Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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.
Beneficial bacteria in the gut of moth larvae produce an antimicrobial agent that kills competing bacteria. The symbionts ensure a healthy gut flora and reduce infection risk, making them a potential tool for controlling agricultural pests.
Researchers found a wide variety of CRE species and genetic traits enabling resistance, with traits transferring easily among species. The findings suggest that CRE may be transmitting from person to person asymptomatically, highlighting the need for increased genomic surveillance.
Researchers at UC San Diego have documented how large viruses reprogram bacterial cells to resemble animal or human cells, allowing them to mass-produce new viral particles that eventually kill the infected cells. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism of viral replication in bacteria.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model to study vascular graft infections, revealing that all S. aureus strains form biofilms in vivo, regardless of in vitro results. The study also shows increased inflammation and decreased blood flow velocity at the site of infection.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago are studying bacterial chemical signals to manipulate sickness-causing microorganisms into a nonhostile state. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of these signals, scientists aim to develop new alternatives to antibiotics that fight bacterial infections.
A study published in PNAS details a mathematical model of the timing of phage-induced cell death, revealing high precision and counterintuitive insights into regulatory mechanisms. The research has implications for medicine and broader applications in chemical kinetics, ecological modeling, and statistical physics.
The 'test and treat' scheme aims to reduce GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions, but lacks robust evaluation and may not be cost-effective. The NHS England plan is based on limited data from a small pilot, which raises concerns about its scalability and potential impact.
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ malfunction caused by infection, associated with significant hospital deaths. Recognizing sepsis as a separate cause can lead to improved hygiene, nutrition, vaccination rates, and quality of life for those affected.
The VA's MRSA Prevention Initiative has significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections, with a 87% decline in intensive care units and 80.1% drop in non-ICUs between 2007 and 2015. Active surveillance and infection prevention programs played a key role in this progress.
Commonly prescribed acid suppression medications were linked with increased risks of intestinal infections with C. difficile and Campylobacter bacteria. Users should be vigilant about food hygiene due to the removal of stomach acid making them more susceptible to infection.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new antibiotic for gonorrhoea by harnessing the therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules. The treatment targets the bacteria's energy production, preventing it from respiring oxygen and ultimately leading to its death.
Researchers at the University Health Network found that a single fecal transplant is not more effective than the standard of care in treating recurrent C. difficile infection. The study's results suggest that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and long-term implications of fecal transplantation.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a mutation in the relA gene of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium that enables the bacteria to tolerate normally effective antibiotic therapy. The mutation resulted in elevated levels of alarmone, priming the bacteria to survive exposure to multiple antibiotics.
Scientists at the University of the Basque Country have created coatings for dental implants that can prevent bacterial colonization and adhesion. The new coatings were developed using sol-gel synthesis and added antibacterial agents, achieving successful results in preventing osseointegration problems and infections.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a shortened five-day antimicrobial treatment regimen for middle ear infections in young children is less effective than the standard 10-day regimen. The study also failed to show a significant reduction in antibiotic resistance threat.
Preliminary research suggests that using a commercial brand of mouthwash can help kill off gonorrhea bacteria and control its spread. Daily rinsing with the product reduced viable gonorrhoea in the throat by 52% compared to saline solution.
A study published in mBio found that fecal microbiota transplantation was effective in treating recurrent C. difficile infection, with cure rates over 90%. The researchers identified specific microorganisms, such as Clostridium Xia clade and Holdemania, which are key for a successful transplant.
A new approach to prevent burn injury infections was developed by UTSW researchers, which targets the bacteria's ability to bind to host cells rather than killing them. The method, using an engineered adhesion inhibitor molecule, substantially decreased bacterial levels and prevented infection for three days.
A centuries-old herbal medicine, artemisinin, has been found to stop TB-causing bacteria from becoming dormant, making them more sensitive to antibiotics. This could shorten treatment times and improve patient outcomes.
Scientists have discovered molecular mechanisms that allow bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment and cause chronic infections. These 'persister cells' can resuscitate after treatment is abandoned, leading to relapsing infections. Understanding this phenomenon may lead to the development of novel antibiotics targeting persisters.
Researchers developed antibacterial agents using usnic acid-loaded electrospun fibers, which showed controlled release and mass production of active surface. The fibers demonstrated effective bactericidal activity against different bacteria, making them a promising secondary therapy for diabetic wound healing treatment.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that antibody levels in saliva are linked to those in blood serum, suggesting a non-invasive method for assessing immunity. Higher antibody concentrations in serum were associated with higher concentrations in saliva, particularly for IgA antibodies.
Jörg Vogel, a leading RNA researcher, has been awarded the €2.5m Leibniz Prize for his seminal contribution to understanding regulatory RNA molecules in infection biology. His research could lead to new ways to fight pathogens.
Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have established a new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis. The model mimics the progression of the disease from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, providing a new tool for investigating this potentially life-threatening illness.
A team of researchers at Caltech and the University of Oxford identified a protein that degrades and inhibits biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the primary pathogen in cystic fibrosis infections. This discovery offers a new approach to inhibit biofilm development and has promise for treating antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections.
Researchers developed electrospun fibers loaded with usnic acid, a strong lichen metabolite, to combat bacterial infections. The fibers show controlled release properties and mass production potential for antibacterial materials.
A WSU research team has successfully used a mild electric current to kill drug-resistant bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, responsible for chronic and serious infections in lung diseases and wounds. The technology uses an antibiotic in combination with the electric current to disrupt biofilm matrices, damage ...
A clinical trial of infection-detecting bandages is underway using samples from hundreds of burns patients across four UK hospitals. The technology has potential to improve treatment outcomes by detecting infections earlier, allowing for targeted treatment and reducing antibiotic use.
Researchers develop optical fingerprint to study Salmonella biofilms, providing new tool for understanding mechanisms of biofilm formation. The method is specific and non-toxic, allowing for the detection of biofilm components without harming bacteria.
Researchers have successfully used Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium, to clear multi-drug resistant Shigella infections in zebrafish. The bacteria works alongside the host's immune system, showing promise as a living antibiotic for tackling drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Norovirus can shed for months or years, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and triggers other gut problems like IBS and IBD. Researchers discuss strategies to slow down the virus, including new vaccine approaches.
Researchers have identified a key role for protein OmpA in protecting bacterial cells from environmental stress. The protein acts as a flexible clamp to connect the cell wall and outer membrane, providing mechanical support.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to study bacterial infections at the single-cell level, revealing that Salmonella adopt two survival strategies: replicating or adopting a non-growing state. Macrophages infected with Salmonella express different signaling molecules depending on their growth behavior.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Upsalite has strong bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis, an opportunistic bacterium causing hospital-acquired infections and acne. This finding opens up possibilities for development of materials inhibiting bacterial growth without antibiotics.
Researchers found that starving gut microbes of natural fiber leads to erosion of the mucus layer, making them vulnerable to infection. A high-fiber diet helps maintain a healthy mucus barrier, protecting against invasive bacteria.
Highly drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are on the rise among US children, with increasing antibiotic resistance rates reported over the last decade. The study highlights the need for better tracking and prevention strategies to address these concerning infections.