A team at Harvard's Wyss Institute discovered that bacteriostatic antibiotics slow down oxygen consumption, reducing cellular respiration and making bacteria tolerant. This can explain why certain antibiotic therapies fail. The findings provide a new strategy for developing urgently needed therapeutics.
Research reveals that legume plants selectively regulate access to symbiotic and endophytic bacteria, maintaining competitive symbionts in the soil. The study provides insights into genetic mechanisms controlling compatibility and identifies layers of accommodation for these microbes.
A new vaccine has been developed that generates double protection against chlamydia by teaching the immune system to recognize and remember the bacteria as a threat. The vaccine uses charge-switching synthetic adjuvant nanoparticles to bind to the bacteria, targeting mucosal surfaces and inducing an immune response.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that disabling the production of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) can speed up wound healing in diabetic mice. By preventing neutrophils from producing NETs, wounds healed more quickly and tissue repair was improved.
Peter Greenberg and colleague Bonnie Bassler's work on quorum sensing has far-reaching implications for medicine and agriculture. Hundreds of bacterial species use quorum sensing to control various things, and the researchers aim to develop novel medicines targeting this process.
Pediatricians may do more harm than good by prescribing acid-reducing medications to children with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. The study found a seven-fold increase in C. diff. infection risk among children who used these drugs.
Researchers found that H. pylori infection causes distinct DNA damage patterns in human cells, resembling those seen in gastric cancer. The study suggests a causal link between the bacterium and cancer development.
German researchers uncover a novel mechanism by which the innate immune system combats rotavirus infection through the interaction between interferon-lambda and interleukin-22. This discovery has implications for the design of future immunotherapy concepts, including the treatment of chronic viral infections such as hepatitis.
Researchers found that growing bacteria in mammalian tissue culture media instead of standard bacteriologic media makes them more sensitive to azithromycin. The drug is also effective when paired with colistin or antimicrobial peptides produced by the human body during infection, reducing bacterial counts by up to 99% in mouse models.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that enhancing a specific immune response can kill infection-causing fungi, such as Candida albicans, which causes life-threatening bloodstream infections. The researchers discovered that stimulating the transcription factor HIF-1α with L-mimosine led to increased production of natural antibio...
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate a bacterial outbreak in a neonatal unit, finding all but one baby were infected with the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The technology enabled rapid response infection control protocols, stopping the spread of infection and protecting vulnerable patients.
A $10 million grant from the USDA will support a 5-year research project to develop treatments for citrus greening disease, which threatens the US citrus industry. The project aims to use systems biology approaches to block the transmission of the disease-causing bacterium and develop resistant citrus varieties.
A Twin study led by TGen researchers found that a person's environment is more important than their genes in determining nasal bacteria. Some common nasal bacteria may even protect against MRSA colonization, according to the study published in Science Advances.
Researchers at the Institute of Food Research discovered how Salmonella bacteria synchronize gene expression for invasion. They found that RpoS, DksA and ppGpp work together to coordinate the deployment of SPI1 and SPI2.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified an enzyme involved in protecting the body from pathogens that senses Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study found that modulating cGAS activity could be a novel approach to therapy, and cGAMP may be used as a biomarker for active disease.
A multifaceted intervention targeting MRSA carriers significantly reduced complex surgical site infections (SSIs), with a modest decrease in rates of 36 vs 21 per 10,000 operations during the pre- and intervention periods, respectively.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that prolonged exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rabbits, mirroring the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Anti-bacterial therapy or vaccines may hold promise for preventing or treating the disease.
Researchers discovered that the protein NFAT plays a central role in the host's inflammatory response to strep infections. This finding suggests that targeting NFAT activity could be useful in treating severe streptococcal infections and limiting antibiotic use.
Researchers at NYU Langone found that contact lens wearers have a diverse set of microorganisms in the eyes that resemble those on their eyelid skin. This study suggests that improved eyelid and hand hygiene may help prevent eye infections
Research published in BMJ Open found that many UK patients with gonorrhoea are being prescribed outdated antibiotics. The study analyzed electronic health records and found that between 2000 and 2011, nearly 17,000 people were diagnosed with gonorrhoea, accounting for 6-9% of all cases in England.
Researchers discovered that bladder cells can physically eject bacteria that invade the host cell, similar to vomiting. This finding may help treat recurring UTIs by eliminating bacterial reservoirs in the bladder cells. The study also identified a potential way to accelerate and amplify this expulsion mechanism using chemical targets.
Researchers at University of Toronto designed a diagnostic chip to test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in just one hour. The chip uses electrochemical detection to analyze the effects of antibiotics on bacteria, allowing doctors to quickly prescribe targeted treatments.
Researchers at Georgia State University found that an existing anti-stroke drug, Vinpocetine, is effective in suppressing mucus overproduction and improving bacterial clearance in animal studies. The study could lead to a novel, non-antibiotic treatment for otitis media, potentially reducing hearing loss and enhancing host defense.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a second-generation antibiotic that effectively combats common bacterial infections resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The spectinomycin analogs block the growth of strains and demonstrate increased antibacterial activity against various pathogens.
E. coli O104:H4 acquired genes through horizontal gene transfer, increasing virulence and antibiotic resistance. The bacterium's genome comprises prophage elements involved in Shiga toxin production.
Research reveals that diverse bacterial communities in healthy South African women's genital tracts are associated with elevated levels of inflammatory proteins, increasing the risk of HIV infection. The study found that these communities were more than four times as likely to have elevated genital inflammatory cytokines.
A study by University of Liverpool researchers reveals that pneumolysin released during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection causes cardiac injury and death. Liposome therapy has been shown to neutralize the toxin, mitigating damage to heart muscle cells.
Researchers developed a gel filled with toxin-absorbing nanosponges that effectively treat skin and wound infections caused by MRSA without using antibiotics. The treatment keeps bacterial toxins under control, allowing the immune system to kill the bacteria more easily.
A novel antibody, Ab926, has been discovered that can prevent E. coli from attaching to human cell surfaces and also dislodge bacteria already attached. This antibody works by binding to the side of the FimH pocket, rather than directly competing with free-floating mannose.
Researchers found that neutrophils can travel to lymph nodes within 8 hours of infection and prime other immune cells for attack. This collaboration between innate and adaptive arms may improve anti-microbial responses and prevent microbial spread.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria can block their own growth and that of resistant mutants, providing a potential new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. This finding could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by resistant bacteria.
A new study reveals Group B Streptococcus induces a protein that disrupts junctions between brain cells, increasing permeability and allowing the bacteria to breach the blood-brain barrier. Inhibition of this protein increases survival in zebrafish infected with GBS.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that bacterial and viral infections differentially influence placental transporter proteins, reducing their expression in early pregnancy. This decrease may expose the embryo/fetus to harmful substances during a critical time in development.
A team of researchers from UC Merced and American University has discovered a way to restore the efficacy of antibiotics and help doctors deal with resistant bacteria in a clinical setting. The study found that combining lab work with mathematics and computer technology can reverse bacterial resistance and provide optimal treatment opt...
A fecal microbiota transplant successfully cured a patient's C. difficile infection, eliminating populations of multi-drug resistant organisms from the gut and other body sites. The treatment method replenishes normal gut flora, stopping the release of antibiotic-resistant microbes and potentially saving lives.
Researchers developed a novel approach using a molecular homing beacon that attracts pre-existing antibodies to attack pathogenic bacteria. The technology shows promise in targeting multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, and could potentially be applied to other infections, viruses, or cancer cells.
A new study by Loyola researchers shows that giving non-toxic C. difficile spores orally can stop repeated bouts of the infection, which occurs in 25-30% of patients. The treatment reduces recurrence rates to as low as 5%, offering real hope for those debilitated by recurring bouts.
A study published in JAMA found that administering oral spores of a non-toxigenic C. difficile strain can significantly reduce the risk of CDI recurrence. The treatment, known as NTCD-M3, showed a 30% lower recurrence rate compared to placebo.
Using disinfectant wipes after preparing poultry reduces the risk of Campylobacter food poisoning by up to 99.2%. The antibacterial solution left behind on surfaces continues to disinfect over time, protecting against bacterial transfer and illness.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that swine farmers are more likely to carry multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) than people without current swine exposure. The researchers followed a group of 1,342 Iowans for 17 months and discovered that farmers with livestock exposure, particularly swi...
Rates of C. difficile infection were highest in the Northeast region and during the spring season over the last decade, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study found that adults and older adults followed overall trends, with pediatric CDI being highest in winter.
Research suggests that nitrofurantoin is less effective at treating bladder infections in older women with low kidney function compared to other antibiotics. The study found that patients taking nitrofurantoin were more likely to experience treatment failure and require a second antibiotic prescription or hospital visit.
A recent study surveying nearly 400 hospitals found that 48% lack strict limits on antibiotic use, allowing the dangerous gut infection to flourish. Hospitals with such limitations have stronger evidence-based programs in place.
Researchers have identified a single, simple metric to guide antibiotic dosing that could bring first-line antibiotics back into the fight against drug-resistant pathogens. A computer simulation revealed that a regimen based on a pathogen's recovery time could eliminate an otherwise resistant strain of bacteria.
A new study found a significant decline in hospital mortality rates among patients with cirrhosis and liver failure. The study analyzed over 780,000 hospitalizations and found that inpatient mortality decreased steadily during the period, despite increases in patient age and medical complexity.
A study by University of Chicago scientists reveals how immune cells shape the gut microbiota to naturally limit infections. Intestinal immune cells, called type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s), play a crucial role in detecting harmful bacteria.
Research at University of Chicago Medical Center reveals how immune system shapes gut microbiota to limit infections, providing a potential new approach to prevent bacterial infections without antibiotics. The study identifies a critical protein ID2 that plays a key role in this process.
The study found a significant association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, particularly among men and younger individuals. Researchers suggest that alternative therapies, such as cholesterol-lowering medication, may prevent both oral infections and cardiovascular inflammation.
Researchers found that a concentrated maple syrup extract makes disease-causing bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics, leading to lower antibiotic usage. The extract also reduces biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria, making it a potentially simple and effective approach for reducing antibiotic resistance.
A new study found that a UV light robot can kill over 90% of bacteria in hospital rooms, including MRSA. The system has been shown to be effective in reducing bacterial growth and preventing hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are creating mini-guts in a dish using human stem cells to study the complex interaction between microbes, cells, and disease-causing bacteria. The 'guts in a dish' model aims to aid research on a wide range of diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders and emerging infections.
The NIH has awarded $11 million to develop diagnostic tools for hospital-associated pathogens, including those resistant to most antimicrobials. The goal is to provide rapid and efficient tests that can detect the presence of these bacteria in three hours or less.
A DNA study of bacteria samples from the 2012 Edinburgh outbreak found four subtypes of Legionella that probably existed at the source for months. The genetic diversity of these bacteria suggests that tracing future infections may be challenging, with possible influences on disease severity.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a new way to print paper biosensors that can quickly diagnose bacterial and respiratory infections. The technology uses conventional office ink-jet printers to produce paper sensors with high molecular weight, enabling the detection of specific disease biomarkers.
Case Western Reserve University is leading an international team studying resistance to bacteria causing TB. The goal is to develop a new approach to treating and curing the disease by understanding how resistant individuals fight off infections.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke made MRSA bacteria more resistant to killing by the immune system, increasing their ability to invade human cells. In mouse experiments, smoke-exposed MRSA caused pneumonia with a higher mortality rate.
Researchers are testing Zinkicide, a nanoparticle bactericide, to combat citrus greening in Florida. The treatment aims to target the bacteria that causes Huanglongbing, a disease that has devastated the state's $10.7 billion citrus industry.
Researchers found that particles from eyeliner can contaminate the eye's tear film, leading to discomfort and potentially irritating sensitive or dry eyes. The study suggests people who wear contact lenses are more likely to notice problems if eyeliner is stuck to their lenses.
Chronic alcohol consumption compromises the skin's protective immune response, leading to increased illness and bacterial burden. Restoring IL-17 levels improves skin injury and bacterial clearance defects in mice with Staphylococcus aureus skin infections.
Date syrup's antibacterial compounds inhibit growth of disease-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The natural syrup outperforms manuka honey in lab tests, offering potential health benefits through its antibacterial activities.