Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
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.
Researchers have discovered a key toxin in the Legionella bacteria that enables its growth and infection in human cells. The toxin, SidJ, targets innate immune pathways and has a kinase fold, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers found a way to stimulate the waking of persisters, dormant bacterial cells that evade antibiotics and lead to chronic infections. Breaking links in the 'pore' formed by peptides enables these sleeping bacteria to regain energy and infect the host again.
Researchers found a link between healthy gut flora and reduced infection risk after knee and hip replacement surgeries. The study suggests that mice with unhealthy microbiomes may have compromised immune systems, paving the way for potential microbiome-based therapies to prevent infections.
A recent study found that kissing is a significant route of transmission for gonorrhoea, with rates of infection higher among men who kiss their partners compared to those who do not. The researchers argue that increased awareness and control measures are needed to address the rising global incidence of gonorrhoea.
A study of over 500,000 people found that naturally higher iron levels are associated with reduced risk of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. However, the research also revealed potential risks, including increased risk of blood clots and bacterial skin infections.
Researchers found that C. difficile spores resist treatment with recommended disinfectant and can persist on hospital gowns and stainless steel surfaces. The study highlights the need to reevaluate infection control strategies in hospitals.
Researchers found that the rate at which a patient's immune system clears slow-growing variants of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is crucial in determining whether antibiotics can cure the infection. A new mathematical model suggests that a drug targeting slow-growing MRSA variants may be the most effective treatmen...
Researchers at Inserm and Université de Rennes 1 have created new antibiotics effective against Gram-positive and negative multi-resistant bacteria. The compounds, known as peptidomimetics, also appear to prevent the development of resistance when used in mice models.
Researchers successfully combined ceftazidime-avibactam and fosfomycin to fight P. aeruginosa in mouse models, outperforming individual antibiotics. The combination reduced the presence of the bacterium significantly, offering a potential therapeutic strategy against superbugs.
Researchers developed a new technique to enhance the infection-fighting potential of natural chemicals and test them quickly. Three synthetic molecules were found to be four times more effective at killing bacteria than their natural predecessor.
The study reveals that the equilibrium between nose microbes and host has an impact on pneumococcal acquisition density, particularly with viral co-infection. Different microbiota constellations are associated with varying levels of inflammation, viral replication, and pneumococcal carriage receptiveness.
A new study by the Francis Crick Institute found that antibiotics can wipe out early flu resistance and leave the lung vulnerable to viral infections. Gut bacteria help maintain a first line of defense in the lining of the lung, but antibiotics can destroy this defense.
A University of Michigan study finds that poor communication among healthcare workers is a major contributor to catheter-related infections. The researchers suggest that routine patient care like catheter use can have serious consequences if communication breaks down.
Researchers identified a group of people who appeared to have naturally mounted an immune response to TB despite being exposed for over 10 years. The study found that nearly 200 people from 2500 households tested negative on repeated standard TB tests, suggesting either insufficient test sensitivity or a natural defense.
Researchers developed a new vaccine, NOMV-FHbp, which induced higher levels of protective antibodies than licensed vaccines against five of six bacterial strains. The vaccine has the potential to extend coverage to infants and toddlers, who are at high risk of developing meningococcal disease.
A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.
Around half of hospital patients in Vietnam carry multiresistant intestinal bacteria, posing a significant risk to treatment and transmission. The study highlights the need for forceful measures to reduce infection spread through improved hygiene practices and follow-up care.
Researchers have developed a double-duty hydrogel that both kills bacteria and promotes bone regrowth using lysostaphin and BMP-2. This breakthrough therapy shows promise in treating orthopedic bone infections with fewer surgeries and accelerated healing.
Researchers found Cannabidiol effective in killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains, and disrupted biofilms. The compound retained its activity under extended exposure conditions that lead to resistance against other common antibiotics.
A recent study has found bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, living in kitchen sponges. The phages were isolated from used kitchen sponges and shown to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could potentially provide a new solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered that plants can transmit antibiotic-resistant superbugs to humans, highlighting the importance of tackling foodborne resistance from all aspects of the food chain. The study found that certain antibiotics can increase the ability of bacteria to colonize the gut after ingestion, while others can prevent it.
Chlamydia trachomatis produces a protein called IncA that facilitates the fusion of bacterial compartments, leading to increased disease pathogenicity. The discovery provides a new tool for researchers to study key disease processes caused by bacteria.
Research found that 40% of university students' cell phones carried S. aureus, a common cause of hospital and community infections, with 85% resistant to penicillin. The bacteria's presence in healthcare environments could increase infection rates.
A global study found that high iron levels are associated with a reduced risk of high cholesterol and anaemia, while also increasing the risk of bacterial skin infections. Researchers used genetic and clinical data from approximately 500,000 people in the UK Biobank to make their findings.