Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Research in mice demonstrates that commensal bacteria enhance the immune system's ability to kill Klebsiella pneumoniae by boosting alveolar macrophage production of reactive oxygen molecules. The study suggests that signals from these beneficial bacteria play an active role in regulating immune function, even in the absence of infection.
Recent studies have uncovered the mechanisms that allow bacteria to battle fluoride toxicity. Researchers found that bacteria use two types of proteins, fluoride/hydrogen antiporters and passive channels like Fluc, to rid themselves of unwanted fluoride. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for harmful bacterial diseases.
A new study reveals that nearly half of hog workers in North Carolina carry livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus, with 46% persistently carrying the bacteria up to four days after exposure. The drug-resistant strains have implications for public health, potentially spreading to family members and communities.
A hospital stay significantly increases the risk of acquiring a multidrug-resistant infection, with each additional day boosting the likelihood by 1%, according to new research. The study found that the percentage of infections classified as multidrug-resistant rose sharply after four or five days of hospitalization, peaking at over 35%.
Researchers found that a flu virus can inflame nasal tissue and increase bacterial growth, leading to middle ear infections. The study suggests that the flu virus modifies the immune system's response to certain bacteria, enabling them to infect the middle ear.
Researchers at Kansas State University have discovered a family of proteins in Staphylococcus aureus that prevent neutrophils from functioning, leading to potential new treatments for staph infections and inflammatory diseases such as emphysema. The study sheds light on how the bacteria evade the immune system.
Scientists have found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonizes the nasopharynx before migrating to the lungs, leading to chronic infections. This new understanding provides an opportunity for developing treatments at the initial site of infection.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed an 'electronic nose' that can rapidly detect C. difficile infections by identifying unique chemical fingerprints. This technology holds promise for faster diagnoses and tailored treatment options.
Researchers have identified a unique class of materials, known as ionic liquids, that can neutralize biofilm-forming pathogens and deliver drugs through the skin. These materials are effective at disrupting biofilms and have minimal cytotoxicity effects on human cell lines.
A UCLA-led study discovered a protein called interleukin-32 that helps protect people with latent tuberculosis from developing the active form of the disease. The researchers found that vitamin D levels play a crucial role in this protection, and supplementing with vitamin D may help prevent TB.
A study found that clarithromycin, a widely used antibiotic, is associated with an increased risk of heart deaths in people over 40-74 years old. The absolute risk difference was 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with clarithromycin.
Scientists have identified key regions of the Cwp84 enzyme that could be targeted by drugs to prevent Clostridium difficile colonization and toxin production. The research may lead to the development of a new type of anti-colonization inhibitor to treat C. difficile infection.
Researchers found that a free fatty acid compound is equally effective as antibiotics in treating certain catheter-related bloodstream infections. The study suggests that these compounds could provide an alternative treatment option for preventing and treating intravenous catheter infections.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promise in treating a broad range of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. A new orally delivered community of microbes has been developed to address the challenges of FMT.
Researchers have identified a 52-character biological signal specific to bacterial infection in newborns' DNA, enabling early detection and diagnosis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single-drop blood test, limiting antibiotic overuse and tackling drug resistance.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that community-associated MRSA can colonize the groin and rectal areas, with men being more frequently colonized than women. This discovery has important implications for MRSA surveillance programs nationwide.
A recent study found that bacteria growing in hospitals are increasingly resistant to chlorhexidine gluconate, a common antiseptic used to prevent infections. The study suggests that daily antiseptic baths may be contributing to this trend, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.
Researchers developed novel, ultrathin coatings called nanosheets that can cling to body's most difficult-to-protect contours and keep bacteria at bay. The nanosheets protected burns from infection for three continuous days and up to six days with an additional coating.
Scientists at Montana State University have developed a detailed blueprint of a bacterial surveillance complex that detects and destroys viruses. The discovery could lead to new innovations in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture, as CRISPR-associated machines are being repurposed for precision DNA editing.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a key enzyme that regulates toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections. The discovery provides a promising target for developing new antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant staph and related bacteria.
Researchers at Lund University discovered how Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can share iron with each other, increasing their chances of survival and potentially creating new vaccine targets. This interaction has significant implications for the development of vaccines and treatments for respiratory infections.
A meta-analysis of nine cohort studies found that children with fever over 102 degrees, infection with organisms other than E.coli, or abnormal kidney ultrasonography findings are at high risk for renal scarring. The study developed a clinical prediction model to identify nearly 45% of children who scar.
A new C. difficile vaccine has been shown to be 100 percent effective in protecting animal models from the deadly intestinal disease caused by Clostridium difficile. The vaccine protects against bacterial toxins and could prevent deadly complications such as severe diarrhea and bowel perforation.
A team of scientists at Duke University has discovered a molecule that exploits the body's natural response to fungi and bacteria, using copper to kill microbial pathogens. The findings show promise for developing broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents with minimal harm to healthy cells.
Research suggests that ancient cultures may have been plagued by atherosclerosis due to chronic infection, inflammation, or exposure to smoke. The study of mummies from various cultures reveals a high incidence of the disease, which contradicts the expectation that modern lifestyles are the primary cause.
Researchers found 101 non-antibiotic drugs with potential to prevent growth of certain bacterial pathogens, including those causing Legionnaires' disease and brucellosis. These drugs interfere with host cell functions to stall intracellular bacterial infections.
Researchers have discovered new materials capable of repelling bacteria, which could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections acquired through implanted medical devices. The polymers have been licensed to a UK SME for clinical trials, aiming to inform rational design of improved bacteria-resistant polymers.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria than handshaking or high-fiving. The research suggests that adopting the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals.
Biologists at SDSU have found a novel virus, crAssphage, that infects Bacteroidetes bacteria and is widespread in human populations. The discovery suggests a potential link between the virus and obesity-related diseases.
Scientists found mutations in the PfHAD1 protein, which normally slows down isoprenoid synthesis. This discovery is relevant for other infectious diseases like tuberculosis and bacterial infections.
Researchers have discovered how viruses called bacteriophages can be engineered to target and destroy a range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant C. diff, which causes fatal infections in hospitals. The study provides hope for developing an alternative to antibiotics.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that over 80% of hospitalized patients with C. diff tested positive outside the hospital or within 72 hours, suggesting community and healthcare settings play key roles in infection identification. The study's comprehensive view provides new insights into the contagious disease.
Researchers discovered a small molecule produced by benign bacteria influences the behavior of Staphylococcus aureus, causing it to form biofilms. This finding could lead to new ways to manage bacterial communities and prevent infections.
New findings suggest that a lack of properdin can have major benefits in some situations, while others can be detrimental. The study shows that properdin controls the strength of the immune response by affecting macrophages during infection and inflammation.
A new study reports a significant increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases in community hospitals across the Southeastern US. The rise is attributed to factors such as increased antibiotic use, transmission between facilities, and inadequate laboratory detection protocols.
Researchers at Kansas State University have found that bacteria can acquire iron from the environment using tiny protein loops on their surface. These protein loops are similar to fingers and can open or close to grab iron molecules, allowing the bacteria to establish an infection.
Researchers found that a mutated CRISPR system in Francisella novicida bacteria makes them more vulnerable to antibiotics and immune responses. The study suggests the regulatory role of Cas9 in envelope integrity and membrane permeability, potentially impacting bacterial virulence.
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that infection can significantly alter the gut microbiota, leading to new microbial signatures that may help detect early stages of inflammation. These findings could aid in better treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal infections and inflammation.
Researchers found that prior colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae protected mice from severe disease and pneumonia. The protective effect was linked to the bacterial virulence factor pneumolysin, which reduced inflammation in the lungs.
Researchers found that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are more likely to transmit West Nile virus, despite initial expectations that it would block infection. The study suggests that releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes into the wild may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.
Researchers created nanopyramids made of DNA that can flag and kill bacteria, with a success rate of 65% for Staphylococcus aureus and 48% for Escherichia coli compared to traditional medicine. The innovation offers a new approach to delivering drugs directly into bacterial cells.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University identified a promising new pathway to disabling bacterial infection: blocking bacteria's access to iron in the body. They found that bacteria can feed on iron supplied by both bacterial and mammalian siderophore, allowing them to proliferate and make the host ill.
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.