Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A heat-loving bacterium's Cas13 protein enables specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in a one-pot assay. The technology has been patented and clinically validated, with the aim of mass production and commercialization.
Researchers identify key enzyme CbrR and cyclic-di-GMP as crucial for Campylobacter jejuni's motility and biofilm formation. By targeting these elements, scientists aim to develop a safe molecule to prevent infection.
Researchers have deciphered the exact bacterial adhesion mechanism using Bartonella henselae, revealing a key role for trimeric autotransporter adhesins and their interaction with fibronectin. Experimental blocking of these processes almost entirely prevents bacterial adhesion.
New research reveals that specific proteins in plant cells explain why plant defenses falter under high temperatures, leaving them susceptible to infections. Scientists have also discovered a way to reverse this effect by constantly activating the CBP60g master switch gene, which bolsters plant defenses without stunting growth.
A new therapeutic target for melioidosis has been identified by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology. The enzyme BurG synthesizes a toxic molecule central to infection, and inhibiting it could make bacteria less virulent.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed precision antibacterials using mRNA technology, targeting specific genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The study shows that these active agents can effectively block only one specific gene, and reducing their size to nine base pairs can minimize non-specific binding.
A highly antibiotic-resistant strain of MRSA has emerged in livestock over the past 50 years, primarily due to widespread antibiotic use in pig farming. The CC398 strain has maintained its resistance and is capable of rapidly adapting to human hosts, posing a significant threat to public health.
Bacteria's extreme lifestyle change during UTI infection cycles may hold clues to combating antimicrobial resistance and damage. Researchers used advanced microscopy to study the reversal of filamentation, shedding light on a previously unknown mechanism.
Researchers discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis can evolve efficiently by forming complex biofilms due to genetic mutations. The study sheds light on the bacterium's robustness and identifies potential vulnerabilities for developing more effective treatments.
Researchers developed a new medical instrument called CAST-R-HP to diagnose and treat Helicobacter pylori infections. The tool performs rapid pathogen identification, metabolism inhibition-based antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and high-quality single-cell whole-genome sequencing.
The study reveals that the 16th-century E. coli acquired novel genes and antibiotic resistance over time, posing a significant threat to human health despite not causing pandemics. The reconstructed genome provides valuable insights into its evolution and potential role as an opportunistic pathogen.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute identified genes and molecular pathways that control tolerance to pathogens in frog embryos, which are also found in mammals. The study suggests that increasing tolerance to pathogens could be an effective way to prevent death and disease without exacerbating antibiotic resistance.
Scientists detect a highly resistant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Austria, causing treatment failure with current antibiotics. The discovery highlights the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial surveillance and development of novel treatments to combat this growing public health concern.
Researchers identified a set of proteins called antiactivators that prevent signal short-circuiting in quorum sensing, allowing bacteria to communicate effectively as a group. This finding opens the door to potential new antibiotics and provides background knowledge for synthetic biology applications.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle sensor that can accurately distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia within two hours using a simple urine test. The sensor uses the host's immune response to infection, detecting specific protease patterns that serve as signatures of bacterial or viral infection.
Researchers have discovered proteins that mediate intimate contacts between bacteria, enabling DNA transfer and resistance to antibiotics. Understanding this process can help develop new approaches to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
A new preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers shows that naturally-produced IgG antibodies in breast milk can protect infants from infection-induced diarrheal illness. These antibodies enhance infant immunity against bacterial pathogens causing gastrointestinal diseases.
A new study reports on 20 case studies of phage therapy, showing the therapy's success in over half of patients and no adverse effects. The treatment has been shown to be effective against treatment-resistant Mycobacterium infections, with some patients experiencing spectacular outcomes.
Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...
Researchers developed CRISPR-SeroSeq technology to identify multiple strains of salmonella in live bird samples, revealing three serotypes known to cause human illness. The study provides a framework for poultry producers to inform their salmonella control practices and reduce the risk of contamination.
A study published in eLife has shown that fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics by displaying higher ribosome expression, allowing them to avoid macrolide accumulation. This finding highlights a new survival strategy for bacteria and offers potential avenues for developing improved antibiotic compounds.
A new study from University of Minnesota Medical School suggests Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is an optimal and cost-effective treatment option for the first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. The research model indicates it's effective and cost-effective when used in patients after a single episode of recurrent CDI.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.
A study found that Brazil's Salmonella vaccine for poultry contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. However, these resistant bacteria have not increased food poisoning cases in humans in the UK.
The article reports on the rapid transmission of monkeypox in Europe, with cases detected in Italy, Portugal, the UK, and Australia. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, particularly in sexual networks, raising concerns about the virus's epidemiology and control.
Researchers at Rice University have developed molecular machines that can kill bacteria using visible light, targeting gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The breakthrough study uses rotors spinning at millions of times per second to break up biofilms and persister cells, making these infections more treatable.
Researchers from Arizona State University investigate autoantibodies in healthy individuals, revealing their pervasiveness and role in human health and disease. The findings aim to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for a range of illnesses.
A new study found that microgravity analog culture profoundly affects the microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models. This is critical for ensuring astronaut health on extended space missions and sheds light on mysterious processes of infection on Earth.
A new class of antibiotics has been discovered that is highly effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis, with low toxicity and a high level of safety. The new drugs, called PPs, are targeted at the PE_PGRS57 gene and show promise as an alternative to current treatments.
A new platform and genomic database has been developed to monitor and control multidrug-resistant bacteria, with over 500 human pathogens already available. The database aims to provide strategic information on microorganisms classified as a “critical priority” by the World Health Organization.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than 70% of primary care physicians reported prescribing antibiotics to treat asymptomatic bacteria in urine tests, defying medical guidelines. This practice can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new antibiotic combination that successfully treated a cystic fibrosis patient's deadly lung infection. The combination of imipenem/relebactam with amoxicillin eradicated the infection, enabling the patient to receive a lifesaving lung transplant.
A new study found that unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for nonhospitalized children resulted in 2.8 million cases of avoidable infections, costing the US at least $74 million. Children prescribed inappropriate antibiotics were up to eight times more likely to develop complications such as diarrhea and skin rashes.
New data analyses from RedHill's Talicia H. pylori eradication clinical trials program showed high eradication rates and favorable safety and efficacy profiles in patients with diabetes. The study found that Talicia maintained high eradication rates of 91.7% and 84.1% in patients with and without diabetes, respectively.
Researchers found that birds infected with lipopolysaccharide from bacteria reduced their body temperature by 2°C to conserve energy. In contrast, chicks fed and warm did develop fever. The study suggests that regulated hypothermia is an energy-saving response during severe infection, prioritized over maintaining a fever.
Researchers have found that light-based therapies such as photobiomodulation and photodynamics can effectively treat a range of post-COVID complications, including muscle and joint damage. The studies, conducted in Brazil, utilized laser irradiation, negative pressure, and other technologies to improve symptoms and promote healing.
Researchers discovered that hydrating the surface of airways in people with cystic fibrosis restores their protective barrier against bacterial infections. This breakthrough opens the way to new therapies based on mucus hydration, offering a promising alternative to current treatments.
Researchers discovered that Clostridium septicum kills cells by releasing a toxin that acts like a hammer, triggering an overactive immune response. This can lead to sepsis and shock, resulting in rapid patient death. New therapies are being developed to neutralize the toxin and block the immune receptor.
A novel surface treatment, tested in laboratory and clinical settings, reduces biofilm growth by over 80% and prevents bacterial adhesion. The treatment has shown promising results in preventing urinary tract infections and improving patient outcomes.
The partnership aims to accelerate projects targeting the most dangerous bacteria. Since its founding, CARB-X has awarded $361 million to 92 projects from 12 countries.
Researchers discovered a mutated gene, OTULIN, associated with severe staphylococcal infections, which can lead to pneumonia, deep skin infections, and sepsis. Individuals with one functional copy of the gene are susceptible to life-threatening infections, while those without appear healthy.
The Mount Sinai Microbiome Lab will use advanced methods to study the microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. The lab aims to identify microbial features that can help find more precise matches between diseases and treatments.
Researchers aim to develop innovative therapeutic approaches against recurrent urinary tract infections caused by antibiotic-resistant UPEC strains. They will focus on host cell factors controlling UPEC infection and test potential new active substances, including host microRNAs.
Researchers found no link between antibiotics given shortly before caesarean birth and early childhood conditions like asthma or eczema. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, used UK healthcare databases to analyze millions of children born between 2006 and 2018.
Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.
Researchers have trained sniffer dogs to detect SARS-CoV-2 in airport passengers with high accuracy, comparable to PCR swab tests. The dogs' performance was found to be robust across various scenarios, including low prevalence populations, suggesting their potential for widespread use in screening.
Elevated heavy metal levels in rivers can lead to higher antibiotic resistance levels, according to research by Newcastle University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The study found that metal pollution increases antibiotic resistance gene abundances, affecting resident bacteria.
Researchers at IISc and Theranautilus have developed nano-sized robots that can manipulate using a magnetic field to kill bacteria in dentinal tubules, improving the success rate of root canal treatments. The nanobots were able to penetrate further than previous methods, providing a safer alternative to harsh chemicals or antibiotics.
A study from the University of Birmingham and National Institutes of Health found that antibiotics can lead to fungal infections by disrupting the gut's immune system. Using immune-boosting drugs alongside antibiotics may reduce health risks associated with these complex infections.
A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe finds that friendly bacteria in the gut, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, can compete with harmful bacteria like Salmonella for energy resources like nitrate. This competition allows the probiotic to occupy both niches and protect against infection.
Chronic bacterial infections can lead to chronic inflammation and DNA damage, increasing CRC risk. Salmonella infections are particularly risky, as they impair immune responses and promote tumorigenesis.
A new study reveals that recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can lead to chronic inflammation and increased risk of future UTIs. Antibiotics given to treat UTIs can disrupt the microbiome, making it easier for disease-causing bacteria to spread.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego use electrical shocks to manipulate the demographic of bacterial communities, changing the ratio of cell types and controlling biofilm development. This technology offers a new tool to destabilize biofilms in healthcare and agriculture settings.
The 100-year-old BCG vaccine has been found to protect newborns and young infants against multiple bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19. The study identified changes in metabolite and lipid profiles that correlate with innate immune system responses.
Researchers developed a decision support program to reduce blood draws in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), leading to reduced antibiotic prescriptions without increasing sepsis risk. The program resulted in significant reductions in blood culture rates and unnecessary medication use.
A recent study found that a single course of antibiotics disrupts the balance of gut bacteria and fungi in infants, leading to increased competition for space. This disruption can result in long-term adverse effects on human health, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers used transparent gel substrates to study bacterial colonies growing on them. They found that biofilms can exert force on surfaces, disrupting tissue damage during infections. This new understanding has potential applications in disease treatment and prevention.
Researchers develop a refined microbiome fingerprint method to track sub-strain variations in key gut bacteria species. The study found differences in sub-strain dynamics between healthy individuals and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting an impending shift in the dominant strains of the gut microbiome.
Researchers analyzed 451 bacterial strains of C. difficile, identifying 9,924 distinct gene clusters and categorizing them into 176 genetically distinct groups. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and evolution of this pathogen, shedding light on its virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Researchers have developed a new silver-ion releasing coating that effectively prevents bacteria from adhering to implants and killing them. The coating, dubbed "SAFE", was tested on rats and showed promising results, with no signs of toxicity or wear and tear.