Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals that cancer gene PTEN works with CFTR to keep lung tissue free of potentially dangerous infections. The findings may explain why cystic fibrosis patients have a higher risk of GI cancer.
A team of Norwegian researchers has developed a tool to monitor bacterial strains in cheese cultures, enabling prompt detection and countermeasures to maintain quality. The tool uses next-generation sequencing to analyze the epsD gene, which is involved in resisting phage and producing exopolysaccharide.
MIT researchers discovered a way to make bacteria more vulnerable to quinolones, enabling existing drugs to kill bacteria that cause chronic infections. Delivering quinolones along with glucose and fumarate can eliminate several types of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Researchers found hundreds of protein folds present across all superkingdoms of life and in various viruses, suggesting an ancient origin. The study also revealed exclusive gene transfers between specific groups of viruses and their hosts, pointing to unknown mechanisms for viral genetic material exchange.
Researchers found that certain bacterial strains can produce factors that increase or decrease the susceptibility of another bacterium to antibiotics. The study identified three specific factors: LasA, rhamnolipids, and HQNO, which could be used to create new antibiotics or develop genetic tests to detect antibiotic resistance
Researchers discovered Listeria monocytogenes can change its behavior when infecting liver and placenta cells, producing a dormant form that is more tolerant of antibiotics. This finding explains the long incubation period of listeriosis and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A recent study found that antibiotics like ciprofloxacin can directly alter the biochemical environment of mouse immune cells during infection, making it harder for them to kill bacteria. This change in environment also led to increased resistance to antibiotics in E. coli bacteria.
Researchers discovered H. pylori's two additional strategies to target mitochondria, which maintain an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation and worsen gastric lesions in mice. The findings suggest new avenues for developing effective strategies to combat H. pylori infection and reduce its pathogenic potential.
A study found that fecal transplant using oral capsules was as effective as colonoscopy in preventing recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. The treatment prevented CDI recurrence in 96% of patients after 12 weeks.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that a garlic compound can destroy important components in bacteria's communication systems, which involve regulatory RNA molecules. This discovery has led to further development of a potential treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.
A new approach models and predicts the spread of 'superbugs' by analyzing genomic data, identifying key drivers of transmission and enabling early intervention. The method successfully pinpointed the facility origin of every patient's infection in a real-time outbreak simulation.
Researchers have developed nanosponges that can absorb and neutralize toxins secreted by bacteria causing intraocular infections. These engineered nanoparticles, consisting of a polymeric core surrounded by natural red blood cell membranes, demonstrated effectiveness in protecting the retina from damage in animal models.
Researchers discovered specific immune cells called B cells play a crucial role in eliminating mycoplasma bacteria from the lungs. Vaccines may be developed to elicit antibody responses protecting against infection, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
Scientists followed 150 adolescents infected with M. tuberculosis for several years, finding elevated immune system activity 1-2 years before diagnosis and suppressed gene expression in T cells before active disease began. This study provides a clearer timeline of biological events leading to pulmonary TB development.
Natural killer cells play a crucial role in controlling bacterial growth during lung infections, and their communication with immune response regulators helps orchestrate an antibacterial program. This study provides new insights into the development of novel therapeutics against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers have identified specific chemical receptors in cells that could deceive bacteria and improve patient response to drugs. The study's findings suggest that targeting these receptors could help adapt antibiotics to better attack infections.
A new shape-shifting polymer can target and kill Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, improving digestive health for billions worldwide. The agent morphs into a bacterial hole-puncher at acidic pH, killing H. pylori while sparing helpful gut bacteria.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have made a breakthrough in treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. They discovered that the body's natural defences, specifically interferons, can fight back against the infection, offering new avenues for therapy.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified two previously unknown mechanisms that bacteria use to protect themselves from antibiotics. The discovery provides new insights into how bacteria develop resistance and could lead to the development of new drugs to combat bacterial infections.
Scientists have developed an antibacterial coating that embeds viruses to destroy bacteria, with the coated films retaining their effectiveness for up to three months. The coating, made from a combination of pullulan and trehalose, has shown promise in preventing bacterial contamination of food.
A study by UTHealth researchers found that a 'promiscuous' carbapenemase gene and a bacterial clone carrying an antibiotic-killing gene created the perfect storm for Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic. The gene spread horizontally across Gram-negative bacteria, while the clone was introduced via an infected patient from the US.
The study found Africa has the highest burden of GBS, causing 54% of estimated cases and 65% of stillbirths and infant deaths. A vaccine could potentially prevent 231,000 infant and maternal GBS cases with an 80% effective rate.
Bone infection can be debilitating and potentially fatal. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are advancing new treatments for bone infections by understanding how bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus evade treatment and developing new antibiotics to target those mechanisms.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center developed an electric bandage that can prevent bacterial biofilm infections, combat antibiotic resistance, and enable healing in infected burn wounds. The bandage generates a weak electric field without any external power supply and is already FDA-cleared.
Researchers at UMD School of Medicine are studying a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by targeting the immune system's response to harmful bacteria. They aim to prevent inflammation and white blood cell activation using special molecules or peptides, which could pave the way for treating a wide range of infections.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new methods for detecting tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease that kills over a billion people in the last two centuries. The new tests use nanotechnology to detect TB proteins in patient blood samples, providing rapid and accurate results.
University of Michigan researchers found that killer T cells use a multi-pronged attack to kill bacteria, targeting multiple processes. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications or repurposing of existing drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
A new study confirms outpatient antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community, and recent emergency department visits may also pose a risk. The study found that patients with community-associated C. difficile infections were more likely to have prior health care visits and taken antibiotics.
Researchers developed a risk assessment system, HANDOC, to identify patients with streptococcal bacteria who need echocardiography for potential heart valve infection. The system showed good reliability in distinguishing high and low-risk patients.
A study by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute reveals that routine genomic surveillance of MRSA can detect outbreaks much sooner than current methods. This approach helps prevent further transmission and reduces the number of people affected, with potential implications for infection control.
A recent study found that Helicobacter pylori's mutation rate is high from the beginning of infection, making it challenging to develop an effective vaccine. The bacterium's genetic diversity can also inhibit the production of antigens in a potential vaccine.
Researchers at KU Leuven have identified specific ion channels in airway cells that recognize lipopolysaccharide molecules from bacteria, triggering a rapid response mechanism against infections. This early defence mechanism is essential for combating bacterial invasion and could lead to the development of more effective treatments.
Researchers have developed novel antimicrobial compounds that can treat multidrug-resistant bacteria, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. The combination of colistin and a manganese tricarbonyl complex showed significant antibacterial activity in killing multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Using electronic health records, UCSF researchers mapped over 435,000 patient location changes and identified a critical CT scanner in the Emergency Department as a significant source of exposure-related C. diff infections. This analysis led to improved cleaning practices and bolstered infection prevention strategies.
A new mapping tool helps wildlife and livestock managers prioritize prevention efforts in high-risk areas to minimize disease transmission. The model predicts an average of 700 elk abortions per year, with higher transmission risk at lower elevations during heavy snow years.
A new meta-analysis shows that procalcitonin reduces relative mortality by 14% and antibiotic side effects by 25% in patients with respiratory infections. This biomarker can help medical experts diagnose infectious diseases and tailor treatment strategies.
Pyroptosis, an explosive form of cell death, contributes to the high mortality rate of bloodstream infections by triggering excessive tissue injury. Caspase-11 is identified as a key enzyme in this process, making it a promising target for development of new treatments.
A study found that antibiotics prescribed by dentists may contribute to Clostridium difficile infections, a serious and potentially deadly infection. The research highlights the importance of using antibiotics only when needed and notes that many unnecessary prescriptions are likely.
A novel PET tracer, 6"-18F-fluoromaltotriose, has been developed to identify most bacterial infections. The agent is a derivative of maltose and targets the maltodextrin transporter in bacteria, allowing for non-invasive detection and monitoring of antibiotic therapy.
A novel textile material called Surfaceskins has been developed to reduce hospital-acquired infections by disinfecting itself. The device can reduce bacteria levels by more than 90% and is designed to be replaced after seven days or one thousand uses.
A new test developed at Caltech can identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria in as little as 30 minutes, allowing doctors to choose the most effective antibiotics. The test has been proven accurate with a 95% match rate, and researchers hope to expand its use to other types of infections.
Researchers discovered a simple chemical mimic of host defense peptides can cure bacterial infections, either alone or in combination with traditional antibiotics. The study suggests new alternatives for treating life-threatening bacterial threats.
New research reveals light-activated nanoparticles can re-potentiate existing antibiotics for certain clinical isolate infections. The nanoparticles release superoxide, making bacteria more susceptible to the original antibiotic and reducing effective resistance by a factor of 1,000.
A new study suggests that integrated sepsis screening and treatment protocols can increase the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to higher healthcare facility-onset C. difficile infection (CDI) rates. Researchers found an increased rate of HCFO CDI during and following sepsis care bundle implementation.
Brandon Cooper, a new University of Montana faculty member, has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the effects of Wolbachia bacteria on insect physiology and fitness. The study aims to understand how these bacteria spread within and between host species.
Researchers found that statin users have a 27% lower risk of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections outside hospitals, with increased dosage offering greater protection. The study suggests that statins may play an important role in preventing serious blood infections, particularly among elderly patients with chronic conditions.
In a new study, researchers led by Igor E. Brodsky identified a mechanism that allows host cells to overcome the strategies used by pathogens like Yersinia bacteria to evade the immune system. By understanding this 'back-up alarm' system, scientists may be able to develop new therapies to target tumor cells and promote their demise.
Research led by Washington University School of Medicine finds that prescribing antibiotics in addition to lancing and draining staph-infected areas reduces the risk of recurrent infections. Clindamycin was found to be more effective at eliminating staph colonization than other antibiotics.
A study found that women with a specific strain of Lactobacillus iners had an increased risk of chlamydia infection. The researchers suggest that specific signatures of vaginal microbiota may indicate increased susceptibility to acquiring STIs.
Researchers found that catheterization potentiates MRSA infection by inducing an inflammatory response and releasing the fibrinogen protein. This results in the facilitation of targeted treatments for MRSA CAUTI.
Researchers at the University of Maryland discovered two group A Streptococcus genes, scfA and scfB, involved in invasive skin infections. These genes may serve as promising clinical targets for therapeutics.
A study published in Hospital Pediatrics found that many medical residents deviate from guidelines when prescribing antibiotics, highlighting the need for education and training. The research suggests that residents can be effective 'first line of defense' against antibiotic resistance if they follow best practices.
Researchers at NIST create a rapid test that senses mechanical fluctuations of bacterial cells and detects response to antibiotics, potentially hastening effective medical treatment and limiting drug-resistant bacteria. The new technique can quickly determine whether an antibiotic combats a given infection.
A high-manganese diet makes mice susceptible to staph heart infection, inactivating their innate immune system's reactive oxygen burst. This discovery adds to evidence that diet influences infection risk and suggests people with excess tissue manganese may be at higher risk for staph infection of the heart.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators reveals how staph bacteria trick the body's immune system, allowing repeated infections throughout life. The study sheds light on how to develop an effective vaccine harnessing T cells to combat the superbug MRSA.
A study by Oregon State University and the Oregon Health Authority identified 21 cases of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a rare gene responsible for antibiotic resistance. Effective communication between facilities can prevent transmission and ensure appropriate contact precautions are taken.
Researchers identified levofloxacin as an effective antibiotic to prevent infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reducing fever and bloodstream infections by 70%. The study found no increase in antibiotic resistance despite greater use of levofloxacin.
Researchers found that 40% of nursing home patients had multiple multidrug-resistant organisms living on their bodies, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. The study suggests a complex network of interactions among bacteria and antibiotics, highlighting the need for more targeted treatment approaches.
A team of researchers led by Konstantin Usachev is developing new antibiotics to combat the deadly Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The project aims to identify specific targets for these drugs using 3D visualization and computational analysis.
A study of 1.5 million children found that those with asthma were 1.6 times more likely to be prescribed antibiotics than those without asthma. This could be due to mistaken asthma symptoms for a bacterial infection or preventative use, despite guidelines against it.