Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have discovered a gene in wild tomato species that imparts resistance to the bacteria causing speck, a devastating disease affecting NY tomato crops. The gene, qRph1, has been mapped and is being used to develop resistant varieties of cultivated tomatoes.
The University of Leicester has been awarded £1.5 million to advance knowledge in three key areas that impact on health. Three groups have won awards led by Professor David Lambert, Professor Marco Rinaldo Oggioni, and Dr Shaun Cowley, investigating sepsis, infection spread, and cancer mechanisms.
Researchers have identified specific immune cells that could be targeted by a new MRSA vaccine. These 'T-helper type 1' cells play a critical role in the immune response and are elevated in patients following MRSA infection. A model vaccine targeting these cells has shown improved infection outcomes.
Research suggests that cranberries can help reduce the incidence of symptomatic UTIs, potentially reducing antibiotic use and mitigating antibiotic resistance. Cranberry's unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants may also assist in preserving heart and cognitive health, protecting against oxidative stress.
Researchers have discovered a new technique that can prevent biofilms on catheters and medical implants by coating them with tissue plasminogen activator. This method has the potential to reduce hospital-acquired infections and save thousands of lives annually.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a strain of E. coli bacteria in mice capable of improving tolerance to infections by preventing muscle wasting. The bacteria activate the IGF-1 pathway in fat tissues, maintaining normal levels and preserving muscle mass during pathogenic infections.
Researchers found that intestinal worm infections can increase short-chain fatty acid production, activating receptors that influence the immune system. This discovery highlights the microbiome as a new pathway for helminths to modulate host immune function.
A new phage treatment has shown strong anti-microbial activity against Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that can kill up to 40% of infected infants. The treatment, CR5, killed the bacteria quickly and effectively, without producing toxins or virulence factors.
Researchers discovered plague has been endemic in human populations for over 3,000 years, with evidence of infection dating back to the Bronze Age. The bubonic form of plague spread through flea carriers after genetic mutations allowed Yersinia pestis bacteria to survive in human guts.
Scientists have identified a human cell protein called PLEKHA7 as a key modulator of Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Mice lacking this protein showed improved healing from skin infections and pneumonia, paving the way for potential new therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
A nationwide study found a significant increase in CRE infections among US children aged 1-5, with rates rising from 0% to 4.5% between 1999 and 2012. The greatest increase was seen in intensive care units, where isolates of CRE in the bloodstream increased from zero to 3.2% during the study period.
Researchers found invasive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) caused more infections and deaths in hospitalized infants than methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The study suggests that measures to prevent MSSA infections should be included in addition to MRSA, alongside hand hygiene as a primary prevention strategy.
Garden-variety staph infections are just as deadly for newborns as drug-resistant strains, according to a study by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Nonresistant bacterial infections affect more than twice as many babies and have the same high mortality rate as their drug-resistant cousins.
Researchers developed a new material fortified with nanodiamonds that can combat bacterial infections in teeth. The nanodiamond-enhanced gutta percha showed promise in preventing residual infection and promoting healthy tooth regeneration.
Researchers discovered M1 strep's ability to inactivate antimicrobial peptides, a key component of the immune system's defense. This finding highlights the need to fortify or optimize antimicrobial peptides to improve the immune system's odds of fending off infections.
A recent study found that ESBL-producing E. coli infections are on the rise in community hospitals, posing a significant risk to patient safety and quality of care. The incidence of these infections increased by 100%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after exposure to the healthcare system.
A study found that patients with persistent Coxiella burnetii infections, which cause Q fever, are at a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The researchers discovered that these patients often have overproduction of interleukin-10, allowing the cancer cells to evade immune detection.
Hospitalized children are three times less likely to contract C. diff after implementing antibiotic stewardship programs, which also result in significant cost savings. The programs involve reviewing antibiotic use and providing feedback to physicians, leading to a more than three-fold reduction in C. diff rates.
Researchers found that using UV robots after room cleaning reduced C. diff infections among cancer patients by 25%, saving approximately $150,000 per year in direct medical costs. The intervention did not adversely impact room turnaround time.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that naturally occurring bacteria on a frog's skin can respond to infection and adjust their structure and function to compensate for it. The study suggests that the whole community of bacteria is important, not just a single protective bacterium. This discovery offers hope in limiting the impact of c...
A new capsule form of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in resolving diarrhoea in patients with difficult-to-treat C difficile infection. The study found a 90% rate of symptom resolution, suggesting that FMT could potentially supersede antibiotics as a treatment option.
The study found that the overall incidence of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was relatively low in 2012-2013, with an annual rate of 2.93 cases per 100,000 population. Most CRE cases were associated with prior hospitalizations and discharge to long-term care settings.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has been chosen as one of six research centers in the US to combat emerging infectious diseases. Researchers will study how healthcare workers can care for patients without putting themselves at risk, addressing concerns about Ebola and other diseases.
Adult rashes accompanied by a fever of 100.5 or higher warrant immediate medical attention due to potential life-threatening conditions. Quick, aggressive treatment can significantly improve survival rates for patients with underlying conditions such as toxic shock syndrome and staph scalded skin syndrome.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that children who have suffered from recent infections or are not up-to-date on their vaccinations are at a higher risk of stroke. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 children, found that 18% of those who experienced strokes had recently contracted an infection.
Researchers found that infants infected with rhinovirus had lower respiratory microbiota diversity, while asymptomatic infections did not. Frequent early-life viral infections were also associated with reduced overall microbiota diversity.
Researchers have developed a drug that disables C. difficile toxins, preventing intestinal damage and allowing the gut to repopulate with healthy bacteria. The breakthrough could lead to rapid human trials for treating deadly C. difficile infections.
A biofilm with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties has been developed to prevent or control post-operative infections on medical devices. The film reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial and fungal infections, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics.
A team of researchers decoded genetic sequences of E. coli O157, revealing its ancestor has been around for over 175 years. The study found that the bacteria's ability to produce shiga-toxins has evolved, making some strains more deadly than others.
Researchers found that co-culturing pathogenic E. coli with nonpathogenic strains in mice increased sickness and severity of symptoms. The study suggests that analyzing gut flora may help predict disease outcome and treatment effectiveness.
The USA 300 strain of MRSA has decreased in hospital-onset cases, but remains prevalent in the broader community. Current or former drug use was a strong predictor for acquiring this strain of bacteria.
Researchers found that individuals with distinct skin microbiomes can effectively clear chancroid-causing bacteria. The study suggests that specific bacteria in the skin microbiome may help the immune system clear pathogens, paving the way for potential probiotic therapies.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and NIHR SRMRC investigated the antibacterial activity of acetic acid against key burn wound colonising organisms. They demonstrated that low concentrations of acetic acid can kill bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
A new study found that viruses flourish in the guts of healthy infants, with diverse viral strains and a dynamic ecosystem of interacting organisms. The researchers discovered viral strains that exclusively kill bacteria, which declines as the babies grow older.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully used bacteriophage to decontaminate human MRSA bacteria from surfaces and fabrics, showing promise in treating the deadly superbug. The findings offer hope in combating antibiotic-resistant MRSA, which can cause serious disease and death.
A new study by NYU Langone Health has found that the presence or absence of dueling toxins in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria explains why hospital-acquired MRSA is more deadly than community-acquired forms. The study reveals a key toxin that counteracts another, more deadly toxin, opening up possible new pathways for vaccine development.
Researchers have discovered that the dengue virus NS1 protein acts as a toxin, similar to bacterial cell wall products. This finding allows them to re-purpose existing drugs for a potential dengue treatment.
A new UC Davis study found that molecular tests, commonly used in US hospitals, often misdiagnose patients with C. difficile infection, leading to over-treatment and potential harm. The study suggests that traditional toxin tests are more effective in predicting clinical disease and outcomes.
A new diagnostic device called DOTS qPCR may significantly reduce the time needed to diagnose tissue infections. It uses a novel approach to molecular diagnostics that is faster, more efficient, and less expensive than current alternatives.
Leptospirosis is a poorly understood and often misdiagnosed bacterial disease with a high case fatality rate. The researchers aim to develop an inexpensive, sensitive, and efficient diagnostic test for leptospirosis, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality.
A new microfluidic technology enables rapid separation of antibiotic-resistant from susceptible bacteria, offering a game-changing solution for patients. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more effective treatment, reducing mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that humans carried more antibiotic-resistant staphylococci than farm animals they worked with. The study suggests a low health risk to close contact workers and milk consumers through exposure to resistant bacteria originating from milk.
Researchers have discovered a chestnut leaf extract that blocks Staphlococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. The extract, rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, shuts down the ability of the bacteria to create toxins by taking away its weapons.
A multicenter observational cohort study found that no single genetic strain of C. difficile appears to be more harmful than others, contradicting previous research on Ribotype 027. The study's findings highlight the importance of clinical severity markers in predicting severe patient outcomes.
Researchers found that bacteria in different lung regions evolved distinct traits, including antibiotic resistance and virulence, affecting patient health. The study suggests that understanding this bacterial diversity could lead to new treatments for chronic infections.
Researchers at U-M have identified a key link between stress signals and bacterial growth in the lungs, which may lead to better prevention and treatment of pneumonia. The study found that certain bacteria thrive in response to catecholamines, a type of distress signal produced by the body's immune cells.
Researchers discovered that chitosan, derived from insect and crustacean shells, can effectively destroy up to 90% of pathogens in selected cell cultures. This biopolymer has been found toxic to pathogenic microorganisms, disrupting their membranes without harming healthy cells.
A Lab-on-a-Disc platform developed by German and Irish researchers detects bacterial species causing urinary tract infections in 70 minutes, significantly reducing wait times compared to traditional methods.
Researchers analyzed 80 studies to identify best cleaning practices, but found a lack of evidence on most effective methods. Studies showed mixed results, with some agents and methods reducing hospital-acquired infections like C. difficile.
A recent study found that endoscopes can harbor residual contamination and viable microbes even after thorough cleaning and disinfecting. The study tested 60 encounters with 15 colonoscopes and gastroscopes, detecting contamination on 92% of devices after bedside cleaning.
Researchers developed a model to project number of CRE infections when hospitals work together to enhance infection controls, showing a 74% reduction compared to independent approach. The model highlights the importance of coordination and communication among facilities in preventing antibiotic-resistant infections.
A recent study by IU biologist Farrah Bashey-Visser found that microorganisms are constantly evolving due to competition with other microorganisms, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can catch humans off guard, requiring them to play catch-up in treatment efforts.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that aminoglycoside antibiotics increase susceptibility to hearing impairment due to inflammation from bacterial infections. The study suggests that targeted alternatives are needed to treat life-threatening infections without sacrificing patients' ability to hear.
Researchers used fruit flies to discover that groups of genes working together, rather than single genes, influence gut immunocompetence. They found that variations in these gene clusters can make some flies highly susceptible or resistant to infections, with implications for chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Researchers found that ethoxzolamide inhibits TB's ability to detect acidic environments, effectively blinding the bacterium and allowing the immune system to attack. This compound could help shorten treatment duration and slow the emergence of drug resistance in TB.
A study found that certain combinations of gut bacteria, such as those from the Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, resist colonization by C. difficile in mice. The researchers developed a computer model that accurately predicted C. difficile's success rate for other mice based on their gut microbiome composition.
Researchers discovered a messenger molecule that encourages bacteria to colonize catheters in mice, forming biofilms. The study highlights the importance of understanding biofilm formation to develop more effective therapies for infections like those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that tapeworms in babies' guts can shield their brains from long-term learning and memory problems caused by newborn infections. Expectant mothers who had tapeworms passed on protection to their worm-free offspring, suggesting the benefits began early in life.
Researchers have discovered that iron regulatory proteins play a crucial role in fighting off infection by controlling iron levels. The study found that mice lacking these proteins died when infected with the Salmonella bacteria, highlighting their importance in immune defense.
Scientists have discovered a new variant of Group A streptococcus that produces more toxin and has lost its outer capsule, leading to increased severity of infections. The new variant is spreading globally, with reports from Japan, Canada, France, and Sweden, raising concerns about periodic upsurges in disease cases.