Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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.
Researchers found that flour beetles' immune system adapts to specific bacteria after repeated exposure, leading to improved specificity and survival chances. The study's results could have implications for human innate immunity and may lead to new strategies for combating pests like the red flour beetle.
The USPSTF recommends screening pregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria using urine culture due to the associated risk of pyelonephritis. The condition affects an estimated 2-10% of pregnant women and can lead to hospitalization. The new recommendation updates the 2008 guideline.
During menopause, the natural balance of vaginal bacteria is upset, leading to increased risk of urogenital infections and other health problems. Research highlights the importance of preserving healthy bacteria populations and strategies for promoting Lactobacillus colonization after menopause.
Researchers discovered genetic regions linked to TB resistance in African buffalos, highlighting the complex interplay between host immune responses and disease spread. The study's findings suggest a trade-off between fitness and disease resistance, with potential implications for wildlife management.
Researchers at Procarta Biosystems are developing a new type of antimicrobial that kills bacteria by blocking gene expression, potentially revolutionizing treatment of serious and life-threatening infections. The £7.4m funding from CARB-X aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a major global threat.
A study found that co-infection with blood flukes and Helicobacter pylori reduces stomach inflammation by misdirecting immune cells to the liver. The interaction may limit vaccine effectiveness but also provides protection against cirrhosis, a common complication of schistosomiasis.
Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a beneficial bacterium that produces nanoscale syringe-like structures called the Death Star, which can deliver proteins to target cells and tissues in humans. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutics and vaccines for diseases such as cancer.
Researchers successfully grew Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterium causing Citrus Greening Disease, in a laboratory for the first time. This breakthrough enables studies on the disease and potential treatments.
A new strain of group A streptococcus bacteria, M1UK, has been identified as the dominant cause of Strep A infections in England and Wales since 2010. The strain produces more toxin than existing strains, potentially leading to increased cases of invasive infections.
Scientists have identified a new strain of Streptococcus pyogenes causing more serious Strep A infections, including invasive diseases like bloodstream infections. The emm1 clone, M1UK, produces nine times more toxin than other strains, and its increased production may contribute to the severity of these infections.
A Harvard Medical School study maps the genetics of early TB progression, identifying gene variants that control immune functions as key drivers. The research paves the way for personalized tests to predict who is at risk for early disease onset, potentially informing vaccines or drugs to prevent the disease.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found no connection between 'extreme' pubic hair removal and chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. The study used laboratory-confirmed diagnoses and controlled for potential confounding factors, improving on previous research.
Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for preventing sepsis in burn patients by using the secretions of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus gasseri to combat antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that applying these secretions to the wound inhibited bacterial growth and prevented biofilm development.
Bacteria behind hospital infections have been found to close tiny doors in their cell walls, blocking antibiotics. This mechanism allows researchers to design new drugs that can 'pick the locks' and allow antibiotics into bacterial cells.
Researchers have discovered fungi that flourish in people infected with C. difficile, suggesting a potential new way to treat the disease. The findings suggest that fungal species may contribute to the development of C. difficile infections and could be used as a therapeutic target.
A vaccine that protects against a worrisome superbug has been successfully tested in mice, providing hope for a solution to the growing global health threat of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The vaccine, developed using genetically modified E. coli, proved highly effective in preventing severe disease and death.
A pioneer study published in PNAS reveals that bacterial sex plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the mammalian microbiome. Horizontal gene transfer, facilitated by temperate bacteriophages, is the primary mechanism driving bacterial evolution in a healthy gut.
Researchers found that memory T cells in bone marrow enriched with fat tissue protected mice from bacterial infections and tumors when fed restricted diets. The study suggests how the immune system may have evolved to survive limited food availability.
Research reveals dietary zinc intake protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a primary cause of pneumonia. Zinc deficiency increases susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Initial urinary tract infections can cause long-lasting changes to the bladder's immune response, making it more prone to future infections. The study found that targeting TNF-alpha or other inflammatory responses may help prevent or alleviate recurrent UTIs.
A new study suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in cystic fibrosis lungs due to an abundance of succinate, a byproduct of cellular metabolism. This excess succinate fuels the growth of the bacteria and promotes chronic infections.
A new study has shed light on the mechanisms behind autophagy, a process that helps destroy bacteria and viruses. The research suggests that faulty autophagy can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, and that targeting a specific protein interaction may lead to new treatments.
Researchers investigated metabolic changes across organs in a large animal model of sepsis, identifying common and organ-specific alterations that could inform new therapeutic approaches. The study, published in The American Journal of Pathology, has the potential to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with sepsis.
Researchers discovered that EspG protein prevents E. coli from forming pedestals in intestinal cells, allowing the bacteria to anchor and grow. This finding offers new possibilities for treating diarrheal diseases caused by pathogenic strains of E. coli.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a unique type of antacid that prevents phagosomes from fusing with lysosomes, allowing the bacteria to survive. The mechanism involves the production of 1-tuberculosinyladenosine, an acid that reduces acidity and hinders immune cell digestion.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a potential treatment for citrus greening, a devastating disease affecting the US citrus industry. By studying a symbiotic bacterium, they found 130 compounds that can inhibit the spread of the disease without harming beneficial bacteria.
Researchers reveal E. coli's ability to detect low oxygen levels in the large intestine, allowing it to establish infection and produce harmful toxins. The discovery could lead to prevention strategies by blocking oxygen sensing, potentially limiting infection and avoiding drug resistance.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine find that adding rhamnolipids enhances the potency of aminoglycoside antibiotics against Staph infections, including MRSA. The study suggests a new strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance and has implications for treating various bacterial species.
Researchers followed a long-term UTI sufferer and found that recurring infections came from a single bacterial reservoir in the body. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the intestinal reservoir rather than just treating the bladder.
Researchers found that lung lining fluid from older adults is more prone to dysfunction, allowing bacteria to infect and grow within macrophages. The study suggests that interventions targeting the lung mucosa's oxidative status may help make elderly individuals more resistant to respiratory infections.
Researchers found that infants colonized with C. difficile developed antibodies in their blood that neutralized toxins, suggesting a natural immunization occurs. This immune response may provide protection against the infection later in childhood.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that blocking the bacterial pathogen's ability to uptake zinc can prevent gonorrhea infection. The study provides insight into how to block growth of this pathogen and could move gonorrhea vaccine development forward.
A new study from Nordic researchers estimates that approximately one in four people globally carry the tuberculosis bacterium, increasing the challenge of meeting the World Health Organization's target to eliminate TB by 2035. The study suggests that treating latent TB is crucial to prevent active disease and death from the infection.
Researchers have found that hospitals are a significant source of extremely drug-resistant bacteria in Europe, with certain strains spreading rapidly and outcompeting more easily treatable bacteria. The study emphasizes the importance of infection control and genomic surveillance to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have identified a repurposed compound, bithionol, with selective membrane-targeting properties that effectively kill MRSA persister cells without harming mammalian cell membranes. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic applications for bithionol in treating recalcitrant MRSA persister-caused infections.
A recent study found that nearly 9% of healthy women carried multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains in their guts, which can transfer to the female urinary tract and cause disease. The study also showed that these strains persist in the gut for a long time and can be detected in the urine without symptoms.