Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that some hog workers are carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses and may be developing skin infections. The researchers suggest that these bacteria can spread more broadly between animals and humans if not properly controlled.
Researchers have identified a new treatment strategy for MRSA infections that uses a combination of modern-day antibiotics and old-fashioned penicillin to weaken the virulence of the bacteria. This approach has shown promising results in reducing the duration of MRSA sepsis from 3 days to 1.9 days.
Researchers at LA BioMed have discovered a low-cost eye drop solution that is equally effective to expensive antibiotics in treating bacterial keratitis. The povidone-iodine solution has the potential to save thousands of lives by preventing blindness in developing countries.
A recent study by European researchers found that patients with acute bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) had only slightly worse symptoms and returned more often to their physician than those without bacterial LRTIs. The authors conclude that these infections are generally mild and self-limiting, allowing physicians t...
Researchers analyzed over 1,000 M. abscessus isolates from 500 global CF center patients, finding near-identical clones in different geographies and suggesting widespread transmission within the CF community. The study also highlights airborne transmission via contaminated surfaces as a potential mode of infection.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins in Francisella tularensis that promote the growth of bacteria within macrophages, overcoming cellular defenses. The findings shed light on the mechanisms behind the bacterium's severe disease-causing capabilities.
A new U-M vaccine using siderophore molecules prevents E. coli growth in mouse bladders and kidneys, offering hope for a treatment against UTIs. The approach has shown success in mice but is still years away from human trials.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that protamine solutions perform at least as well as current disinfectant solutions in killing microbes that can cause contact lens-related infections. Protamine's broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity makes it a potential alternative for multipurpose disinfection solutions.
Kent's Dr Mark Shepherd and PhD student Charlie Hobbs provide new insights into the HemQ enzyme of haem synthesis, a key process in MRSA's rapid growth. The discovery could lead to alternative strategies to combat resistant bacteria by targeting this pathway with new drugs.
Researchers have engineered a new antimicrobial peptide that can destroy many types of bacteria, including those resistant to most antibiotics. The peptide also suppresses the overactive inflammatory response and destroys biofilms, making it a promising alternative for treating infections.
A new study found that misdiagnosis of cellulitis leads to significant healthcare costs, with estimates suggesting between 50,000 and 130,000 unnecessary hospitalizations. The study also reveals that misdiagnosed patients would not have required antibiotics or prolonged hospital stays if they had been diagnosed correctly.
Researchers at Wyss Institute develop self-healing slippery surface coatings to prevent biofilm formation on medical implants, preserving innate immune responses. The technology has the potential to obviate widespread antibiotic use and minimize antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
A team of researchers found that polysorbate 80, a safe food additive, can slow the toxic effects of E. coli poisoning by attacking its protective biofilm and rendering it harmless. This approach could provide an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics without driving antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers developed ultra-low adhesive coatings that prevented bacteria from attaching to surfaces treated with it, reducing bacterial adhesion by more than 98 percent. The coatings, inspired by nature, are stable when exposed to UV light and have potential in implanted devices prone to bacterial fouling and infection.
Scientists discover that heme molecule interferes with macrophage cytoskeleton, immobilizing them and preventing immune cells from eliminating bacteria. Quinine, an existing malaria medication, restores functionality of affected macrophages, paving the way for new treatment possibilities.
A study found that nurses' scrubs are frequently contaminated with bacteria, including MRSA, spread from patients and hospital rooms. This highlights the importance of infection control strategies, such as hand washing, using disposable gloves, and regular cleaning of patient rooms.
A study found that cranberry capsules did not significantly reduce the presence of bacteriuria and pyuria, or the number of urinary tract infections, among older women living in nursing homes. The results contradict previous studies suggesting cranberry products may be effective in preventing UTIs.
Research by the University of Kent has identified an enzyme, cytochrome bd-I, as crucial for the survival of antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria. Targeting this enzyme with new drugs may render these bacteria susceptible to attack from the host immune system.
Scientists have developed a new class of small molecules that prevent bacteria from causing urinary tract infections by interfering with a critical factor on the surface of UTI-causing bacteria. The treatment, called C-mannosides, has shown promising results in animal testing and may move to clinical trials.
A new study shows that cranberry extract successfully interrupts the communication between bacteria associated with problematic infections, reducing their severity. Cranberries' proanthocyanidins (PACs) may help control virulence and spread of potentially dangerous bacterial infections worldwide.
A novel nanofiber coating with antibiotic-releasing properties has shown promise in preventing serious bacterial infections related to total joint replacement surgery. The coating was found to completely eradicate infection and prevent bone loss, a common complication that leads to prosthetic loosening and failure.
Scientists at Imperial College London discovered that MRSA releases decoy molecules to escape being killed by daptomycin. The decoys are made of the same type of fat as MRSA cells and allow the bacteria to evade destruction. Further experiments showed that a second antibiotic, oxacillin, can partially prevent decoy release.
TB research suggests infection causes autoimmunity, where immune system reacts incorrectly to its own lung tissue. This can lead to the bacteria spreading through coughing, making the person highly infectious.
Researchers have identified a highly specific adhesion between Helicobacter pylori and human cells, which could be used diagnostically and therapeutically. This new approach aims to prevent the bacterium's attachment to stomach cells, potentially suppressing its damaging effects.
A new study from Intermountain Medical Center found that antibiotic use rates in small community hospitals are similar to those in large hospitals. The lack of antimicrobial stewardship programs in smaller facilities poses a significant challenge in addressing the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers have engineered a bacteriophage called NanoLuc that causes E. coli O157:H7 to emit light, allowing for faster and cheaper detection of contaminated food products. The new method can detect as few as four bacteria in eight hours.
A study found that using the same hospital bed as a prior patient who received antibiotics increases the risk of Clostridium infection in subsequent patients. The risk was 0.72% when the prior occupant had recently used antibiotics, compared to 0.43% when they hadn't.
A new study from Oregon Health and Science University suggests that the type of bacteria present in the urinary tract may play a role in general health conditions like Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI). Women with UUI tend to have fewer diverse bacterial communities, while those with lower diversity experience more severe symptoms.
A newly discovered protozoan parasite, Tritrichomonas musculis, has been found to protect mice from intestinal bacterial infections by activating the inflammasome in gut epithelial cells. This discovery highlights the importance of considering non-bacterial microorganisms in studying the microbiome.
Researchers are exploring the connection between Johne's disease in cattle and Crohn's disease in humans. The study found that MAP-infected cows share symptoms with Crohn's patients, including thickened intestines, diarrhea, and low protein absorption.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem show for the first time how bacterial superantigen toxins work and how short peptides can block them. A novel host-oriented therapeutic approach prevents lethal immune responses, remaining effective against antibiotic-resistant strains.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a bacterial molecule that trains the immune system to tolerate infection without inducing illness. The molecule, 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA), reprograms innate immune cells to accept the presence of certain pathogens by suppressing inflammatory responses.
The bacterium causing citrus greening disease triggers a gut-wrenching immune response in the insect vector, Asian citrus psyllid. Researchers suggest targeting cell death in the midgut to prevent bacterial spread.
A recent UCLA-led study found that nearly 12% of people diagnosed with pyelonephritis had antibiotic-resistant infections, up from 4% a decade ago. The emergence of ESBL-producing E. coli strains limits treatment options, highlighting the need for new medications and guidelines.