarfare agent. The analysis reveals that the bacterium's virulence is linked to specific genes and plasmids that enable it to thrive in environments rich in protein.
Researchers from The Institute of Genomic Research sequenced B. anthracis genome to improve vaccine design and drug development. Despite similarities with closely related bacteria, the study found unique genes giving B. anthracis its ability to thrive on protein-rich matter.
Researchers create vancomycin conjugates with buckyballs, which can target specific bacterial antigens and potentially treat resistant strains. The conjugates could also be used to prevent anthrax spores from germinating, offering a new defense against bioterrorism.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a second anthrax toxin receptor, revealing that the toxin's entry into cells is more complicated than previously thought. This finding provides pharmaceutical companies with new ammunition to attack anthrax disease and offers potential therapeutic applications.
The researchers propose a four-pronged approach to avoid a catastrophe: decisive action by authorities, immediate antibiotic distribution, clear messaging about the need for full treatment courses, and surge capacity for medical professionals. This could reduce the death toll from an anthrax attack from 123,000 to 1,000.
Researchers developed a treatment strategy that combines antibiotics to kill infection with protective antigen antibodies to prevent toxin damage, achieving 100% survival in animal models. The approach addresses the limitations of current antibiotic-only treatments, which only cure 50% of infected animals.
STERIS's Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) technology has been demonstrated to be effective in decontaminating large areas contaminated with anthrax spores. The process breaks down into water vapor and oxygen, producing no hazardous by-products or reactivity with other materials.
Researchers genetically engineered tobacco mosaic virus to instruct spinach plants to manufacture protective antigen fragments, which can be easily purified and used in a vaccine. The resulting subunit vaccine has shown promise as a more efficacious and safer alternative to existing anthrax vaccines.
Experts are exploring ways to validate and interpret genetic information from microbes in court cases. The lack of established standards poses a challenge, but advancements in molecular technology have made it possible to analyze DNA and RNA levels with new insights.
Scientists are developing a comprehensive microbial forensics infrastructure to track down pathogens and infer their origin. The goal is to use genetic information to identify the source of outbreaks, such as anthrax attacks, and provide quality control for new molecular methods like genome sequencing.
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a vacuum system that can detect anthrax and other biological agents in mail sorting machines. The device, which is being developed by the McDivitt laboratory, uses a detector to identify and quantify both biological and chemical agents.
Scientists have found that Bacillus spore size changes with environmental conditions, potentially allowing for rapid detection of anthrax. The discovery could enable a test to identify anthrax spores in seconds to minutes.
AVANT Immunotherapeutics awarded subcontract to develop oral combination vaccine against anthrax and plague using proprietary technologies. The vaccine aims to offer rapid, effective protection from multiple biological agents with a single dose, eliminating the need for protracted dosing regimens.
A new peptide, D6R, has been developed by LSUHSC researchers to block the action of an enzyme that activates toxic proteins in bacteria and viruses. The peptide was found to protect cells from lethal toxins without triggering a cytokine response, offering potential as a treatment for sepsis and other infections.
The HHS has awarded contracts to Avecia and VaxGen Inc. to develop a new anthrax vaccine that can provide immunity in three or fewer doses, reducing administration time. The vaccine will be produced using recombinant DNA technology and is expected to protect individuals from anthrax spores even if administered shortly after exposure.
UCSD researchers describe how Bacillus anthracis' lethal toxin disables macrophage signaling, allowing bacteria to spread unchecked. The study's findings open the door for developing an antidote to block the toxin's action.
A new compound derived from baker's yeast has been shown to significantly increase the survival rate of mice infected with lethal anthrax spores. The study found that mice treated with the compound survived at a rate of 75-100%, compared to just 30-50% in mice given a placebo.
Researchers have developed a new agent using phage enzymes that can specifically target and eliminate millions of anthrax bacteria within seconds. This targeted killer also shows promise as an anthrax detection and decontamination tool, with potential applications in mailrooms or subway stations.