Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers used DNA fingerprinting to track the spread of C. difficile in European hospitals and found strains clustered within countries, suggesting hospital transmission. However, dispersed strains were also found across multiple countries, adding weight to food distribution as a potential route of transmission.
A new study reveals that newborns are more prone to intestinal infections due to underdeveloped gut microbiomes. Colonization with healthy adult microbes significantly reduces disease in infected infant mice, highlighting a potential way to boost their immune system.
Research published in Infection and Immunity found that Giardia infection changed the mouse microbiome, leading to more aerobic bacteria and less diversity of anaerobic species. The study suggests that Giardia may be an ecological disease that disrupts the gut's stable ecology.
Researchers found that strokes damage immune cells, making patients more susceptible to life-threatening infections like pneumonia. Therapies targeting damaged immune cells or bypassing their dysfunction could help recover from stroke, the study suggests.
A mouse study reveals that Clostridia bacteria provide key protection against infection, in addition to aiding digestion. Newborn mice lack these beneficial bacteria, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. The findings suggest that the introduction of protective bacteria may hold promise for preventing gut infections in human newborns.
Researchers like Dr. Julie Pfeiffer are studying poliovirus, a highly infectious childhood disease now close to global eradication, to gain insights into other viruses like Ebola, Zika, and influenza. This basic research can lead to new treatments and vaccines for these viruses.
Researchers have identified the structure of NsrR, a bacterial protein that binds to DNA and plays a key role in resisting nitric oxide, a toxic byproduct of the human immune response. The study provides new insights into how bacteria counteract NO and highlights the importance of understanding this complex process.
Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have created lysibodies, human-germ hybrid molecules that target specific carbohydrate molecules on bacterial cell surfaces, helping the immune system fight off microbial pathogens. The approach shows promise for treating life-threatening infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Researchers developed SHERLOCK, a CRISPR-Cas system that detects viral and bacterial pathogens with high sensitivity, enabling rapid diagnosis. The system's high sensitivity and low cost make it suitable for various applications, including cancer mutation detection.
Researchers found that gonorrhea infects the female reproductive tract by breaking connections between cells that normally form a protective barrier. The study uses tissue samples from human endocervix and reveals how Neisseria gonorrhoeae promotes activation of non-muscle myosin II to induce cell shedding and penetration.
The European Union has funded two projects at Goethe University Frankfurt: one on producing environmentally friendly fuels from bacteria that can use carbon dioxide as a feedstock, and another on understanding how bacteria manipulate the ubiquitin system to their advantage in infectious diseases such as Salmonella and Shigella.
A University of Washington study suggests that monitoring and potentially treating monkeys that co-exist with humans in affected areas may be part of the global strategy for eradicating yaws, a tropical disease. The researchers found that infected monkeys were more common in regions experiencing recent upsurges in reported cases.
Researchers at NSU discovered that shaking bacteria can create confusion, preventing them from coordinating an attack. This strategy has promise in reducing the need for antibiotics and combating antibiotic resistance. The team plans to test their theory in more species of bacteria and eventually in mice.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that lactate produced in the upper throat can initiate the dispersal of Neisseria meningitidis microcolonies, allowing the bacteria to invade the body and cause meningitis. The researchers suggest that high concentrations of lactate serve as a signaling molecule for bacterial dispersal.
Researchers at INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier Research Centre have developed a strategy to increase the antimicrobial activity of cationic peptides against biofilms. The modified peptide demonstrated a 60-fold enhanced antimicrobial effect, paving the way for potential therapy combinations with clinically relevant antibiotics.
Researchers found a natural way to enhance antibiotic action by combining maple syrup extract with commonly used antibiotics. This approach works on various bacterial strains, including E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, allowing for up to 90% less antibiotic use while maintaining effectiveness.
Researchers developed a new treatment pathway removing antibodies from the bloodstream to reduce chronic infections and hospital stays. The approach showed positive outcomes for two patients with resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.
A new study found that a type of vaginal bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis, can trigger recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by damaging bladder cells and allowing E. coli to multiply. The researchers suggest that this may be why some women experience UTIs after having sex.
Exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis, a common vaginal bacterium, awakens dormant E. coli and triggers recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The study suggests that G. vaginalis damage to bladder tissue can lead to reactivation of E. coli infection.
A new imaging tool can rapidly diagnose bacterial lung infections, helping prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. The bedside technology has received £2million in funding and aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients and those with long-term lung conditions.
CARB-X is investing $24 million to support 11 biotech companies in developing new life-saving antibacterials and diagnostics. The pipeline includes three potential new classes of small molecule antibiotics, four non-traditional products, and seven new molecular targets against Gram-negative bacteria.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg discovered that Chlamydia trachomatis influences mitochondria to prevent programmed cell death, allowing the bacteria to replicate. The study found that miR-30c-5p microRNA is increased in infected cells, downregulating tumor suppressor protein p53 and promoting mitochondrial division
Research at Mayo Clinic found that patients using gastric acid suppression medications are at a higher risk for developing recurrent C-diff infections. The study suggests these medications may increase the risk, and caution is advised when prescribing them to patients with a prior C-diff episode.
Researchers found that antibody production plays a limited role in clearing intestinal infection, and the immune response matures too slowly to fight off the bug within six weeks of age. Vaccines focusing on cell-mediated immunity or speeding up antibody production may offer promising solutions to controlling Campylobacter.
The study found extensive variation among Burkholderia cenocepacia isolates from cystic fibrosis patients, with changes in clinically relevant bacterial phenotypes. Genetic determinants of motility and biofilm formation may be promising targets for anti-virulence drugs.
The study used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect biomolecular changes in white blood cells stimulated with bacterial components, revealing a threefold increase in microvesicle production and altered lipid content.
A breakthrough has been made in preventing biofilm formation by staphylococci on medical devices. The research team discovered a small blocking molecule that targets the SdrC protein, stopping bacterial attachment and growth.
Researchers at NIMBioS developed a more sensitive test for detecting paratuberculosis in cattle, shedding light on the early stages of the disease. The new macrophage-based assay produces reliable diagnoses and could be a game-changer for controlling the spread of the disease.
A new study in mice reveals that gut inflammation enables bacterial viruses to infect and replicate within bacterial pathogens. Administering a vaccine that reduces gut inflammation may help treat some infections by hindering gene transfer and the evolution of pathogens.
Researchers have developed a new class of compounds called lysine-conjugated aliphatic norspermidine analogues (LANAs) that effectively kill certain bacteria, including MRSA. Testing on mice showed that the compounds can eliminate MRSA skin infections with no signs of acute toxicity or resistance development.
A UTHealth study has found that a pill form of treatment for Clostridium difficile infection can be as effective as traditional methods, with an 83% cure rate among participants. The pill form uses freeze-dried microbiota and could make treatment more convenient for patients and physicians.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.
Researchers have developed more realistic 3-D co-culture models of intestinal tissue, incorporating immune cells like macrophages, to study Salmonella infections. The models better recapitulate the natural infection process and offer a powerful new tool for understanding enteric pathogenesis.
Researchers discovered a molecular signaling receptor, type I Interferon receptor (IFNAR), that fuels production of pro-inflammatory cytokines during secondary inflammatory challenge, inducing preterm birth. Testing in mouse models and human tissues found that genetic deletion or inhibition of IFNAR prevents preterm birth.
The NIH-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group has reviewed over 70 study proposals and initiated more than 30 clinical studies to address antibacterial resistance. The group's key accomplishments include the launch of the CRACKLE study, a prospective multicenter cohort study designed to characterize CRE infections.
A novel combination of two antibiotics, ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam, has been shown to be effective against a high percentage of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) specimens. The therapy works by blocking different types of enzymes that bacteria use to destroy antibiotics.
Researchers found that H. pylori bacteria can alter the structure of white blood cells, known as neutrophils, allowing them to survive within the human body. This change enables the bacteria to evade the immune system, but also shares characteristics with tumor-associated neutrophils that may limit cancer growth.
The study reveals that H. pylori uses a pH-responsive mechanism to detach from old cells before reaching the gastric acid, allowing it to rapidly recycle the infection. This adaptive mechanism enables only the best-fit bacterial cells to survive and fortify the chronic infection.
Scientists have completed a model of the P22 virus's chemical structure with unprecedented detail, revealing the building blocks of proteins and their interactions. This breakthrough allows for more information about biochemistry and provides detailed annotations for future experiments.
Researchers found that fruit fly infections trigger a reduction in egg-laying activity and affect the octopaminergic signalling pathway. The study reveals a protective mechanism allowing fruit flies to regulate their offspring's impact on the environment during bacterial infection.
A new device called SafeRoot uses florescent dyes and fluorescence microscopy to detect minute amounts of residual live bacteria in root canals. This allows dentists to identify persistent or secondary infections and reduce the need for further treatments, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds.
Scientists at Umeå University discovered a protein interaction that slows down a key chemical reaction in the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This finding opens up new avenues for studying the regulation of bacterial virulence, which can help develop new treatments for infections.
Innovative ways to target antibiotic resistance include combining antibiotics with non-antibiotics, such as loperamide, which enhances effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Rapid diagnostic tests that can quickly identify bacterial infections and their resistance to antibiotics are also crucial in reducing further develo...
Research discovered that black carbon alters bacteria's ability to survive and combat antibiotics, increasing the risk of infection. The study also found that air pollution can change the way bacteria behave and cause disease.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have identified specific genes that make Wolbachia, a parasitic bacterium, effective in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. The 'super-Wolbachia' gene can be used to genetically engineer insects to spread the bacteria more rapidly.
A new national study found a 700-percent surge in antibiotic-resistant infections among children in the US, with more than 75 percent already present when admitted to hospital. The study also shows that infected children stayed 20% longer in hospital and faced greater risk of death.
Researchers identified a novel biological aspect of Rhizoctonia solani, where bacteria persistently associate with the fungus during growth on solid media. This association affects the biology of the fungal host and its interactions with plants, raising prospects for developing alternative disease management strategies.
A new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society found that resistant infections caused by bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family are increasing in U.S. children, associated with longer hospital stays and a trend towards greater risk of death.
Researchers found that a genetic immunodeficiency and delayed acquired immunity combine to produce life-threatening infection. The study identified a critical protein TIRAP that plays a key role in immune defense against invading bacteria.
Duke researchers have identified a group of proteins detected in specific quantities in the mucous, which are 86 percent accurate in confirming the infection is from a cold or flu virus. The discovery aims to develop a quick, noninvasive test to determine the cause of upper respiratory illness and appropriate treatment.
Researchers isolated and grew good bacteria with antimicrobial properties to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment successfully reduced Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, offering a new approach to managing the condition.
Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered how enteropathogenic bacteria sense host attachment and reorganize gene expression to exploit cells. This understanding may lead to new strategies to combat bacterial infections.
Researchers have discovered how Listeria monocytogenes travels to fatally attack the placenta and fetus during early pregnancy in macaque monkeys, raising questions about current understanding of listeriosis risk. The study reveals clues that may lead to better screening and interventions during pregnancy.
A new study reveals that the first breath of a newborn releases crucial signals that shape the lifelong immunological milieu of lungs. This process protects against environmental triggers but increases susceptibility to bacterial infections, such as pneumococci.
A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reveals that epidermicin is as effective as mupirocin in eradicating MRSA from cotton rats' nostrils. The results justify further development of epidermicin as an alternative to existing antimicrobial agents.
A new class of antibiotic daptomycin is effective and well-tolerated in children, offering a safe alternative to vancomycin for treating invasive MRSA skin infections. The study found no evidence of daptomycin toxicity, making it a promising option for pediatric patients.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has published guidelines for diagnosing and treating complex neurological infections, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach. The guidelines provide parameters for identifying and managing ventriculitis and meningitis, as well as prevention strategies.
Physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics when they expect high patient expectations, even if the probability of bacterial infection is low. This study suggests that tackling non-clinical factors, such as managing patient expectations, is crucial in reducing antibiotic overuse and addressing global health threats.