Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A study reveals that Group A Streptococcus produces a novel protein called S protein, which binds to red blood cells to evade the immune system. This mechanism increases bacterial virulence and decreases survival in infected mice.
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that layering Manuka honey between layers of surgical mesh acts as a natural antibiotic, inhibiting bacteria growth and preventing infection. The study showcases the potential benefits of infusing medical implants with honey, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
A new study from Aston University reveals that over 9 in 10 make-up products are contaminated with potentially life-threatening superbugs like E.coli and Staphylococci. Beauty blender products, particularly, are found to have high levels of harmful bacteria, highlighting the need for consumers to wash them regularly.
Researchers have found that disrupting normal microbial development in the intestine can lead to severe infections in newborns. Giving specific protective bacteria before infection may prevent deadly infections, suggesting a potential treatment for premature infants.
Osaka University researchers use electron cryomicroscopy to solve the structure of the bacterial flagellum's 'universal joint,' a crucial component in transmitting rotary power. This breakthrough has important implications for developing new antibiotics and biomimetic self-propelled nanomachines.
Researchers found that a specific toxin in Staphylococcus aureus prevents tolerance and maintains the immune system's vigilance. Early-life exposure to commensal bacteria like S. epidermidis leads to immune tolerance, while later exposure to pathogenic S. aureus results in a vigorous immune response.
Scientists have identified nearly thousand ISG15 sites on protein targets during bacterial infection, revealing a link between ISG15, cellular metabolism, and autophagy. This discovery may lead to novel antimicrobial drugs.
A new study published in Nature Microbiology has discovered that epigenetic chemical modifications play a crucial role in the survival and spread of C. difficile bacteria. The research found that inhibiting these modifications can reduce bacterial populations by up to 100 times, paving the way for potential treatments for this deadly i...
Researchers found that normal gut bacteria boost norovirus severity in the lower small intestine but block it in the upper small intestine. The study suggests manipulating the gut environment through bile acids or microbiome could stimulate the immune system to shut down norovirus infection.
A Michigan State University study finds that antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains are increasing, leading to longer hospital stays and worse symptoms. The study also reveals regional differences in the types of salmonella infections, with rural areas affected by enteritis infections.
Device-associated infections show higher resistance rates for antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared to surgical site infections, highlighting the need for improved infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship in hospitals.
Researchers have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria send out warning signals when attacked by antibiotics or viruses, allowing them to survive and potentially evade treatment. This communication mechanism may hold the key to developing new treatments and improving existing ones.
Researchers found that MRSA on people and pets can spread through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated surfaces, and environmental factors. Frequent handwashing and high cleanliness scores reduce the risk of staph transmission.
Research shows a 76% reduction in dengue transmission in Indonesia and similar declines in Brazil, highlighting the potential of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in reducing mosquito-borne diseases. The approach has several advantages over conventional methods, including minimal toxicity and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers identify virulence factors in Aeromonas hydrophila infection, showing microbes modulate infection progress and strain interactions. The study's findings aim to develop therapies for lethal necrotizing fasciitis caused by the bacterium.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly resistant bacteria that causes persistent skin and soft tissue infections. Researchers are investigating the use of selenium as an antimicrobial agent, which has shown promise in inhibiting bacterial virulence.
The BacFITBase database identifies key genes for host cell invasion and infection, aiding in the development of new antibiotics. The database contains over 90,000 entries with information on specific pathogenic bacterial genes and their contribution to infectious conditions in five different host species.
A UC Davis study found that Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria can rapidly repair a damaged gut lining, known as leaky gut, within five hours of exposure. The bacteria activated PPARα signaling and revived mitochondrial flow, repairing the gut barrier and providing hope for effective treatment of HIV-related damage.
Researchers propose a link between microbial infections and various cancers, centered around the mucin protein MUC1. The protein's dual role in combating bacterial attacks and triggering inflammation processes may contribute to malignancy.
Researchers identified the molecular signals that activate MAIT cells during Salmonella or Legionella infections. They found that IL-23 is key to expanding MAIT cell numbers and attacking the infection.
A study in eLife reveals how respiratory bugs in cystic fibrosis patients interact, influencing disease progression and survival. The research found that one bacterium enhances the movement of another, while others significantly increase its mobility.
A study found that probiotics can cause bloodstream infections in ICU patients, with 1.1% of cases linked to Lactobacillus bacteria. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation that made the bacteria resistant to antibiotics, highlighting the need for caution when using probiotics in critically ill patients.
A newly developed experimental vaccine has demonstrated over 80% effectiveness in protecting mice from succumbing to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The vaccine targets specific proteins found on the bacteria and has shown promise in preventing biofilm formation, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
A new study reveals that genetic variations in a single species of bacteria can amplify infection, making it more dangerous than either strain alone. The researchers discovered that when the two strains work together, one produces a toxin that breaks down muscle tissue and enables the other to infect organs.
Scientists discovered that blood stem cells acquire energy from bone marrow support cells in response to salmonella infection, enabling them to produce millions of bacteria-fighting white blood cells. This discovery could lead to new approaches to treating people with salmonella and other bacterial illnesses.
A new study investigates the dynamics among strains of Aeromonas hydrophila, which can lead to life-threatening infections. Researchers hope that understanding these interactions will enable the development of new therapeutic interventions.
A new study found that copper hospital beds in ICUs harbor 95% fewer bacteria than traditional beds, maintaining low-risk levels throughout patient stays. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost savings.
Scientists adapted a genetic tool to modify virulence factors in zoonotic Chlamydia, revealing distinct sets of factors determine host infection and disease. The study sheds light on the molecular mode of action of SinC and IncA, opening new avenues for investigating these pathogens.
Researchers found that adding live Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic bacteria to milk reduced NEC cases from 7.5% to 3.1% and sepsis cases from 22.6% to 11.5%. This study suggests routine probiotics can help premature babies get the right gut bacteria from birth.
A study found that hospital-grade disinfectants, including Clorox, have limited effectiveness against C. diff spores embedded in biofilms. The research highlights the need for improved cleansers to combat this deadly superbug, which claims thousands of lives each year.
Researchers have developed a new assembly that enhances photodynamic inactivation of bacteria, achieving significantly improved efficiency against gram-negative E. coli. The assembly combines a photosensitizer and a membrane-intercalating peptide, resulting in nearly 0% survival rate of E. coli upon light irradiation.
Researchers solved the domain structure of HPF from Staphylococcus aureus to understand its role in ribosome hibernation. The study identified key amino acid residues essential for protein function, opening doors to new compounds targeting stress proteins.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that a bacterial toxin, lysostaphin, targets and breaks down MRSA cell walls, making it effective against antibiotic-resistant superbugs. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments targeting the same mechanism.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created synthetic phages that can recognize and attack a broader range of bacterial strains, providing a potential solution for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The synthesized phages share the same genome but have different receptor binding proteins, allowing them to target specific hosts.
A study found that shark skin microbiomes resist infection and maintain native bacterial communities even after injury. Regional differences were also detected in the microbial communities across different locations.
In unvaccinated children, measles infection can cause a significant weakening of the immune system, leading to impaired immunity against viruses and bacteria for months or even years. This phenomenon, known as 'immune amnesia,' was observed in two separate studies published in Science Immunology and Science.
Researchers discovered that Chlamydia pneumoniae uses a protein called LIPP to transport phosphatidylserine, normally found on the inner membrane leaflet, to the outer surface of human cells. This transport mechanism helps Chlamydium enter cells more easily and avoids triggering cell death.
Research gaps exist in antibiotic stewardship programs aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, with a need for standardized processes and outcome metrics. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America calls for additional clinical evidence to inform optimal antibiotic prescribing practices.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers highlights the risk of drug-resistant E. coli infections in patients receiving fecal microbiota transplants, particularly those who are immunocompromised. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved donor screening to prevent transmission of these resistant organisms.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils can eliminate MRSA bacteria on human skin, preventing them from invading the body. This finding could help explain why some people are only transient carriers of MRSA.
University of Exeter researchers have identified a gene in Clostridioides difficile responsible for binding to the gut, offering a promising new approach to developing a vaccine. Mice vaccinated with this protein generated specific antibodies and were less susceptible to C. diff infection.
Researchers found that bacteria living in biofilms develop unique adaptations to resist antibiotics, whereas free-floating bacteria become more resistant but vulnerable to other classes of antibiotics. This discovery highlights the importance of studying bacteria in their natural lifestyle.
A new study reveals that antibiotic-resistant E. coli superbugs are more likely to be spread through poor toilet hygiene than the food chain, with human-to-human transmission being a primary route of infection. The research found that strains of E. coli resistant to ESBLs dominate in human faeces and bloodstream infections.
A new study from MIT reveals that glycans in mucus can disarm opportunistic pathogens and prevent infections. The researchers found that these sugar molecules can regulate the behavior of microbes, preventing them from communicating with each other and forming infectious biofilms.
A new study has found that nearly 70% of children with an immune deficiency had two or more bouts of invasive pneumococcal disease. The research suggests that a weakened immune system increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Kansas has identified a crucial gene in chlamydia that allows it to acquire new DNA from its host. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding this process, which is essential for developing targeted therapeutics against the disease.
Researchers identified glycerol monolaurate in human breast milk as a compound fighting pathogenic bacteria while allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive. Human breast milk has more than 200 times the amount of GML found in cows' milk and infant formula.
Researchers at Georgia State University isolated gut bacteria that can prevent and cure rotavirus infection, the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children worldwide. The discovery may lead to possible treatments and preventive measures for rotavirus infection.
Researchers at CNIO and the University of Würzburg have solved the 3D structure of the T7SS nanomachine used by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade the immune system. This finding provides crucial information for developing new therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis, a disease that kills over 1.6 million people worldwide each year.
Researchers identified a new, highly virulent form of Listeria monocytogenes that causes severe diseases in animals and humans. The strain was discovered in China and combines the virulence characteristics of various highly pathogenic Listeria species into a single isolate.
A recent study has found chlamydia in the testicular tissue biopsies of infertile men with no identified cause, indicating a potential link between the bacteria and male infertility. Chlamydia was detected in 45.3% of fixed testicular biopsies, suggesting a significant impact on fertility.
Researchers found that young infants with fevers are more likely to develop serious bacterial infections. Infants under eight weeks old have a doubled risk of developing such infections. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if their child develops a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a new endogenous mechanism that enables the skin to actively kill bacteria. The discovery involves mast cells and interleukin 6, which stimulate the release of antimicrobial peptides that target bacteria.
Researchers found type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are responsible for maintaining the gut's immune system. Targeting clock genes may lead to treatments for digestive ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.
A six-month low-dose azithromycin treatment significantly reduced symptoms and infection episodes in PCD patients, with a 50% reduction in serious episode episodes. However, mild diarrhoea was more common in treated patients.
Researchers found that infants with stable, large bacterial clusters had improved respiratory health. The study's findings suggest that early-life interventions could prevent respiratory infections by shaping microbial communities across the body.
The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and Entasis Therapeutics have partnered to develop a new oral antibiotic, zoliflodacin, for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea. The phase 3 trial will assess the treatment's efficacy in preventing persistent infections.
A Rutgers study reveals that new risk factors have emerged for heart valve infections, which can be deadly and affect patients with heart disease or artificial valves. The study found a significant increase in hospital-acquired cases, attributed to staphylococcus bacteria, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies.
Poor oral hygiene in older adults can lead to serious health issues such as cavities, periodontitis, and heart disease. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are crucial for preventing these complications.
A new compound derived from eushearilide has shown significant antibacterial properties against various disease-causing bacteria, including MRSA. This finding offers relief for immunocompromised people who are susceptible to life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections.