Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers engineer bacterial vesicles into multifunctional tools that can kill pathogens, boost vaccines, and deliver targeted therapies. Engineered BEVs address key limitations of existing therapies, including improving vaccine responses and antibiotic delivery.
A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine found that the protein caspase-5 boosts cell growth in the gut lining by amplifying Wnt signaling. This balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy intestinal lining, replacing injured cells with new ones, and preventing diseases like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
A study from Tulane University found that long-term, untreated syphilis increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and aortic aneurysm. Adults with syphilis were more likely to develop these problems than similar patients without the infection.
A pre-Columbian Bolivian mummy has been found to harbor the ancient Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, a pathogen responsible for scarlet fever. The genome of this centuries-old bacterium was reconstructed from its DNA, revealing genetic variants that may no longer exist today.
Researchers found that Vibrio cholerae can efficiently acquire new sedentary chromosomal integron (SCI) gene cassettes from extracellular DNA. This process allows the bacteria to diversify its antiviral defenses and potentially expand its protection against viruses in different environments.
Scientists have discovered that a fast-rising strep bacterium comes in more forms than expected, with distinct variants linked to specific types of infections. The study provides critical genetic data to improve diagnosis, infection control, and future vaccine planning for this growing bacterial threat.
A study from the Ragon Institute reveals how a live bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others. The therapy, LACTIN-V, was found to successfully colonize the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus in 30% of women, leading to improved vaginal health.
Researchers developed an AI tool called PathogenFinder2 that can detect harmful bacteria before they infect humans. The tool uses protein language models and has been shown to significantly improve the detection of bacterial threats.
Using azithromycin within one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The researchers followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found that azithromycin changed the mix of microbes in the upper airway, leading to persistent changes for more than a week.
A study found that babies who develop severe E. coli infections lack sufficient germ-fighting antibodies, which mothers transfer to their babies. The research suggests that these antibodies protect against infection, and developing a screening test to identify high-risk newborns could prevent severe illnesses.
A new study discovered that a multifaceted infection prevention and control intervention successfully disrupted a large and long-running bacterial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Zambian neonatal intensive care unit. The study found that low-cost measures, including IPC training, enhanced cleaning, and hand hygiene, reduced neon...
A Rapid Outbreak Assessment published by ECDC and EFSA concludes that the likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low due to ongoing recalls. Most affected children experience mild symptoms, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
A new joint report from EFSA and ECDC highlights the ongoing threat of antimicrobial resistance in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Despite some encouraging signals, progress has been limited, and continued action is essential to slow the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
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.
Bacterial infections are common and severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis, with a global prevalence of 35.1% reported. The most common infection sites were the gastrointestinal tract, ascites fluid, and urinary tract, with gram-negative organisms more frequent than gram-positive organisms.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a copper-based compound that can kill MRSA bacteria by disguising itself as iron. The compound, BMDC, works by delivering a toxic dose of copper to bacterial colonies, making it an effective treatment against drug-resistant infections.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found that a common bacterium produces reactive oxygen species that impairs wound healing. Neutralizing this process with an antioxidant enzyme restores skin cells' ability to migrate and heal, offering a potential solution to tackle antibiotic-resistant strains.
A comprehensive genomic characterisation of E. coli strains isolated from diabetic foot ulcers reveals high diversity and antibiotic resistance. The study provides valuable insights into the specific pathogens involved in diabetic foot disease and suggests potential targets for improved treatment strategies.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria swim upstream to cause infections, pointing to new designs for biomedical devices that can prevent contamination. The study found that wider channels with faster counterflows are more prone to invasion, but sharp corner designs can inhibit bacterial growth.
A high-protein diet rich in casein and wheat gluten can significantly reduce the amount of cholera bacteria able to infect the gut. The study found that these dietary components can suppress a key structure on the surface of cholera bacteria, making it difficult for the pathogen to colonize and cause harm.
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that ceftazidime-avibactam is more effective than standard antibiotic therapy in managing drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. The treatment also showed a lower rate of adverse reactions and mortality. The results suggest that ceftazidime-avibactam is a more favorable choice for c...
A study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that delafloxacin inhibits Legionella replication more effectively than levofloxacin. The antibiotic demonstrates promising intracellular activity, which could support further clinical investigation as a potential treatment for Legionnaires' disease.
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.
Researchers at TUM developed a new method that allows for direct analysis of urine to determine antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections. The test reduces the time to result by up to 24 hours compared to conventional testing, enabling healthcare providers to prescribe more targeted treatments.
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 new study from the University of Gothenburg has found that high teenage BMI and poor physical fitness are associated with a higher risk of developing severe bacterial infections in adulthood. The study, which followed over 44,000 men for three decades, shows that even at high normal weight, individuals are already at increased risk.
A SickKids-led study reveals how bile acids can bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin, leading to the development of a new compound that neutralizes the toxin directly in the gut. This approach preserves gut health and targets the toxin with precision, offering hope for safer treatments.
A study suggests that volcanic activity around 1345 CE led to crop failures and famine in southern Europe, prompting Italian city states to import grain shipments from the Black Sea region contaminated with Yersinia pestis. This grain trade may have exacerbated the spread of the plague across Europe.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have confirmed a new species of Rickettsia bacteria found in dogs, associated with symptoms similar to those of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The new species, Rickettsia finnyi, has been cultured and sequenced, and its genome revealed a unique circular chromosome.
Researchers have developed a new molecular test to identify Lyme disease earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. The test can detect as few as five bacterial cells and has an estimated sensitivity of 90.9%, making it a potential new avenue for testing Lyme disease.
Researchers have discovered that manganese is both an armor and a weakness for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating the disease.
The Phase 3 study demonstrated the safety and non-inferiority of EuTYPH-C Inj.® Multi-dose compared to a World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified comparator TCV, Typbar TCV®. The vaccine was shown to be well-tolerated across all age groups with no serious adverse events.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
A Phase 2a clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of an intravenous bacteriophage therapy in treating complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. The treatment showed encouraging results and was safe for patients with this serious bacterial infection.
A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers create novel compounds that kill bacteria in a new way, reducing the risk of side effects and environmental harm. The compounds have been shown to be effective in preventing bovine mastitis without affecting milk quality.
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
Researchers from UCL and Imperial College London have discovered how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins target the outer layer of Gram-negative bacteria. By triggering the production and shedding of this armor, polymyxins create gaps in the cell's defenses, allowing the antibiotic to enter and kill the bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new treatment approach using a two-drug combination that is 10,000 times more effective than single-drug antibiotics in killing bacterial cells in lab tests. This promising method could help shorten treatment time and reduce toxicity in patients with chronic wound infections.
Yale researchers have developed a novel diagnostic method for detecting leptospiral virulence-modifying proteins in blood and urine, which could lead to early diagnosis and improved treatment options. The test has the potential to transform leptospirosis management globally by enabling timely treatments and mitigating disease severity.
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
A cohort study reveals oral bacteria and fungi as significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer development. The findings suggest that oral microbiota may serve as biomarkers to identify individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer, potentially contributing to personalized prevention strategies.
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 at Auburn University have discovered the strongest natural protein bond ever recorded, revealing how Staphylococcus aureus clings tightly to human skin. The study found that calcium plays a key role in fortifying this grip, making it stronger and more resistant to breaking.
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health found that a single injection of benzathine penicillin G successfully treated early syphilis just as well as the three-injection regimen used by many clinicians. Biological markers showed that 76% of participants in the single-dose group had a serologic response to treatment, comp...
Engineered peptides form nanonets that trap and kill bacteria, while leaving healthy cells untouched. The technology could inspire next-generation biomaterials for treating bacterial infections.
A multicenter study in China found that patients with liver cirrhosis were prone to community-acquired pneumonia and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and MDR organisms being major concerns. The study highlights the need for region-specific strategies to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Scientists create a way to eliminate harmful bacteria from the gut to prevent infections by using beneficial bacteria as an alternative. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests and mouse models.
A review led by Oregon Health & Science University researchers suggests that the US could save $1 billion a year by dropping adult tetanus and diphtheria booster shots if childhood vaccination rates remain strong. The safety of this approach depends on maintaining high childhood vaccination coverage.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns of an increased risk of Vibrio infections throughout the summer season due to rising sea surface temperatures. Several northern countries bordering the Baltic Sea have reported increases in recent years, with serious infections possible through foodborne or skin contact.
Researchers propose using chemical sensors to diagnose bacterial infections by detecting volatile organic compounds in bodily fluids, providing a rapid and affordable diagnostic test. The technology has the potential to improve treatment plans and combat antibiotic resistance.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.
Researchers have identified genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of pandemic cholera strains. These specific combinations of genes and allelic variants grant an advantage in human intestinal colonization, allowing a small subset of Vibrio cholerae to become deadly pathogens.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
Researchers discovered how urban rat migration spreads leptospirosis, a deadly disease, and developed a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. The study used advanced molecular techniques to analyze DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston, finding that 59 rats were positive for Leptospira bacteria.
A new study found that many home washing machines are insufficient for decontaminating healthcare worker uniforms, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive. The researchers propose revising laundering guidelines or using on-site industrial machines to improve patient safety.
Scientists have discovered a novel immune signaling pathway in bacteria that turns viral infection machinery against the virus, potentially informing future biotech tools and phage therapy. This discovery reveals an ancient defense strategy that could help fight superbugs.