Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Researchers discovered Acinetobacter baumannii attaches to plastic medical devices using its 'fingers' to form biofilms. Developing antibodies that prevent bacterial attachment could help reduce pathogen spread in hospitals.
Scientists at the NIH have unraveled the process by which the tularemia bacteria cause disease, finding that it tricks host cell mitochondria in two phases of infection. This understanding could lead to the development of effective treatment strategies for the life-threatening disease.
Researchers at Oxford University have created a lab-based approach to develop defensive relationships between hosts and bacteria, which can work together to prevent infection. The study found that these relationships can evolve quickly in a matter of weeks, providing a new potential solution to the growing superbug crisis.
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages can transfer genes to E. coli bacteria, enabling them to break down a crucial cell component and reset their metabolism for new survival functions. This study highlights the importance of investigating hidden potential in bacterial cells to understand antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.
A virulent strain of TB has been linked to 60% of cases in younger people in Ho Chi Minh City. The Beijing lineage bacteria shows positive selection for a gene that enhances its survival and may be responsible for increased virulence.
Researchers found increased expression of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in human clinical infections compared to laboratory experiments. This discovery could help scientists draw more accurate conclusions and provide better information on treating bacterial infections.
Research reveals that IL-26 is increased among chronic smokers with lung disease, mobilizing neutrophils and exacerbating bacterial infections. The study provides new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms behind COPD and chronic bronchitis, suggesting IL-26 as a promising molecular target for therapy.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found a surplus of pathogenic bacteria in placentas from premature births, supporting the hypothesis that maternal infection may cause preterm birth. The research also discovered evidence of placental bacteria in healthy pregnancies, challenging conventional wisdom.
A mass-drug administration program reduced scabies complications by 62% among Eritrean and Ethiopian asylum seekers. The program, implemented from January 2014 to March 2016, led to a significant decrease in scabies-related bacterial skin infections and rashes.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that people with blood type A are more likely to experience severe diarrhea caused by E. coli. Researchers identified a protein responsible for this blood-group difference, which could lead to the development of a vaccine targeting this protein.
A randomized trial of 383 women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections found that taking ibuprofen instead of antibiotics prolonged symptom duration and increased the risk of serious complications. The study concludes that ibuprofen is not a safe alternative to antibiotics for treating uncomplicated UTIs.
Researchers analyzed national hospitalization data from 2010-2014 and found that MRSA-related hospitalization costs were approximately the same as or less expensive than hospitalizations with MSSA infections. However, patients with MRSA infections had a greater likelihood of mortality than those with MSSA.
A recent study found that one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics does not meet expected success rates, while another is as effective as newer drugs. The study suggests re-evaluating old antibiotics against modern standards to ensure patient well-being and restrict newer antibiotic use.
The study found a significant increase in hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among US children over a 13-year period. Children with chronic conditions are at higher risk of infection due to compromised immune systems.
Researchers from UCI and Harvard have found that the C. diff toxin B targets colonic epithelia by binding to Frizzled receptors, blocking critical Wnt signaling and renewing colonic stem cells. A non-toxic fragment of TcdB may significantly inhibit cancer cell growth with dysregulation in Wnt signaling.
Flesh-eating disease causes necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where bacteria exploit nerve communication between the nervous and immune systems. Researchers found two approaches involving nerve modulation that could prevent infections and halt disease progression.
A University of Oklahoma led research team is working on a $5.7 million NIH grant to develop more effective approaches against Gram-negative bacteria resistant to conventional treatment. The team aims to overcome the challenge of developing antibiotics that can penetrate through multi-drug efflux pumps and low-permeability membranes.
Researchers at EPFL identify a protein, Spaid, produced by the bacterium Spiroplasma poulsonii, which induces male-killing in fruit flies. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon and has significant implications for fields of symbiosis, sex determination, and evolution.
Computer simulations show microbeads can significantly reduce or eliminate bacterial infections in burn wounds when combined with debridement. The tiny plastic spheres compete with bacteria for binding sites, physically keeping them from attaching to host cells.
Researchers at UCR have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanism of huanglongbing, a devastating citrus disease that costs billions worldwide. The team discovered that a bacterial protein called SDE1 helps infect plants by attacking specific proteases that could help trees resist infection.
A study found that using a centralized infectious disease support program decreased overall antibiotic use and the overuse of broad-spectrum drugs in smaller hospitals. Program 3, which included a pharmacy-based initiative and expert consultation via hotline, saw a significant reduction in antibiotic use compared to baseline data.
Researchers found that an immune-system generated molecule called nitric oxide (NO) inhibits the ability of Staphylococcus aureus to transform from a benign colonizing state to its virulent form, producing toxins. NO may play a key role in preventing staph infections by blocking quorum-sensing systems.
Researchers found that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors improve blood vessel health at the sites of tuberculosis infection, enhancing delivery and retention of standard drugs. This synergy revitalize current TB treatment and reduce the risk of multi-drug resistant strains.
10% of patients infected with the rising European strain experience abdominal pain, a symptom often overlooked by doctors. The study's findings highlight the need to consider this atypical form of meningococcal disease in medical diagnosis.
A Japanese research team has uncovered new molecular details and provided a model explaining how stepwise flagellar assembly occurs in bacteria. The proposed model suggests that subtle changes in the ring's shape determine which proteins are exported to the growing flagellum, enabling its construction.
A smartphone video-based app substitutes for in-person daily visits required for tuberculosis treatment, with patients showing similar adherence rates as traditional DOT. The app offers a more private and cost-effective option for monitoring medication intake, but further research is needed to assess its full impact.
A recent awareness and management programme for sepsis has led to increased E. coli blood stream infection cases, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing targets. The programme's success in sepsis detection suggests considering alternative measures, such as positive-to-negative sample ratios or urine analysis.
The study demonstrates the efficacy of a single dose of NDV-3A in reducing recurrences of vaginitis in patients with RVVC, with younger patients showing higher efficacy rates. The vaccine also generates rapid and robust immune responses.
Researchers have discovered a genetic switch in the bacteria that can be targeted by small molecules to prevent its virulent form from emerging. By disabling this switch, the bacteria become more vulnerable to host defense molecules and disinfectants, making it a potential key for new antibiotics.
Research presented at ECCMID shows that additional contact precautions in non-ICU wards did not limit the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The study found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among patients admitted to these wards, despite strict adherence to standard precautions.
A seven-day antibiotic course was shown to be non-inferior to a 14-day course for treating Gram-negative bacteraemia, with similar patient outcomes and faster recovery. The study found reduced antibiotic days and improved return to daily activities in the shorter treatment group.
Researchers found piperacillin-tazobactam significantly less effective than meropenem in treating BSI caused by ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The study concluded that piperacillin-tazobactam should be avoided when treating these organisms due to its inferior efficacy.
Researchers found that targeting E. coli's toxin-antitoxin system, specifically the mazEF gene, can inhibit bacterial growth. The proposed strategy has the potential to be a selective inhibitor and can be adapted to work on multiple bacteria types.
A new bacterial species, Listeria costaricensis, has been identified in Costa Rica, increasing the knowledge of Listeria's pathogenic potential. The discovery was made through a three-year research project that sampled water from an industrial drainage area, revealing the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils.
A study of NYC house mice reveals they carry disease-causing pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria like C. difficile and Salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans. The study also finds evidence of viruses present in mouse droppings, some of which may infect other animals.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that antimicrobial therapy can prevent sepsis and life-threatening disease in people suffering from pneumonia. By targeting specific immune cells, this treatment can abort the phase of intracellular replication that protects bacteria from antibiotics.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that a layer of vertical graphene flakes can form a protective surface that kills bacteria, preventing infections and eliminating the need for antibiotic treatment. The graphene flakes are sharp enough to slice apart bacteria without harming human cells.
A 6-year-old boy with intestinal pseudo-obstruction and chronic health issues develops a rare fungal infection Mucor velutinosus in his central line. He is successfully treated with an antifungal drug, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation and good antibiotic stewardship.
A global study found that 34% of bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis across the world are multi-drug resistant, with significant regional differences. The risk of developing a multi-drug-resistant infection was higher in Asia, particularly India, and among patients who had recently received antibiotics.
Researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that viral infections can affect nutrient turnover, health, and disease in bacteria commonly found in the environment. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to improve environmental preservation and human health, potentially leading to new ways to ...
Pathogenic bacteria use a unique secretion system to export adhesins, which enable them to adhere to host cells. The study found that the adhesin protein needs to be modified with specific sugars by three enzymes acting in a specific sequence.
A recent analysis found that the risk of death due to infectious causes after kidney transplantation has dropped significantly, with common bacterial infections remaining the most frequent cause. The study revealed a drop in infection-related mortality by half since the 1990s, indicating improved outcomes for transplant recipients.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed artificial enzymes called NanoZymes that can be triggered by light to kill bacteria. The technology has the potential to create self-cleaning surfaces in hospitals and toilets.
Researchers analyzed the genome of a deadly, drug-resistant bacterial strain to identify molecular drivers of resistance. The study found four genes responsible for resistance to beta-lactams and other antibiotics.
A study reveals that incomplete vaccination coverage is causing a predictable increase in pertussis cases. The vaccine's effectiveness decreases over time, allowing susceptible individuals to contract the disease. Researchers recommend targeting schoolchildren for vaccination campaigns.
Orman aims to identify and explore mechanisms that lead to dormant cell formation to discover new therapeutic strategies against persister cells. Using E. coli as a model organism, he will perform high-throughput screening to find candidate genes regulating cell dormancy.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals substantial problems and risks associated with medical tourism for plastic surgery. The most common complications included infections, pain, and wound-healing issues, with many patients relying on US medical insurance to cover follow-up care.
Researchers discovered a new path of evolution that enables viruses to quickly adapt to their environment and infect new host targets. This phenomenon could lead to new insights into preventing the emergence of new diseases.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, KIM-1 and NGAL, that can detect acute and chronic kidney damage in children with cystic fibrosis. The study found that these biomarkers increase during exposure to antibiotics, even before a decline in kidney function is detected by traditional methods.
Researchers found that antibiotic use decreases native gut bacteria's ability to compete with C. difficile for nutrients like proline, creating a fertile environment for the bacterium's growth and colonization. This discovery could lead to the development of probiotics and targeted therapies to prevent C. difficile infections.
A study found that antibiotic use can increase the risk of severe West Nile disease in mice by weakening their immune response. The research suggests that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to fight off viral infections.
A machine learning model has been developed to predict C. difficile infection risk, analyzing entire electronic health records and accommodating institutional differences. The model can identify patients at greatest risk, allowing for targeted prevention methods and improved patient outcomes.
A new study suggests that psyllid nymphs infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus exhibit resistance to the bacteria's effects, thanks to symbiotic bacteria in their gut. Researchers aim to understand and reverse this mechanism to develop a management strategy for citrus greening.
Researchers identify SpdC as a key player in controlling S. aureus virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance; Inhibiting SpdC may offer new approach to combating S. aureus infections.
Scientists have successfully created a simplified version of teixobactin, a natural antibiotic discovered in 2015, which has been shown to kill superbug-causing bacteria. The synthetic form was used to treat a bacterial infection in mice, demonstrating its potential as a new class of antibiotic drug.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people who have had flu or pneumonia are six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the days following infection. The study highlights the importance of vaccination against these two infections in preventing cardiovascular complications.
A new clinical study led by Sheela Swamy of University College London found that antibiotics can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic bladder pain and urinary tract infections. The study analyzed 624 women who had suffered from long-term symptoms for over six years, with no relief from previous treatments.
A team of EMBL scientists has developed a comprehensive 'cookbook' for growing and studying 96 diverse gut bacterial strains. The research reveals unexpected nutritional preferences and growth characteristics of these bacteria, providing valuable insights into the human gut microbiome.
Researchers have discovered a promising approach to treating multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae infections using antibodies that target the bacterial capsule polysaccharide. This method enhances the ability of immune system cells to kill the bacteria, providing a potential alternative to antibiotics.