Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Researchers identified a bacterium on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections in humans and pets. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MRSP infections in dogs and potentially other inflammatory skin diseases.
A potential new therapy for urinary tract infections has been discovered using the FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug dimethyl fumarate, which activates the NRF2 pathway. This balance between eliminating bacteria and minimizing tissue damage is crucial to treating UTIs.
A new study suggests that a novel treatment involving the administration of an enzyme that degrades neutrophil nets may prevent brain swelling and improve waste clearance in rats with bacterial meningitis. The treatment could be combined with antibiotics if needed.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
A new hydrogel treatment kills drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, and induces the expression of naturally-existing antimicrobial peptides in human skin cells. The gel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and scalable.
Researchers identify beneficial bacteria like Klebsiella oxytoca that can combat hospital germs like K. pneumoniae. The study found that co-infection with these 'good' bacteria reduces susceptibility to infections and promotes a quicker recovery after antibiotic therapy.
BIDMC researchers found a link between high toxin levels and disease severity in patients with suspected C. difficile infections. The study developed a highly sensitive test to measure toxin concentrations, paving the way for more predictive tests.
Researchers found that nanosilver treatment can increase the risk of recurrent infections when used long-term due to pathogen adaptation. Long-term exposure allows bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evolve and resume normal growth upon discontinuation of treatment.
Researchers from the University of Seville discovered that a single amino acid mutation in Salmonella enzymes enables them to modify more proteins in infected cells, leading to increased virulence. This finding has significant implications for developing inhibitors as alternative antibacterial treatments.
A national review of nocardia infection in kidney transplant patients found that those with compromised immune responses are more vulnerable to the opportunistic agent. Nocardiosis can lead to pneumonia and brain abscess, and screening is crucial, especially in combination with pneumonia symptoms.
A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have identified a new prophage-mediated defence system in Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 called BstA, which efficiently suppresses phage attacks. This discovery opens up a new avenue of research and could potentially lead to the development of new biotechnologies.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.
Studies found distinct patterns in nasal microbiota of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, with symptomatic patients showing reduced bacterial counts and increased presence of certain bacteria. The findings suggest that altered microbiota may impact immune response to the virus.
A special issue of PLOS Medicine explores the social determinants of child and adolescent health, including poverty, pollution, and violence. The studies focus on the intersection of child health and challenging environments, highlighting urgent redirective strategies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers investigate Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) interaction with cabbage and oats, discovering coronatine (COR) suppresses salicylic acid to aid pathogen growth. This finding opens doors to new disease control strategies.
Researchers at Duke University developed an antibiotic coating that can be applied to orthopedic implants before surgery, eliminating the risk of infection. The coating, made from two polymers and an antibiotic, prevents bacterial colonization and can be personalized for individual patients.
Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...
A new study from Cornell University has found that the antimicrobial properties of certain stem cell proteins can effectively reduce the viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in skin wounds. The treatment also stimulates the surrounding skin cells to build up a defense against the bacterial invader.
Researchers have created a flexible polymer composite microneedle array that can effectively pierce biofilm in chronic wounds, delivering oxygen and bactericidal agents simultaneously. This innovation has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for millions suffering from diabetic foot ulcers.
A study found that treating wounds with mesenchymal stromal cell secretions significantly reduced MRSA viability and stimulated the surrounding skin cells to build a defense. The treatment has potential as an alternative to antibiotics, reducing antibiotic resistance in both veterinary and human medicine.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a system that enables the production of 'good' bacteria capable of eliminating 'bad' bacteria. This breakthrough technology uses a toxin injection system to target specific types and amounts of toxins, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers suggest that protecting the microbiome is crucial in preventing and fighting off infections with harmful, drug-resistant bacteria. By preserving a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to these types of infections.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new antibacterial mechanism where immune cells cooperate to capture and 'eat' bacteria. This cooperation enhances the killing power of macrophages, increasing phagocytosis of bacterial pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant staph
A mechanical engineering faculty-researcher at RIT is developing a microfluidic device to improve the detection of drug-resistant bacteria in blood, which can cause severe infection and death. The goal is to detect these strains early, allowing for prompt treatment and recovery.
Researchers discovered a DNA modification system that coordinates bacterial replication in TB. The DarT/DarG system can be targeted by new antibiotics, offering hope for treating the deadly disease.
Researchers discovered that natural killer cells play a crucial role in wound healing by accelerating blood vessel growth. However, this process increases the risk of bacterial infections. The study suggests harnessing killer cells to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and finding a balance between wound healing and immune defense.
A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial disease are hospitalized sooner and more often than their age- and sex-matched counterparts, according to a study published in CHEST. The risk is higher for people with compromised immune systems or damaged airways.
A whole genome analysis of a Staphylococcus aureus collection recovered from Cape Verde reveals high genetic variability among isolates. The study identifies three primary genetic clusters associated with lineages ST152, ST15, and ST5, commonly found in S. aureus infections worldwide.
A study published in International Journal of Environment and Public Health Research reveals that oral bacteria, specifically P. gingivalis and Lactobacillaceae families, are associated with periodontitis. Genetic differences among hosts contribute to susceptibility to pathogens, but the oral microbiome plays a more significant role in...
Scientists detect early resistances to new antibiotic combination in Germany, limiting its potential as a treatment option for carbapenem-resistant pathogens. The study highlights the importance of genome-based surveillance for early detection of new resistance developments and emerging pathogens.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 deaths are driven by a buildup of coronavirus in the lungs. Researchers found that people who died from COVID-19 had 10 times more virus in their lower airways than those who survived.
A multicenter study will evaluate the outcomes of 1,500 children with tracheostomy to provide clinical practice guidelines for preventing, diagnosing, and managing bacterial infections. The study aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and cost of care.
Researchers have determined the structure of a molecule that helps S. pneumoniae take up manganese, a mineral essential for its survival. This finding could aid in designing new drugs to block this pathway and deny the bacteria its manganese supply.
A study reveals the biological process used by Xanthomonas to weaken plants' defense systems and discovers a novel class of enzymes called CE20 that can assist infection. This discovery contributes to developing strategies to combat citrus canker and obtaining advanced sugars from agroindustrial waste.
Researchers discovered that human milk oligosaccharides can prevent GBS infections in cells and tissues, and in mouse models. The sugars may act as anti-adhesives and prebiotics to support good bacteria growth, making them a potential substitute for antibiotics.
Researchers identified a key mechanism by which Xanthomonas bacteria infect crops, allowing them to hijack plant immune systems. Understanding this process is crucial for developing methods to prevent bacterial infections and produce crop-resistant varieties.
A physics model simulates hand-washing to estimate the time scales on which particles like viruses and bacteria are removed from hands. The study finds that vigorous movement for about 20 seconds is necessary to dislodge these particles, consistent with traditional guidelines.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to prevent bacterial infections on medical implants by covering graphene with bactericidal molecules, which are released in a controlled manner. The new material has shown promising properties and paves the way for more effective antibacterial protection.
Researchers have mapped the structure of CRISPR-Cas12j3 from bacteriophages, a discovery that reveals how it works and solves packaging problems for genome editing. The new system has vast potential for precise genome editing with improved efficiencies and alternative targeting mechanisms.
A six-month observational study found significant MRSA shedding during outpatient visits and appointments, with 38.5% of carriers shedding MRSA to the environment. The presence of a culture-positive wound was the only factor significantly associated with shedding.
The new guideline recommends invasive diagnostic tests but acknowledges their potential infeasibility, instead focusing on clinical improvement to transition to oral therapy. It provides thoughtfully reasoned recommendations based on current evidence to help clinicians identify and manage bone infections.
Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.
Dr. Jitender Mehla has received a National Institutes of Health Grant to study small molecule-based inhibition of multidrug efflux pump in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a serious threat to hospital-acquired infections. The proposed research aims to develop antibacterials effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
Researchers find that administering sodium acetate enhances the body's immune response to staphylococcal infections, improving outcomes in mouse models of sepsis. Acetate activates the GPR43 receptor on neutrophils, triggering a targeted and effective immune response.
Researchers identified two proteins, HMW1 and HMW2, that stimulate protective immunity against diverse NTHi strains. Immunization with these proteins provides protection against bacterial colonization by other strains, highlighting the vaccine potential for a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae vaccine.
A new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that preoperative urinalysis screening for asymptomatic patients undergoing surgery has little or no benefit. However, the test may lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and exposure to potential harms, including Clostridium difficile infection.
Researchers developed two bladder models to study UTIs in a controlled way. Organoid bladders recreated the 3D architecture of the bladder epithelium, while a bladder-on-a-chip model incorporated physiological stimuli and an interface with the vasculature.
Research reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes worldwide, impacting immune responses and susceptibility to infections. The study found that microbial composition alone can impact immune resilience, with Guatemala's microbiome proving most resistant.
Research suggests that global warming could reduce the spread of dengue fever by making mosquitoes more sensitive to warmer temperatures. However, it may also limit the effectiveness of Wolbachia, a bacterium used to control viral infections in mosquitoes.
Researchers developed a cutting-edge method to analyze how individual immune cells respond to Mtb, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The study found an almost perfect correlation between the fitness status of the bacterium and the transcriptional profile in the host cell.
Researchers discovered how protective molecules like SPM are altered in COVID-19 patients, suggesting that increasing these molecules could limit inflammation and disease severity. The study also found that dexamethasone increased SPM production, improving white blood cell function and reducing inflammation.
The study reveals that the structure of cytolysin subunits is crucial for their activity, with macrocycles playing a key role in stabilizing the molecule. The researchers also identified a hinge region important for the subunit's shape and membrane penetration capabilities.
Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.
Targeting an RNA sequence in pathogenic bacteria could make them more sensitive to antibiotics, offering a new avenue for treating drug-resistant bacteria. The study found that eliminating this regulatory RNA sequence had an impact on urinary tract infections related to E. coli.
Researchers found that Veillonellaceae family members contribute to disease by altering inflammation and metabolism in the cervicovaginal region. The study also identified three specific bacteria species - V. atypica, V. montpellierensis, and M. micronuciformis - that increase inflammation and promote cell death.
Researchers have produced detailed molecular blueprints of the bacterial enzyme Lit, which may enable bacteria to evade the immune response and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The study's findings could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting this enzyme.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to treating tuberculosis by boosting the body's immune system and targeting cell death pathways. The study found that using preclinical models, infected cells can be killed by drugs called IAP inhibitors, significantly reducing disease severity.
Researchers found that electric toilet water-jet nozzles can harbor multidrug-resistant bacteria, which can be transmitted to patients with weakened immune systems. The study highlights the need for modified hand hygiene practices and toilet disinfection protocols in hospitals to prevent superbug transmission.