Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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Researchers found that low-dose antibiotics can strengthen bacterial biofilms, leading to chronic lung, sinus, and ear infections in children. The study suggests developing routine screening methods to test the effects of antibiotics on biofilms.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a Phase I clinical trial of CRS3123, an investigational oral antibiotic aimed at treating Clostridium difficile infection. The study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the medication in healthy adults.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered a mechanism by which Streptococcus pneumoniae switches from harmless commensal to pathogenic bacterium, triggered by T regulatory cells. This balance is crucial in preventing inflammation and disease.
In Switzerland, campylobacteriosis case numbers have increased, particularly around Christmas and New Year. A study found that consuming meat fondue increases the risk of infection by four times, while proper hygiene practices can reduce the risk by up to five.
Researchers discovered that foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni can cause problems in chickens' gut and damage their feet and legs when they walk through contaminated excrement. The bacteria's impact varied among breeds, with one showing significant damage to the gut and developing diarrhea.
A study published in mBio found that Campylobacter jejuni, a foodborne pathogen, can cause disease in some breeds of chickens. The bacteria were previously thought to be harmless to birds.
Researchers observed low hand hygiene compliance rates among anesthesia providers, with lowest rates at case start and end. They were most likely to perform hand hygiene after potential exposure to body fluids.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for tuberculosis (TB) by targeting the body's immune response rather than directly killing the bacteria. This new host-directed therapy has shown promise in preventing disease severity and controlling bacterial growth, offering hope for those infected with drug-resistant strains.
Researchers discovered Staphylococcus aureus creates biofilm streamers using a biological glue, which can rapidly clog up medical devices. The bacteria's ability to form these slimy structures is crucial in understanding the mechanism of infections associated with medical devices.
The new estimates of neonatal infections highlight the high burden of sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia in regions. The study's findings support the urgent need for more investment and action to reduce newborn deaths due to severe infection through prevention and treatment with antibiotics.
Researchers discovered how a protein molecule in immune cells promotes nitric oxide production, a potent weapon against bacterial attack. The discovery highlights the importance of finding a balance between fighting infection and preventing tissue damage.
A study published in mBio found that fecal transplants partially restored a diverse community of healthy gut bacteria to recipients, reducing the amount of infectious Proteobacteria and increasing Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes bacteria. The transplants also improved metabolic pathways, including those involved in stress response.
During the acute phase of H. pylori infection, the bacteria undergo accelerated evolution, accumulating mutations at a rate 30-50 times faster than during the chronic phase. This allows them to evade recognition by the immune system and survive, eventually establishing a chronic infection.
Researchers found that even uninfected cells can trigger immune defenses against TB by transferring immune-stimulating proteins from infected dendritic cells. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines, including the BCG vaccine for TB, which works on a similar principle.
A recent study has identified a molecular pathway that could lead to a safer and more effective strep vaccine. The research discovered the genes responsible for producing a molecule that defines Group A Streptococcus, which causes over 700 million infections worldwide each year.
Scientists at HZI have shown that herpesviruses like KSHV and MHV68 modulate the TLR-induced proinflammatory cytokine response, allowing them to remain within the body for a long time. The researchers discovered that the virus actively prevents activation of the innate immune system through Toll-like receptors.
Researchers have found evidence of an intercellular bacterial infection in natural populations of two species of Anopheles mosquitoes, a major vector of malaria. The Wolbachia infection has been shown to reduce the incidence of pathogen infections in mosquitoes and could be used to control malaria-transmitting mosquito populations.
Infection preventionists at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and Loyola University Medical Center implemented alcohol-impregnated port protectors to reduce bloodstream infections. These devices, combined with rigorous 'scrub-the-hub' regimens, cut CLABSI rates by 68 percent.
The WPI team has received a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps program to explore commercial potential of their new technology. They are engineering surfaces with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to prevent infections on catheters, orthopedic implants and other medical devices.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that dalbavancin is as effective as vancomycin in treating serious bacterial skin and skin-structure infections, including MRSA. The antibiotic has been proven to be an effective therapy for these infections, allowing for treatment once a week instead of several times a day.
A Columbia University School of Nursing study found that patients receiving home health care are vulnerable to serious infections due to poor hygiene practices. The research highlights the need for proper training and education for caregivers to prevent infections, particularly among patients with central venous catheters.
A new study found significant variation in MRSA rates among five US cities, with Los Angeles experiencing a 57% decline and New York tripling its rates. The study suggests that bacterial ecology is changing fundamentally, requiring further research to protect public health.
Four species, including a bacterium and wasp, share the same odor signal to exploit their prey, demonstrating complex communication networks in nature. The study highlights the role of volatile organic compounds in facilitating predator-prey relationships between different species.
A new tick-borne bacterium, Neoehrlichia, has been linked to six cases of disease in Sweden, posing a significant risk to people with weakened immune systems. Researchers found that those over 50 years old with haematological or rheumatic diseases undergoing immunosuppressive treatment are most vulnerable.
Researchers found that ultraviolet environmental disinfection (UVD) significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile. The study analyzed 52 months of hospital-acquired MDROs plus C. difficile before and during UVD use, resulting in a 20 percent decrease in superbugs.
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown form of lymphocyte that protects against intracellular infection, providing important insights into the human immune system. The discovery of these 'precursor cells' could lead to the development of new vaccination strategies to prevent intracellular infections.
A small molecule peptide destroys biofilms and prevents their formation in various bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The discovery offers a promising strategy to target bacterial biofilms and combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new class of antimicrobials inhibits biofilm formation and eradicates mature biofilms in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The substance, '1018', blocks the stringent stress response mediator (p)ppGPP, preventing its role in biofilm maintenance.
A team of researchers found that a significant portion of life uses different vocabularies where the same word means different things in different organisms. This challenges the long-held assumption of a universal genetic code, with up to 10% of bacteria possessing codon reassignments.
Researchers identified differences in pneumococcal genome that explain why vaccines don't protect children with sickle cell disease from infections. The study's findings will aid efforts to improve vaccine effectiveness and inform research into new protection methods.
Researchers found that most genes from soil bacteria are not poised to contribute to antibiotic resistance in infectious bacteria. The study suggests that sharing of these genes between species is rare, and gene sharing may be driven by exposure to new antibiotics.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discover that pulsed electrical fields can kill resistant bacteria infecting burns, reducing bacterial levels up to 10,000-fold. The technology has the potential to provide a chemical-free way of disinfecting burns and other wound infections.
Researchers found that treating cystic fibrosis patients with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) enhanced autophagy and cleared the lethal bacterial infection Burkholderia cenocepacia. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with CF who are resistant to traditional antibiotics.
Researchers studied CA-MRSA transmission and survival on commonly touched items, revealing the bacteria's ability to survive on porous objects like towels. The findings suggest these surfaces are important in spreading the virulent bacteria.
Scientists found that inhibiting COX-2, an immune protein causing inflammation, eliminated recurrent urinary tract infections in mice. COX-2 inhibitors, such as ibuprofen, showed promise in reducing susceptibility to repeat infections without increasing future risk.
Researchers found that inhibiting COX-2, an immune protein causing inflammation, eliminated recurrent urinary tract infections in mice. This suggests that over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen may reduce susceptibility to recurring UTIs by targeting the underlying inflammatory response.
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has provided direct evidence of a major culprit behind poor outcomes for some HIV-infected individuals. The research suggests that blocking bacterial translocation can significantly slow HIV progression and reduce comorbidities such as heart disease.
A Penn Vet study reveals that Salmonella bacteria evade the immune system by exploiting metabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle. The research identifies key genes involved in this evasion strategy and suggests that the immune system may recognize bacterial metabolites like citrate to trigger an inflammatory response.
A study published in mBio reveals that humans and companion animals share the same types of MRSA infections, indicating a common population of bacteria. The research suggests that antibiotic usage in animal medicine is shaping the human pathogen, and healthy pets are not likely to pick up MRSA from their human companions.
Researchers found that TB lung infection triggers immune system signaling to the gut, decreasing bacterial diversity. This decrease was observed within six days after infection and was replicated using a different strain of the TB microbe.
A breakthrough in diagnostic technology could make it easier to detect pathogenic bacteria, particularly in developing nations. The innovative approach involves hijacking bacterial metabolic machinery to grow polymers that selectively bind to specific bacteria.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines prioritizing strategies to reduce the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in healthcare settings. These recommendations emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, including antimicrobial use stewardship, contact precautions, and hand hygiene protocols.
A new study finds that immune cells can die to alert neighboring cells to the presence of infection, making it a potential anti-microbial strategy. Researchers discovered that caspase-8 plays a crucial role in this process, allowing infected host cells to spread the word about an infection.
Scientists identified two proteins on fetal membranes that help the body's immune cells recognize and fight GBS bacteria. The study found a genetic risk factor for premature birth in fetuses lacking one of these proteins, highlighting the importance of GBS-siglec crosstalk on placental membranes.
Scientists at the University of York studied how Staphylococcus aureus attaches to human blood proteins fibronectin and fibrinogen. The research reveals how binding of these proteins cooperates to cause life-threatening infections, including infective endocarditis.
A study found that certain plant acids invite bacterial infection by focusing the attackers on a specific target. This molecular signal can be used to protect plants and potentially lead to new biofuels and human health applications.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully treated C. difficile infection with frozen fecal material, achieving a 90% success rate and offering a safer alternative to traditional Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT). The treatment involves administering the frozen material through a nasogastric tube, which is as effec...
Researchers are mapping norovirus occurrences in pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the North West and South East of England. The study aims to reduce infections by collecting swabs from work surfaces and investigating virus strains in high-risk foods like oysters and berries.
Researchers found that prior sleep deprivation enhances immune system response and recovery from infection in fruitflies. Flies with adequate recovery sleep after infection showed better survival rates compared to those without it.
A new study reveals that gut microbes play a crucial role in fostering the rapid production of infection-fighting white blood cells in newborns. Exposing mothers and neonatal mice to antibiotics reduced diversity of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to impaired resistance to infection.
A new MRSA superbug has been identified in Brazil, with high levels of resistance to vancomycin. The superbug belongs to a genetic lineage commonly found outside hospitals and can affect not only sick individuals but also healthy people, posing a serious public health concern.
Research found that a particular strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa survived in contact lens cleaning solution for over four hours, posing a risk to eye health. The study suggests that standard disinfectant solutions may not be robust enough to kill all bacteria associated with microbial keratitis.
A University of Manchester study reveals that infection after a stroke significantly worsens outcomes, with the immune system's response to the infection causing more damage. Researchers identified specific blood cells and molecules involved in this process, paving the way for potential anti-inflammatory therapies.
Researchers at University of South Carolina develop a new method to restore antibiotics' power, using protective polymers to combat bacterial defenses. The approach has shown promise in lab tests, particularly against hospital-associated strains of MRSA.
A UK awareness campaign has shown some success in delaying the onset of drug-resistant gonorrhea by prompting healthcare professionals and policy-makers to change treatment practices. However, resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone is still a concern, and continued vigilance is necessary to prevent widespread emergence.
Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that beewolves control transmission of their bacterial symbionts to mother-to-offspring, stabilizing the alliance over millions of years. The symbiosis originated in the late Cretaceous and has persisted through 170 species of wasps.
A study published in Cell Death & Disease found that an overabundance of c-FLIPR protein disrupts the immune system's balance. Researchers discovered that this imbalance leads to autoantibodies attacking the body's own tissues, resulting in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
A study used genome sequencing to predict which MRSA isolates were highly toxic, allowing for personalized treatment. Researchers identified over 100 genetic loci associated with toxicity and found that highly toxic isolates shared a common signature, enabling prediction of disease severity.
Researchers found that triclosan, an antimicrobial agent in soaps and toothpastes, promotes the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in human noses. This could predispose some people to infection, particularly those undergoing surgery.