Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
The American Heart Association recommends prioritizing good oral hygiene and regular dental care over antibiotics for preventing heart infections caused by mouth bacteria. Patients with certain conditions, such as prosthetic heart valves or congenital heart disease, are at higher risk of developing these infections.
Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool that uses positron emission tomography and radioactive sugar to detect Enterobacterales infections. The technique was shown to be effective in detecting and localizing infections in patients, with no adverse effects.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the surface layer of the intestinal mucosa can contract in response to bacterial attack, preventing damage and promoting healing. This finding offers a potential solution to treating bacterial gut infections, which affect hundreds of millions worldwide.
Researchers have uncovered a molecular reason why faecal transplants are effective in treating C. diff infections, suggesting new therapeutic targets. The study identified specific microRNAs that contribute to disease pathogenesis and protect bowel cells from bacterial toxins.
An international team of researchers is working on creating bactericidal surfaces inspired by natural materials like insect wings and lotus leaves. These features can be used to kill bacteria and reduce infection rates in medical implants.
Researchers aim to create implant surfaces with antibacterial features, inspired by natural materials like insect wings and lotus leaves. The goal is to reduce prosthetic infections, which cause significant costs to healthcare systems.
The American College of Physicians suggests prescribing shorter antibiotics courses for uncomplicated bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis, with duration guidelines varying by infection. This approach aims to reduce antibiotic exposure and prevent resistant organisms from developing.
Researchers discovered that transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling the activation of the stringent response pathway. The MurM enzyme, involved in cell wall synthesis, acts as a quality control manager to ensure accurate translation and prevent toxic tRNA buildup.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a protein that could block Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning. The secreted protein, CiaD, facilitates cell entry and takes control of important cell processes. This breakthrough could lead to real-world solutions for preventing Campylobacter-related diseases.
Researchers discovered that Streptococcus pyogenes can use arginine to survive on the skin surface. This knowledge could lead to new treatment strategies by blocking arginine metabolism in the bacteria.
Researchers analyzed data from 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to link MRSA carriage with mortality risk. The study found that middle-aged and older adults who unknowingly carry MRSA on their skin have twice the mortality rate of those without the bacteria, highlighting the need for routine screening.
A recent study reveals that long-term infection and chronic inflammation lead to a decline in immune function, particularly in older adults. The research found that Dnmt3a-loss of function HSCs exhibit increased self-renewal and reduced differentiation into immune cells, ultimately outcompeting normal HSCs.
Two approved medications, ticagrelor and oseltamivir, protect platelets and improve survival in mice with S. aureus blood infections. These compounds could be repurposed to treat badly needed therapies for blood infections.
A pilot study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found evidence of Bartonella infection in the blood of people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The study suggests a potential link between Bartonella infection and neuropsychiatric disease, particularly schizophrenia.
An international study found that insomnia, disrupted sleep, and daily burnout are linked to a heightened risk of not only becoming infected with coronavirus but also having more severe disease and a longer recovery period. The study also revealed that every extra hour of sleep at night was associated with 12% lower odds of infection.
Researchers found that adding an iron binder to Bedaquiline treatment boosts its ability to combat TB bacteria. The study suggests a promising approach to improving patient outcomes and developing new treatments.
A new antibiotic compound targets a molecular pathway found in bacteria but not humans, clearing infection of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea in mice with a single oral dose. The research team developed the compound through iterative optimization and testing, demonstrating its potential as a single-dose therapy for gonorrhea.
Research reveals that nitric oxide produced by the human immune system can render aminoglycoside antibiotics ineffective against E. coli strains from human infections. This may impact treatment choices for life-threatening infections such as sepsis, bladder infections, and kidney failure.
Researchers employed nanoparticles-based delivery systems to deliver AMPs for treating deep infections. Intelligent nanocarriers can achieve selective activation and target at infection sites, improving therapeutic efficacy against bacterial infections and reducing toxicity.
A silent killer, Enterococcus lacertideformus, has been discovered as the cause of mysterious deaths in native reptile populations on Christmas Island. The bacterium grows in the animal's head and internal organs, causing death through direct contact or biting, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic trials.
Researchers at MSU used transposons to tag individual strains of Brucellosis bacteria, allowing them to track the spread of the disease in cattle. The study provided critical insight into the cow's mucosal barrier and identified genes involved in severe outcomes.
Researchers developed a mouse Intestine-on-Chip platform to study host-microbiome interactions, confirming that Enterococcus faecium promotes tolerance to S. typhimurium infection in mice. The technology mimics human Intestine Chips, enabling real-time analysis of normal and pathological processes.
A team of scientists has developed an AI model that can predict the success of bacterial infections by analyzing the interactions between different effectors. The study found that even if some effectors are removed, the infection can still take hold due to the inherent strength and flexibility of the effector network.
A recent study found a significant increase in heart infections and strokes in the US, primarily due to IV drug use during the national opioid epidemic. Medical costs associated with these cases were also significantly higher, translating to over $100,000 per patient.
A study by RUDN University found that a marjoram-based supplement improves the growth of common carp and boosts their immunity against bacterial infections. The supplement demonstrated significant effects on fish infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, including increased survival rates and improved feed conversion rates.
Researchers detect molecular changes in infected human cells and bacterial pathogen, revealing new insights into infectious disease mechanisms. The findings may lead to novel methods for combatting invasive pathogens during spaceflight and on Earth.
A new study has identified pantaphos as the molecule responsible for causing onion center rot. The researchers also discovered that pantaphos can act as an effective herbicide and is toxic to glioblastoma cells, making it a promising candidate for agricultural and biomedical applications.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new vaccination strategy to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In tests in mice, the vaccine administered directly to the bladder effectively cleared bacteria. The study suggests that reprogramming the body's immune response could be key to fighting off UTIs.
Researchers identified host DNA methylation patterns linked to antibiotic-persistent MRSA infections, highlighting potential for personalized treatment strategies. Methylation differences were more pronounced in immune cells, suggesting epigenetic markers for predicting infection outcome.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a method to detect pathogens in cells using Doppler technology, allowing for quick diagnoses and effective treatments. This innovation enables scientists to identify harmless microbes and determine the correct antibiotic to use against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers have developed a novel test to identify viral infections in uncultured bacterial populations, enabling faster and more affordable detection. The test, which involves fusing viral and bacterial genes together, allows for the tracking of viral infections and potential environmental consequences.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that bacterial toxin colibactin is produced in patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), a potential link to bladder cancer. The researchers detected colibactin in 55 of 223 patient samples and found it to induce DNA damage in bladder cells.
Researchers found that travelers to the tropics are exposed to a wide range of superbacteria, including 83 different strains, during their trip. Daily stool samples revealed that all participants contracted superbacteria within the first week abroad, with some carrying multiple strains over time.
Researchers at the NIH used bacteriophages to treat mice infected with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 258, showing promising results in reducing bacterial loads. However, phage resistance was also observed in some cases, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A new study found that kittens with aEPEC bacteria can help understand the disease, and the researchers identified behavioral differences between healthy and sick kittens. The findings point to kittens as a potentially invaluable model for further exploration of aEPEC.
A University of Queensland-led project combines old antibiotics with a new compound to revive their effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria. The goal is to combat the growing threat of superbugs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers aim to combat antibiotic-resistant infections by developing new therapeutics, utilizing antibodies and artificial intelligence. The team targets bacteria such as Burkholderia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing severe respiratory and other infections.
Scientists identified how harmless E. coli gut bacteria in chickens can acquire genes to become life-threatening infections, highlighting the potential for horizontal gene transfer and increasing antibiotic resistance. The study warns of the risk of such infections crossing over to infect humans.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new effective antibiotic to combat resistant bacteria, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The substance, from the pleuromutilin class, fights multiple types of resistant bacteria via a unique mechanism of action.
A recent study found that a specific fungus infecting frogs disrupts their skin microbiome, leading to long-term changes. The frog's microbiome fails to recover even after the infection is cured, highlighting the need for further research on microbiome dynamics and disease resistance.
Researchers have identified a novel phage called ES17 that can specifically locate and destroy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The phage's ability to bind to mucins and heparan sulfate enables it to target bacteria in high-mucin environments, potentially preventing infections.
Researchers found that walnut extracts may create protective proteins and anti-inflammatory actions in the gut to safeguard against H. pylori infection and resulting cancer. The study suggests a promising non-bacterial approach to reduce symptoms of H. pylori infection, warranting further clinical trial investigation.
A unique peptide found in Australian finger lime has been shown to destroy the deadly bacterium causing citrus greening and activate the plant's immune system to prevent new infections. The treatment is safer for the environment than current methods, using a stable anti-microbial compound that remains effective even in high heat.
Researchers have identified stable antimicrobial peptides as a potential solution to address citrus greening, a major threat to the global citrus industry. Multiple SAMP injections into infected trees increased tree growth, reduced bacterial levels and prevented disease symptoms.
Researchers have discovered that toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems play a crucial role in plasmid replication and bacterial antibiotic resistance. The presence or absence of plasmids significantly impacts a bacterium's ability to cause infection.
Research by Michigan State University finds that livestock workers are at high risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and policies in minimizing the spread of livestock-associated MRSA.
A Rutgers study reveals widespread antibiotic overuse due to misconceptions and pressure from patients, leading to drug-resistant bacteria and harm to the microbiome. The study also finds that older physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics, while misinformation among the public perpetuates unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Extracellular vesicles, secreted by the cells lining the airways, carry iron bound to transferrin and supply bacterial cells with essential nutrients, promoting bacterial growth. This mechanism allows bacteria to exploit the host's defense system against pathogens.
Scientists discovered that taurine helps the gut recall prior infections and kill invading bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Taurine, found naturally in bile acids, triggers Deltaproteobacteria activity to fight off infections. The study suggests taurine may offer an alternative treatment for bacterial infections.
Researchers have developed a DNA test to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients with severe cases, who are at double the risk of developing pneumonia on ventilation. The test allows for faster diagnosis and targeted antibiotic treatment within hours, reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria are less susceptible to widely used pesticides. The study found that the bacterial species naturally infecting mosquitoes makes them resistant to three types of pesticide, potentially reducing their use and environmental impact.
Researchers at the NIH identified a key protein, McpC, that enables Salmonella to swim straight towards infected cells. This discovery may lead to the development of new antibacterial therapies to combat intestinal infections.
Research suggests that COVID-19 severity may be influenced by the composition of the gut microbiome, with certain bacteria contributing to inflammatory responses. The study found that patients with COVID-19 had altered gut microbiota compared to healthy individuals, including lower levels of beneficial species.
Researchers at Rice University have created a lab tool that simplifies simulations of the human intestine, allowing for more practical studies on diseases like infectious diarrhea. The device enables the real-time growth of bacterial infections and provides a mechanical model for studying how invading bacteria cause disease.
Shiga toxin, produced by enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), is thought to be a killer of host cells, but new research suggests it may actually be designed to dampen the immune system instead. This unexpected role could lead to breakthroughs in treating deadly kidney disease and bloody diarrhea caused by EHEC infections.
Researchers develop peptide that disrupts protective outer coating of TB pathogen, making it susceptible to antibiotics and die. The peptide specifically targets the fatty acid on the pathogen's surface, allowing it to effectively kill the bacteria without harming good bacteria.
Researchers developed a new imaging method to track antibiotic distribution in infected tissues, revealing that some antibiotics only partially penetrate infected cells. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments and reduced risk of antibiotic resistance.
Scientists at University of Colorado Boulder develop new compound JD1 that targets Gram-negative bacteria by exploiting innate immune response, reducing survival and spread by 95%. Further studies underway to explore compounds like JD1 for commercialization.
Patients with severe COVID-19 who developed secondary bloodstream infections were more likely to be severely ill upon admission, have longer hospital stays and poorer health outcomes. The study found that these patients were also more likely to require intensive care and had higher odds of mortality.