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 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.
A simple blood test commonly used to screen adults for tuberculosis can predict which children infected with the TB bacteria are likely to progress to active disease. The test, known as QuantiFERON-TB assay, is a valuable predictor of severe TB in high-risk countries like South Africa.
Researchers found that bacterial infections have vastly different outcomes depending on oxygen levels in the body. Exposure to low oxygen before infection may protect against illness without compromising immunity.
A new method called poreFUME can rapidly detect resistance genes in gut bacteria, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found the method to be 97% accurate and significantly cheaper than current methods.
Scientists at Emory University discovered that Brazilian peppertree extract can disarm antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria by disrupting their communication, preventing skin lesions and promoting healing. The finding holds potential for new treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections.
A 24-patient outbreak was halted after identifying docusate as the underlying source of the bacteria, leading to a national recall. The investigation improved infection prevention practices for patients.
A new study reveals that routine antibiotic use in newborns can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to pneumonia and immune system damage. The consequences of this disruption may be permanent, affecting lung defenses for life.
Researchers have identified Mycobacterium chimaera bacteria transmission from contaminated cardiac surgery machines in Australia and New Zealand. The infection can cause serious illness but may be treated with antibiotics, according to a new test developed by the University of Melbourne team.
Researchers found that enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) differentiates into two sub-populations, one virulent and one non-virulent, with the virulent state maintaining long-term memory. This discovery sheds light on bacterial virulence strategies and may lead to new approaches for fighting infections.
A recent study published in Cell Chemical Biology reveals new insights into the molecular pathway that leads to Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Researchers developed nanodiscs to observe AgrC receptor kinase activity and discovered a key regulatory hotspot, providing a starting point for designing molecules to inhibit it.
A study from the University of Bristol reveals how Streptococcus gordonii binds to human cells via a 'catch-clamp' mechanism, leading to cardiovascular disease. The research provides a new target for anti-adhesive agents to combat life-threatening infections.
Researchers have developed a new 3D system to study human infection in the laboratory, allowing them to investigate what happens in a human body when TB develops. The 3D sphere model enables antibiotics that are important for treating patients to kill the infection, speeding up the process of finding treatments and vaccines.
A new study found that patients with a severe C. diff infection were less likely to die when treated with vancomycin compared to the standard treatment of metronidazole. The findings suggest that vancomycin may be a more effective treatment option for severe cases, but further research is needed to understand the cause and effect.
Regular consumption of salicylic acid can promote and prolong bacterial colonization by depriving the body of iron, which is essential for bacterial growth. This study found that increased biofilm formation allows bacteria to survive longer under unfavorable conditions.
Researchers discovered a toxin from S. epidermidis that contributes to blood infections and worsens septic infection in mouse models. Clinical studies are needed to assess its impact on human sepsis.
A new report in The American Journal of Pathology reveals that potent cytotoxins produced by group A streptococcus (GAS) contribute to the severity of 'flesh-eating disease'. Production of both NADase and streptolysin O is necessary for full virulence, and infections can be controlled better with toxin-deficient bacteria.
A recent study found the mcr-1 gene has spread to a wide variety of Escherichia coli strains in China, raising concerns about the emergence of multi-drug resistance. The introduction of colistin in clinical settings is crucial, but caution must be exercised due to risk factors for its spread.
A study found that when a bacteria reduces its virulence by blocking loss of appetite, it increases mouse survival and helps the pathogen spread. Salmonella Typhimurium, a natural intestinal pathogen in mice, uses this strategy to replicate and transmit to other hosts.
Research from the Salk Institute shows that certain bacteria, such as Salmonella Typhimurium, can block the host's appetite loss response to make themselves healthier while also promoting transmission. This discovery could have implications in treating infectious diseases and may lead to new therapies for metabolic disease.
Researchers discover that a component of the innate immune system, the complement system, plays a crucial role in killing antibiotic-resistant ST258 bacteria. The study's findings suggest that a modified antibody could be used to develop new tools to treat and prevent infections caused by these bacteria.
A new study found that adding bezlotoxumab to standard antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infections by 37%. This reduction in recurrent infections can lead to fewer hospital admissions, reduced costs for the NHS, and possibly a decrease in deaths.
A UK study found that overuse of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak caused by antibiotic-resistant C. difficile bugs. Reducing fluoroquinolone use resulted in an 80% fall in infections, highlighting the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind the aggressive progression of skin infections caused by Community-Associated MRSA strains. The discovery suggests that modifying the bacterial cell envelope could help prevent such infections.
Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis reprograms infected cells to feed on lipids and membranes, leading to new treatment opportunities. The study provides a promising lead in tackling the disease by starving the bacterium of its preferred high-fat food source.
Researchers have found that Staphylococcus aureus uses a unique enzyme called superoxide dismutase to resist nutritional immunity and cause disease. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibacterial therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.