Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Cirrhosis patients experience impaired immunity due to gut bacteria migration into the liver. Scientists identify that Type-1 IFN released by immune cells incapacitates the immune system, leading to fatal bacterial infections. Strengthening the immune response may now treat life-threatening infections without antibiotics.
A study by Duke Health and Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School reveals bladder cells' secreted chemicals can clear urinary tract infections. The research suggests new targets for developing remedies and provides insights into the herb Forskolin's impact on UTIs.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society recommend a 7-day or fewer antibiotic course for most hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections. Hospitals should create antibiograms to determine causative strains and ensure effective treatment.
Scientists have created a detailed structural model of aerolysin, a bacterial toxin that causes gastroenteritis and sepsis. The high-resolution imaging reveals the toxin's mechanism of action, including its formation of a pore in target cells.
Researchers at Umeå University found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can dampen inflammatory processes and weaken the immune system's ability to combat bacterial infections. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that ROS always contribute to inflammation.
A new transparent skull implant developed by UCR researchers allows for minimally invasive laser-based treatments for patients with brain disorders. The implant's biocompatibility and ability to endure bacterial infections make it a promising alternative to currently available cranial implants.
A study found that 14% of patients kept a stash of antibiotics at home and 40% used them without a prescription. Self-prescribing can lead to antibiotic resistance and serious side effects, highlighting the need for proper medical guidance.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a human immune receptor that detects pathogenic microorganism invasion, which recognizes cleaved antibodies and fights immune evasion mechanisms. This discovery contributes to the development of new treatments and prevention strategies against infectious diseases.
Researchers from Institut Pasteur and Université catholique de Louvain identify genetic and metabolic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of a bacteriophage. The study reveals that RNA metabolism plays a crucial role in the infection strategy of the bacteriophage, with control mechanisms involving small RNA and antisense RNA.
A deadly bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can travel to the brain and spinal cord within 24 hours, according to a new Griffith University study. The findings could lead to discoveries on how other common bacteria enter the spinal cord.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new potential avenue for controlling severe bacterial infections and sepsis. The study reveals that a protein fragment called gasdermin-D-NT can kill both bacteria and infected cells, offering a defense against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a diagnostic test that can distinguish between bacterial and viral infections using just seven human genes. The seven-gene test is more accurate, cheaper, and faster than earlier tests, with the potential to reduce antibiotic misuse and save healthcare systems money.
A recent study reveals that bacteriophage PAK_P3 degrades bacterial RNAs and scavenges pyrimidine nucleotides to replicate. This finding highlights the prominent role of RNA metabolism in phage infection, offering a new understanding of phage therapy's potential.
A new study found that reducing antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections does not increase the risk of serious bacterial complications. However, it also suggests that practices with lower rates of antibiotic prescribing had slightly higher rates of pneumonia and peritonsillar abscess.
Having a first-degree relative hospitalized with confirmed staph infection significantly increases the risk for microbiologically confirmed Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. The risk is higher if the infected patient is a sibling than a parent, according to researchers who analyzed data from Denmark.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have confirmed that a benign bacterium called Wolbachia pipientis can completely block transmission of Zika virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The bacteria, which are self-sustainable and low-cost, can also reduce vector competence in mosquitoes and impact their infection status.
A new E. coli-based transport capsule has been developed to improve the efficiency of next-generation vaccines, with promising results in fighting pneumococcal disease. The capsule uses a harmless strain of E. coli wrapped in a synthetic polymer to deliver antigens and trigger an immune response.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can amplify disease-inducing genes to quickly cause infection. The study found that the essential proteins needed to form the poisonous syringe are produced through a 'copying machine' when the bacteria come into contact with host cells, enabling rapid infection.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to disrupting bacterial biofilms, which are nearly impossible to eradicate when pathogenic. The technique targets extracellular DNA and DNABII proteins in biofilms, resulting in the collapse of bacterial communities and bacterial clearance.
Researchers at UVA Health System identified a link between C. difficile infection and allergy-causing immune cells, offering potential solutions for prevention through targeted probiotics. The discovery has immediate implications for therapy, as maintaining the natural gut microbiome may prevent life-threatening infections.
Researchers found that oral bacteria cooperate to make a pathogenic bacterium more infectious by providing an oxygen-rich environment. This cross-respiration allows the pathogen to grow and thrive, leading to worse infections.
The study reveals that Group B streptococcus (GBS) uses the enzyme hyaluronidase to evade the immune system during pregnancy, leading to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Blocking this enzyme could lead to eradication of GBS and new treatments for other ascending infections.
Researchers are investigating genetic variations and unconventional T-cells that enable macrophages to resist Mtb infection in HIV-positive individuals. The study aims to identify biomarkers of resistance and novel approaches to TB vaccine and treatment.
Scientists at CNIC discover how immune cells adapt to live bacteria through mitochondrial metabolism changes. The study found that detection of live bacteria triggers a change in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enabling macrophages to redirect metabolic routes for efficient energy production.
A new tool called MDSINE predicts the behavior of the human microbiome, which could lead to the development of new treatments for serious diseases. The algorithm is applied to predict the dynamics of C. difficile infections and analyze the effects of probiotic cocktails on bacterial communities.
Researchers at Georgia State University found that certain viruses like influenza and coronaviruses can survive on children's toys for up to 24 hours, placing children at risk. The study suggests implementing strategies for decontamination, such as frequent cleaning with household bleach, to prevent the spread of disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully diagnosed or ruled out suspected brain infections using next-generation genetic sequencing. The technique has the potential to bring diagnosis rates for inflammatory brain disorders and infections closer to 100 percent, enabling more effective treatment.
Research at ASM Microbe meeting reveals a new way bacteria can cause dramatic changes in human cells, leading to contact lens wear complications and inflammation. The study identifies key genes responsible for bleb formation, which may lead to novel therapies to prevent infection-associated inflammation.
A new study identified a population of monocyte-derived cells that play a significant role in destroying Legionella bacteria. These cells respond to the infection within 24 hours and can control the bacteria, with researchers hoping to develop new treatments to strengthen the immune system.
Researchers used genome sequencing to determine when TB outbreaks ended by analyzing genetic mutations and transmission patterns. The method helped public health officials declare the end of an outbreak in January 2015, after no disease transmission occurred since mid-2012.
A virus has been found to use a 'stolen' CRISPR system to hijack its host's immune response, allowing it to fight off other viral infections. The Cyanophage N1 virus uses a CRISPR sequence typically used by bacteria to defend against viruses.
A new clinical trial shows that drinking 8-ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily reduces recurrent UTI episodes by nearly 40%. Cranberry consumption may help alleviate the burden of antibiotic resistance and improve quality of life for women suffering from recurring UTIs.
Researchers successfully treat deadly MRSA infection in animals using the combination of antibiotic TXA709 with cefdinir, reducing potential resistance and side effects. The new treatment approach aims to develop a new class of antibiotics to combat rising antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new method enables rapid isolation and concentration of infectious bacteria from complex clinical samples, accelerating bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. This breakthrough uses an engineered pathogen-binding protein to capture live pathogens from joint fluids, allowing for faster and more accurate diagno...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light, known as far-UVC, safely kills drug-resistant MRSA bacteria. This finding offers a potential solution to reducing surgical site infections, a major public health concern.
Systemic glucocorticoids increase risk of life-threatening staph infections by 2.5 times, with higher doses associated with greater risk
Scientists compared 64 Staphylococcus aureus strains' genomes to develop a comprehensive understanding of the bacteria's virulence and antibiotic resistance. The study revealed that 19% of genes are essential for life, while dispensable genes offer advantages in specific environments.
Researchers from Tomsk State University have discovered that bats can act as transmitters of infections, including those caused by bacteria and nematodes. The study found gamasid mites in bat samples, which are common among rodents, indicating close contact between the two species.
The Wyss Institute aims to discover why some individuals tolerate infectious pathogens while others exhibit life-threatening responses, which could inform the development of novel therapies. The project will search for and identify examples of tolerance across several species through experiments with clinically-relevant pathogens.
Researchers at University of Oxford have identified two long intergenic noncoding RNA genes associated with an increased likelihood of developing bacteraemia when infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The genetic variants carry a doubled risk, highlighting the importance of diverse population studies.
Researchers discovered a bacteriophage virus in Connecticut that targets multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it susceptible to existing antibiotics. This 'phage' therapy has the potential to treat life-threatening infections and preserve medical options against deadly bacteria.
Scientists have identified a novel metal scavenger, staphylopine, produced by the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting the bacteria's addiction to metals.
A study suggests that amyloid-ß peptide can ensnare invading microbes, halting infection in mouse and worm models of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also found that mice with overexpressed amyloid-ß showed greater resistance to bacterial infection.
A study published in mSystems found that Burkholderia multivorans bacteria evolve and adapt in bursts to survive in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The bacteria target adherence, metabolism, and changes to the cell envelope to evade antibiotics and persist in the host.
EPFL scientists have described the atomic-level mechanism of bacteriophage infection using state-of-the-art tools. The breakthrough reveals how the baseplate coordinates attachment and contraction of the viral tail, shedding light on a complex process that has major implications for medicine and research.
A University of Oklahoma team has developed a new antibiotic formulation that combines traditional antibiotics with polymer BPEI to revive efficacy in obsolete drugs. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce economic burdens by treating MRSA infections.
Researchers from USF have isolated a natural product chemical from an Antarctic sponge that can eliminate over 98% of MRSA cells. The extract, named darwinolide, has shown promise in treating biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to current antibiotics.
Researchers at Monash University discovered a potential novel way to treat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting the E. coli cell membrane's anchoring filaments. The 'anchors' are crucial for the bacteria to latch onto the urinary tract surface, and blocking them could lead to effective treatment.
Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation in Staphylococcus aureus that reduces the bacterium's ability to destroy human immune cells, making it more likely to cause life-threatening diseases. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between bacteria and their hosts.
Scientists have created a synthetic molecule that mimics the sugar coating on C. difficile bacteria, triggering an immune response and protecting against infection. The potential vaccine could be cost-effective and used to boost the immune system in patients.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new molecule that can potentially prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis by improving airway hydration and mucous clearance. The treatment targets the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), preventing chronic infections and inflammation that cause progressive lung damage.
A study found that pathogenic bacteria use Opa proteins to bind human CEACAM proteins on mucosal cells, making them stickier and less likely to detach. This prevents exfoliation, allowing the bacteria to gain extra time to colonize or penetrate the mucosa.
Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiome communication with the immune system, impairing immune function. New approaches aim to restore balance by targeting infectious bacteria or modifying the microbiota, such as using bacteriocins, CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing, or fecal material transplants
A potential drug therapy developed at the University of Pittsburgh has proven effective against bacterial biofilms and a deadly respiratory virus simultaneously. The eCAP was 50 times more effective at fighting the biofilm than traditional treatment, and reduced viable virus particles by over 150-fold in RSV-infected airway cells.
Researchers have discovered a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that looks susceptible to colistin, but actually ignores treatment. The strain, called R/S, has a genetically identical subpopulation of resistant bacteria lurking within it, making diagnosis challenging.
A new study from McGill University Health Centre finds that newborn screening for cystic fibrosis results in better nutrition, fewer hospitalizations, and lower rates of infection. Children diagnosed through newborn screening are also diagnosed at an earlier age and benefit more from new treatments.
Researchers at Washington State University and Harvard University have discovered a critical mechanism that enables bacteria to efficiently infect the gut. The 'type III secretion system' directs bacterial traffic, controlling whether bacteria become trapped inside vacuoles or break out into cell fluid.
Researchers found that topoisomerase 1 inhibitors suppress inflammation in mice, potentially treating sepsis and other immune disorders. These drugs have shown promise in rescuing mice from a lethal inflammatory response caused by bacterial infections, suggesting a new approach to controlling acute infections.
Researchers at Lund University have found a promising new therapeutic target to treat bacterial infections, regulating the immune response and avoiding destructive inflammation. The discovery of IRF-7 as an immunotherapeutic target holds promise for non-antibiotic therapy.
A Boston College research team, led by biologist Tim van Opijnen, is developing new technologies to predict drug resistance in certain bacteria and identify effective treatments. The five-year study will use cutting-edge genomics research tools and techniques to understand how bacteria interact with the immune system.