Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are studying the genes of superbugs to develop new and effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections. The team has discovered new genes responsible for causing disease and infection symptoms in humans, which can be targeted by antivirulence drugs.
Researchers at CZ Biohub SF developed a new diagnostic method for LRTI in children, leveraging machine learning and genomics to identify pathogens with high accuracy. The method uses metagenomic sequencing data to analyze gene expression and microbial abundance, providing a more holistic approach to diagnosing the condition.
A new shape-shifting antibiotic has been developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers, offering a potential cure for deadly infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. The innovative design uses click chemistry to create a molecule with multiple possible configurations, avoiding the development of resistance.
A UCalgary study found that a healthy gut microbiome can prevent deadly hospital infections in critically ill patients. The research showed that the gut microbiota and immune system work together to fight infection, with abnormal gut bacteria increasing the risk of severe infections.
Researchers have discovered that Shigella bacteria can infect humans but not mice due to differences in the shape of a key protein, gasdermin-B. The protein has six different forms, and some isoforms cause cell death while others do not, explaining why Shigella is unable to infect mice.
Researchers have discovered the critical role of linker histone protein H1 in plant immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections. The study found that mutant plants with knocked-out H1 isoforms exhibited higher defense gene expression and resistance to infection, but lacked priming ability.
A new study published at ECCMID 2023 found that antibiotics do not reduce the risk of dying in adults hospitalised with common viral respiratory infections like influenza. The research suggests a restrictive antibiotic strategy for these types of infections may be warranted to reduce unnecessary prescribing and combat antimicrobial res...
A research team at HKUMed has invented a non-invasive technology to effectively reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in bony tissue. The novel antibacterial nano-sheets can release ROS subject to ultrasound stimulation, eliminating MRSA bacteria deeply seated in bony tissue with 99.72% efficacy.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered a key role for autophagy in controlling intracellular infections like TB. By boosting this natural process, they hope to create new treatments that can combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new study warns of a rise in potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the US coast, driven by global warming. The number of Vibrio vulnificus infections has increased from 10 to 80 per year over 30 years, with cases now found further north than ever before.
A new study published in Cell Reports shows that gut bacteria from the patient's own intestine can cause post-operative infections, which are often fatal. The liver plays a key role in controlling these spreading bacteria through special immune cells called innate lymphoid cells.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that bacteria causing vaginal infections can also be present in men and transmitted through heterosexual sex. The study found that only men who reported having vaginal sex carried the bacteria, with detectable presence for at least two months after intercourse.
A study found that healthy adult men with vaginal sex have a unique bacterial community in their urethra, with a core community supporting health and a secondary group more commonly found in the vagina. Vaginal sex has lasting effects, reshaping the male urinary-tract microbiome and increasing bacterial variation.
A study of over 2,800 hospital patients and their companion animals found that sharing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) between pets and owners is possible. However, the rate of MDRO transmission from pets to humans was very low, suggesting that neither cat nor dog ownership is a major risk factor for hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers have found a new solution to combat resistant staphylococcus aureus infections, which can be difficult to treat. Endolysins, a newly developed enzyme, has been shown to kill both resistant and non-resistant staphylococcus aureus without the need for antibiotics.
Researchers found that fomepizole blocked energy production in bacteria and reduced bacterial burden in mice with pneumonia. The combination treatment prevented invasive disease development, suggesting a potential novel treatment for multidrug-resistant pneumococcal disease.
Researchers from China conducted a comprehensive review of dual therapy (DT) for H. pylori eradication, highlighting its high efficacy and patient compliance with minimal adverse events. High-dose DT administered over 14 days has emerged as the most effective treatment option.
The study reveals that more than 70% of patients developed urinary tract infections caused by endogenous E. coli strains from their own gut microbiota. The researchers also found that non-lactose-fermenting E. coli strains, less common in other countries, were present in the gut microbiota of some patients.
Scientists have developed a high-throughput genetic screening approach to identify viral proteins that target bacterial cell walls, leading to potential new antibiotics. The method uses a coded library of DNA fragments to investigate unknown genes in environmental samples, sidestepping the need for culturing bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that Yersinia pseudotuberculosis triggers the formation of granulomas in the intestines to control bacterial infections. Monocytes play a crucial role in recruiting neutrophils and launching the formation of these immune cells, which help combat the infection.
Researchers at Wayne State University have developed a novel non-sputum-based technology to differentiate between active TB and latent TB infection. The technology uses IgG antibodies against transketolase, an essential enzyme required for the intracellular growth of TB bacteria.
A recent study highlights the perils of bacteria's secret antimicrobial resistance, which can be difficult to detect using traditional methods. Researchers are exploring new approaches, such as genetic analysis, to identify and prevent the spread of these resistant strains.
The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.
Researchers develop a novel combination therapy using mitoxantrone and vancomycin to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) infections. The therapy stimulates the host immune system, accelerating wound healing and killing bacteria more effectively.
Researchers developed synthetic peptide nanonets that selectively entrap bacteria, rendering them vulnerable to antimicrobial components. The nanonets displayed both trapping and killing functionalities, demonstrating potential as an anti-infective strategy.
A study published in AJIC found that EHR-focused interventions reduced unnecessary urine culture orders by 20.9% and 21.6% among patients with indwelling catheters. The interventions included changing the electronic medical record ordering screen to require an indication for the culture.
Researchers found that solar water disinfection (SODIS) was effective in inactivating Escherichia coli bacteria at both low and high altitudes. At high altitudes, bacterial inactivation increased by 1.7-fold after two hours, with no significant differences after six hours. The study highlights the potential of SODIS to improve global a...
Researchers observed changes in upper respiratory tract bacterial diversity after COVID-19 infection over time. The study suggests that viral infections can change the respiratory microbiome, potentially predictive of outcomes.
New study reveals that diseased plant cells produce more proteins before dying, alerting healthy cells to boost immunity and prevent disease spread. This 'deathbed rally' helps the rest of the plant stay healthy, paving the way for potential disease resistance strategies.
Researchers investigated manuka honey's potential to resist bacterial infections and promote bone growth in collagen scaffolds. Higher concentrations of honey led to decreased bone health, while soaked scaffolds showed improved results.
A new subset of B lymphocytes has been found to play a crucial role in promoting the clearance of microbes by enhancing the production of innate immune cells. The discovery highlights the importance of adaptive immune cells in responding to infections and could lead to new strategies for combating serious diseases.
A study published in eLife has linked infection with the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that individuals with high genetic risk scores for coronary heart disease were at elevated risk for cardiovascular events.
Scientists at University of Warwick and Politecnico di Milano developed a tool to regulate bacterial electric signals with light, opening new avenues for understanding antimicrobial resistance. This technology could help explain how some bacteria survive antibiotic exposure.
Researchers discovered that sensory cells in the spinal cord's central canal can detect bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid and trigger an inflammatory response to fight brain infections. These 'taste' receptors recognize bitter substances, such as those from Streptococcus pneumoniae, and increase cytokine production to combat pathogens.
Researchers found that two proteins help MRSA cells pump toxins into their environment. Targeting these proteins could disable MRSA and reduce its virulence.
Researchers have characterised the mutually beneficial relationship between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, two pathogens responsible for severe infections. This relationship enables Klebsiella to survive in higher antibiotic concentrations, making it more deadly and resistant to treatment.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test called p-LFAs that can detect and quantify protein concentrations to identify bacterial and viral infections. The test is 1,000 times more sensitive than conventional tests, returning results in just 20 minutes.
A study by University of Liverpool researchers reveals how a unique subset of lung T regulatory cells provide resistance to bacteraemic pneumonia. These cells, known as TNFR2 expressing Tregs, play a critical role in maintaining and controlling frontline host immune responses when pneumococci infect the lungs. The findings have signifi...
Researchers investigated TB screening effectiveness in Germany and globally, finding mandatory programs may increase participation but don't deliver better results. Voluntary programs are considered more effective, ethically and legally justifiable.
A research team led by Professor Xiang David LI has developed a novel chemical tool called photo-ANA to investigate bacterial interactions with the host in real-time. This approach enables scientists to comprehensively profile host–bacteria protein interactions during infection, revealing known and newly discovered interactions.
A new microbiome therapeutic, SER-109, has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections by reducing symptoms and restoring colonization resistance. The treatment was found to be associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life scores as early as Week 1.
Researchers successfully treated a young man with recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium using chloramphenicol. The patient showed improvement after 14 days of treatment, despite initial failure with first and second-line antibiotics.
Researchers found that carriers of a specific hidden bacteria have a 14% chance of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection within 30 days of hospitalization. The study highlights the significant risk of infections from multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in patients undergoing 'dirty' surgery.
Research suggests that a new combination of drugs is needed to find an effective treatment for TB meningitis due to multidrug-resistant strains. The FDA-approved BPaL regimen is not effective in treating TB meningitis because bedaquiline and linezolid cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers from UC San Diego and Yale University are exploring the therapeutic potential of
The study reveals that repeated mutations in the sarZ gene lead to increased severity of MRSA blood stream infections, and that surface protein ClfB plays a critical role in pathogenesis. The findings provide insights into the factors contributing to MRSA virulence and may help uncover new treatment approaches.
Researchers analyzed how immunological memory gets generated and maintained to understand its role in cancer and inflammatory diseases. They found that increased inflammation can actually reduce immunological memory, highlighting the need for regulation.
Researchers at Aston University have created the world's first computer reconstruction of a virus, including its complete native genome. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted treatments to kill bacteria that are dangerous to humans, reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance.
A study led by Robert Dickson found that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, both in health and during sepsis. The researchers discovered that certain bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were strongly associated with increased fever response.
A new study published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health found that proper hand hygiene in clinical work can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how good or poor hygiene affects resistance evolution, and tested it against data from 691 long-term care facil...
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a probiotic reduced S. aureus colonization by 96.8% in the stool and 65.4% in the nose. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis was administered orally, surviving passage through the stomach, and did not harm gut microbiota.
Researchers discovered that urinary tract infections can arise after sterile tubes are inserted into the urinary tract, even when no bacteria are detectable beforehand. This study suggests that screening patients for hidden reservoirs of dangerous bacteria could supplement infection-control efforts and help prevent deadly infections. B...
Researchers developed an injectable hydrogel that inhibits common bacteria and promotes tissue regrowth, treating infections around prosthetics. The gel has a porous structure, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a link between latent tuberculosis infection and increased inflammation in monocytes, a type of white blood cell. This connection may contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with LTBI.
Half of online sellers fail to disclose law and disease risks associated with small turtles. Despite federal regulations, many US sellers circumvent public health guidelines when selling these pets.
Researchers discovered that enterococci, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can make C. difficile more potent and dangerous by producing amino acids. This understanding could help doctors identify patients at risk and develop new treatments for the deadly infection.
A North Carolina State University study found that mosquitoes harbor diverse bacterial communities, including those associated with human diseases. The research revealed greater bacterial diversity internally than externally, suggesting that mosquitoes may transfer pathogenic bacteria through physical contact or defecation.
Researchers at Princeton University have isolated a compound called cloacaenodin, which is a potent antibacterial peptide that can kill clinically relevant drug-resistant strains of Enterobacter. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of bacterial infections and could lead to new antibiotic development.
Researchers found that fleas with early-phase infection are insufficient to drive epizootic outbreaks but can promote a low level of enzootic plague. Early-phase transmission may help maintain the enzootic state by reducing susceptible individuals in the population.