Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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.
A new study finds that binge drinkers heal from wounds at a slower rate due to impaired immune function. Binge alcohol exposure reduces key immune system components, making wounds more susceptible to infection.
A global study reveals that E. coli clone ST131 originated from a single ancestor prior to 2000 and has spread rapidly due to genetic exchange with other bacteria. The research provides insights into the development of effective screening and vaccination strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers discovered that antibiotics like gentamicin can cause abnormal proteins to be presented to the immune system, potentially triggering autoimmune disease. This approach, used to treat diseases in genes with truncated proteins, may come with a risk of initiating autoimmunity.
A new method for studying the relationship between skin cells and good bacteria was developed, revealing certain bacterial communities alter HIV's ability to infect. The discovery has potential applications in understanding how vaginal products interact with good and bad bacteria.
Cancer kills flies in a dose-dependent manner, similar to bacterial and viral infections. Researchers have established a system to disentangle the resistance and tolerance mechanisms to cancer in the Drosophila model.
Researchers found that combining chitosan with antibiotics reduced reservoir populations of bacteria in mouse bladders, making them susceptible to treatment. The compound might one day serve as an augmentation therapy for recurrent UTIs.
The study found an increase in community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections due to ESBL-producing bacteria, with high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Many strains of E. coli are also becoming increasingly resistant.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed an artificial version of a naturally occurring protein, properdin, which successfully combats bacterial pneumonia and meningitis in mice. The treatment offers significant protection against life-threatening infections.
A daily high dose of statins over six months significantly improved coughing symptoms in 12 out of 30 patients with bronchiectasis. The treatment also reduced inflammation and enabled patients to tolerate gentle exercise better. Larger studies are now needed to confirm these findings.
Research finds that protein TG2 enables bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis to adhere to cells, and blocking its associations prevents bacterial adhesion. The study provides insight into a potential target for preventing gum disease.
Researchers at UCL have created a new antibacterial material using simple dyes and nanogold particles, showing potent bactericidal effects even in total darkness. The innovative surface technology has potential to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found a novel population of neutrophils that produce Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and exhibit enhanced microbial killing activity. These cells may contribute to both controlling infection and causing tissue damage, highlighting the need for further regulation.
An international team of academics has identified a single bacteria as the cause of sepsis through genetic evidence. The study found that in most cases, a single pneumococcal cell was responsible for causing sepsis.
The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly ESBL-producing bacteria, is increasing in US children, raising concerns about dwindling treatment options. These infections can lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality.
The threat of antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis that requires a multi-faceted approach, including strong basic, clinical and translational research. NIAID's new directions in antimicrobial resistance research aim to develop vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics, and new antibiotics to prevent and treat infections.
Researchers found that even with large doses of bacteria, sepsis often starts with just one bacterium. The immune system efficiently clears most bacteria, but sometimes a single founder bacterium survives and multiplies to cause disease. Macrophages play a key role in this process.
Antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative superbugs are on the rise in US children, particularly those aged 1-5 years old. The prevalence of these bacteria increased from 0.28% to 0.92% between 1999 and 2011.
Researchers characterized the gut bacteria of premature infants who developed sepsis, suggesting a new approach to early detection and prevention. Genetic matches were found between bacteria in stool samples and those in blood samples, indicating that gut bacteria are responsible for these infections.
Researchers find trimethoprim to be an effective antibiotic against streptococcal infections in some regions, with a lower frequency of resistance than previously believed. The study also identifies three causes for rapid spread of resistance, highlighting the need for responsible antibiotic use.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
A surveillance study found that pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of Haemophilus influenzae infection, which can cause serious complications such as premature birth, stillbirth, and fetal loss. The study also suggests that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing unencapsulated H influenzae disease.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 56% of bloodstream infections were healthcare-associated, but symptoms began prior to hospital admission. The most common pathogens were S. aureus and E. coli, with multidrug-resistant pathogens occurring in 23% of patients.
Researchers used genome sequencing to reveal genetic diversity in hospital-acquired bacterium ST258, which causes carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. The study found two distinct groups with different evolutionary histories and unique outer coat genes.
Caucasians 55+ are at greatest risk of a deadly lung infection caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which affects over 2,990 people in the US each year. The infection is treatable but expensive antibiotic therapy can take up to two years.
Gut bacteria help develop immune cells that can fight infections, study finds. The beneficial bugs also increase immune cell populations and enhance survival rates when mice are infected with harmful bacteria.
A recent study reveals that early childhood caries are caused by the partnership of Streptococcus mutans bacteria and Candida albicans fungus, leading to increased cavities and severe tooth decay. The fungus was previously thought to be harmless but now appears to play a crucial role in the development of this painful condition.
Research at the University of Copenhagen reveals that cosmetic fillers can act as incubators for bacterial infection, causing lesions and tough film-like material resistant to antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment during procedures can prevent these complications.
The gut microbiota's complex relationships with different microorganisms contribute to both health and disease, according to recent advances in DNA sequencing technology. Non-bacterial microbes like viruses and meiofauna also play a crucial role in shaping the gut ecosystem.