Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A new group of antibiotics, corbomycin and complestatin, have been discovered with a unique approach to killing bacteria by blocking the function of the bacterial cell wall. The researchers demonstrated its effectiveness in mice against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
A new UNLV study found that a high-carbohydrate diet nearly eliminated symptoms of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections in mice, whereas high-fat/high-protein diets exacerbated the infection. The research suggests that diet may promote microbial groups that can be protective against C. diff even after antibiotics.
Research suggests that bacteriophages found in children's intestinal tracts may play a role in childhood stunting. The viruses affect bacterial communities in the gut, and altering these communities could help improve health. This discovery offers hope for developing new cost-efficient therapies.
A new study published in mSystems found that mice fed a high-protein, high-fat diet developed severe C. difficile infections, while those on a high-carbohydrate diet recovered. The researchers suggest that diet may promote protective microbial groups after antibiotics.
Researchers conducted a large trial of MRSA blood infections and found that combining two antibiotics was not more effective than using one alone, but led to more kidney injuries. The study's findings aim to guide best management for patients worldwide.
Researchers found that immune cells perceive each other's density to regulate their proliferation, leading to more efficient immune reactions. This mechanism could improve cancer immunotherapies by reducing the risk of excessive immune responses.
Researchers suggest new vaccines targeting all pneumococcal strains colonizing the nose and throat, irrespective of capsular type, will be needed to prevent meningitis. Emerging non-PCV type strains cause meningitis at least as severely as targeted types, highlighting the need for updated vaccination strategies.
Researchers found that 50% of lupus skin rashes contained high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A protein called interferon increases the stickiness of staph to the skin. This discovery highlights the increased risk of infection and spreading in lupus patients.
A teenage girl's symptoms improved with treatment, but further testing revealed no evidence of infection, highlighting the potential health risks of vaping. The case report suggests that e-cigarettes may be a plausible cause of subacute epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition.
A Tufts University-led team discovered that embryonic brain signals direct the migration of immune cells to infection sites, significantly improving embryo survival rates. Without a brain, embryos are more susceptible to bacterial infections and succumb quickly.
Scientists aim to eliminate persister cells, causing chronic health issues like airway infections and tuberculosis, by targeting their formation mechanisms through self-digestion. By mapping the self-digestion-related mechanisms in E. coli, researchers hope to develop effective anti-persister therapeutics.
Researchers propose using genomic data and mathematical modelling to design vaccines for the specific geographic location where they will be used. This approach aims to minimize rates of pneumococcal disease, a serious infection that can cause pneumonia, sepsis, and bacterial meningitis.
A Northwestern University study found that 45% of antibiotic prescriptions for Medicaid patients lacked a clear reason, highlighting concerns about antibiotic overuse. The research used Medicaid claims data to determine the context in which antibiotics were prescribed, revealing gaps in current ambulatory stewardship policies.
A vegetarian diet may be associated with a lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to a study published in Scientific Reports. The study found that the overall risk of UTIs was 16% lower in vegetarians than in non-vegetarians, with a greater reduction in men than women.
A new study maps TB immune responses in diverse models including genetically diverse mice and blood samples from adolescents with TB. The study reveals similarities and differences between human, mouse, and macaque responses, providing valuable insights for developing effective therapies.
Researchers have developed color-changing bandages that can sense drug-resistant and drug-sensitive bacteria in wounds and treat them accordingly. The bandages change color to indicate the type of bacteria present, allowing for targeted treatment with antibiotics.
A team of international scientists has created a global map of dengue transmission intensity and predicted that releasing infected mosquitoes with Wolbachia could reduce cases by up to 90%. The study also suggests that the Sanofi Pasteur dengue vaccine could reduce cases by up to 30%.
Commonly used TB vaccines differ significantly in live bacteria content and cytokine responses, sparking concerns about their equivalence. The study highlights the need for a large-scale clinical trial to standardize BCG vaccine formulations.
A study of 11,784 children found that 25% received suboptimal antibiotic treatments. The most common cases included 'bug-drug mismatch' and prolonged use after surgery. Healthcare providers often overlooked these cases due to limited review by antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that completely kills the bacterial infection causing severe decline in lung function and death in cystic fibrosis patients. The treatment combines three antibiotics with no side effects, improving quality of life and survival chances for infected CF patients.
Researchers have discovered a rare African-specific variant of the TP53 gene that causes iron accumulation in macrophages, leading to poorer responses to bacterial infections. However, this variant also improves response to malaria toxin, potentially offering protection against severe inflammation and disease severity.
Researchers identified a highly competitive bacterium in the gut microbiota that protects against enteric pathogens. This discovery offers new avenues for developing antibiotic-free treatments.
Researchers discovered how an antibiotic, vancomycin, forms a mucoadhesive complex with gut mucins, trapping it and prolonging its exposure to the infectious microbe. This finding could lead to delayed transit of the antibiotic, improving its effectiveness in treating debilitating gut infections like PE.
Scientists discovered that Mycobacterium bovis can survive and grow in small amoebae organisms found in soil and dung. The bacterium adapts to ambient temperatures and remains metabolically active, potentially explaining high transmission rates between animals.
Scientists at University of Gothenburg discovered a new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Scandinavium goeteborgense, isolated from an infected wound. The bacteria exhibit novel genetic variants of resistance, highlighting the need for precise treatment choices.
A blood test using eight gene signatures can predict the onset of tuberculosis three to six months before symptoms appear. This finding could help target antibiotics and save lives, particularly by identifying individuals at risk of developing TB disease after being infected with the bacteria.
A new point-of-care diagnostic test has been developed using a biomarker called RC0497, which can differentiate infected individuals from healthy controls. The test shows promise in enabling early detection and timely treatment of this potentially deadly tick-borne disease.
UNSW researchers found that whooping cough bacteria are adapting to evade vaccine-generated immunity by producing more nutrient-binding proteins and fewer immunogenic proteins. A new vaccine is needed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
University of Tartu scientists have discovered that sleeping bacteria can learn about the growth of other bacteria by spying on them. This discovery offers hope for creating a solution for chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment.
A team of Israeli researchers has identified a short window of opportunity for treating antibiotic-resistant infections, where aggressive bacteria can be controlled with currently-available therapies. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients fighting life-threatening infections with weakened immune systems.
New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.
Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a bacterial immune system that works by abortive infection, where the infected cell self-destructs. This new system could be employed to improve treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections through phage therapy.
Researchers study how gut infections damage the nervous system, leading to chronic inflammation and conditions like IBS. They find that specific genes contribute to cell death and propose potential treatments by boosting polyamine production or restoring gut microbial communities.
Scientists found that nerve cells release infection-fighting cytokines to combat bacterial invaders, rather than immune cells. This discovery provides new insights into the body's response to food poisoning and other illnesses.
Researchers at Lund University developed a hydrogel based on the body's natural peptide defense, preventing and treating wound infections while reducing inflammation. The gel kills multi-resistant bacteria and has an immunosuppressive effect.
A study by the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has identified the regulation and metal uptake systems of Mycoplasma genitalium, a sexually transmitted pathogen responsible for genitourinary diseases. The discovery reveals strategies that bacteria use to acquire essential metals for survival, making them a promising therapeutic target.
A new study has found that metal particles from brake pads can cause inflammation and reduce the ability of immune cells to kill bacteria, similarly to diesel exhaust. Brake dust is estimated to contribute up to 20% of total PM2.5 traffic pollution.
A team of researchers used atomic force microscopy to study the dynamic assembly of antibodies against the self-molecule GM1. The autoantibodies form a hexameric ring structure on the membrane, serving as a landing place for complement proteins. This process is crucial in Guillain-Barr’ syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.
Researchers have found that deleting the BMAL1 clock gene makes immune cells more effective at fighting off pneumonia-causing bacteria. The study reveals that strengthening the actin skeleton of these cells is key to their increased effectiveness.
A recent study found that oral infections are not linked to increased risk of death or serious infection after stem cell transplantation. The researchers suggest that conservative dental treatment may be sufficient for patients with asymptomatic dental infections, and radical treatment is only necessary in specific cases.
Researchers have identified the structure of a lethal toxin produced by C. difficile bacteria, paving the way for new drugs to neutralize it. The finding uses cryo electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography to map out delivery and binding components of the toxin.
Researchers found that intravenous BCG vaccination significantly increased protection against TB in rhesus macaques. The study showed that IV BCG elicited strong, sustained T cell responses in the lungs, leading to a high degree of protection against infection and disease.
Researchers found that treatment with intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine wipes significantly reduced parentally acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections in NICU babies. The study suggests a simple strategy to reduce the spread of deadly bacteria in hospitals.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that T cells play a critical role in protecting against staph infections. The study suggests activating untapped immune cells and immunizing infants before birth to block toxin effects. This new approach shows promise for developing an effective staph vaccine.
A new study has identified key mutations that affect Factor H binding protein (FHbp) on the surface of the meningococcus bacterium, which could lead to improved vaccines. The findings have major implications for current meningococcal group B vaccines, Trumenba and Bexsero.
Researchers discovered that the human body uses a receptor to detect bacterial quorum sensing molecules, enabling it to react to differing stages of an infection. This allows the body to save energy by not reacting prematurely and prevents collateral damage caused by the immune system's response.
A host sensor called AhR helps the immune system respond to bacterial infections by detecting and adapting to quorum sensing signals. This allows for tailored defense mechanisms against highly resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A new animal model has successfully treated latent tuberculosis (TB) using a three-month course of antibiotics, showing almost complete sterilization of bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to shorter treatment regimens and improved prevention of reactivation.
A recent study published in Respiratory Research found that vaping may have similar effects on harmful lung bacteria as smoking. Researchers compared the effects of cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor on four types of bacteria associated with smoking-related illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
A musical mnemonic based on a popular nursery rhyme can help young children learn and remember the proper hand hygiene technique, potentially reducing the spread of stomach bugs, coughs, and colds. The study found that the song lyric instructions led to a reduction in bacterial residue on children's hands after handwashing.
A team of scientists has modified an approved cancer drug to create a new antibiotic effective against multi-resistant bacteria, including MRSA. The new agent, PK150, targets unconventional structures within the bacteria and has shown promising results in mice, with no observed resistance development.
A study led by the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix found that elevated levels of IL-36y are associated with bacterial vaginosis. The researchers also discovered that infection with BV-associated bacteria induces IL-36y in a species-specific manner.
The NIH is providing renewed funding for the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) to conduct clinical research and develop novel strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The ARLG has established collaborations in 19 countries and conducted over 40 clinical studies involving over 20,000 volunteers.
Researchers found that vesicles isolated from four strains of Lactobacillus bacteria interfere with HIV infection, reducing the number of infected cells. The study suggests ways to reduce male-to-female HIV transmission.
Research team around Dr Thomas Böttcher studies phage-host interactions to understand the transition from latent to active states, with potential applications for developing alternative antibiotics. The team aims to uncover molecular signals controlling dormant phages and their impact on the human microbiome.
Researchers have found a way to stimulate skin cells to secrete naturally occurring antibiotics called Antimicrobial Peptides, which target and kill bacteria. By modulating caspase-8 levels in the skin, AMP release can be controlled to prevent infections in diabetics and patients with weakened immune systems.
Researchers have developed a genetic typing method for Pseudomonas putida, which enables the detection of its virulent strains. The study's findings highlight the bacterium's biotechnological value and its importance in understanding disease-causing pathogens.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to explore interactions between bacteria and drug-eluting medical devices. The model indicates that successful therapy depends on a balance between the drug's action and bacterial proliferation, influenced by coating properties and porosity.
New research shows that nerve cells in the gut regulate gut immunity, maintain homeostasis, and provide active protection against infection. Gut neurons activate pain-sensing neurons to release neurochemicals slowing M cell differentiation and boosting SFB microbes, which guard against Salmonella invasion.
Researchers created an artificial intelligence tool to identify neutrophils primed for NETosis, a process where white blood cells expel inflammatory DNA into circulation. The new technology allows scientists to measure NETosis in different diseases and test drugs that may inhibit or promote the process.