Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Researchers found that gut microbiota influences MicroRNA expression in mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Conventional mice exhibited lower miRNA levels after infection compared to germ-free mice, suggesting a protective role for the gut microbiome.
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that mice lacking Tmprss2 protein are protected against certain flu viruses, including H1N1. This discovery highlights a potential new approach to treating flu infections by targeting the host's metabolism.
Scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a novel RNA-Seq analysis method that reveals the complex interplay between invading bacterial pathogens and their host mammalian cells. The study found that human immune responses to chlamydial infection contribute to disease, leading to tissue scarring.
A new technique uses whole genome sequencing to identify pathogens in patient samples in just 18 hours, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. This approach also enables the detection of emerging infections and prevention of hospital-acquired diseases.
Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a protein that kills bacteria, potentially offering a new antibiotic substitute. The protein, produced by a virus that attacks bacteria, impedes cell division in E. coli and causes cells to elongate and die.
A nanosponge vaccine has been developed to combat MRSA toxins, triggering neutralizing antibodies and fighting off lethal doses in mice. The vaccine was found to be safer and more effective than traditional toxoid vaccines made from heat-treated staph toxin.
Restoring the normal, helpful bacteria of the gut and intestines may treat patients suffering from recurrent C. difficile infections through fecal matter transplantation. The study found that transplanting fecal matter into patients with RCDI restores normal bacterial composition and resolves infection.
Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has shed light on why some ear and respiratory infections become chronic. Researchers discovered that the bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae uses its host's immune response to its advantage, allowing it to evade detection and thrive.
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have discovered a new dual-RNA guided enzyme Cas9 that enhances the potential of exploiting bacterial immune systems for genome engineering. The CRISPR-Cas system has been shown to be faster, more precise and cheaper than existing technologies.
The University of Chicago researchers will investigate 102 hypothetical genes from plague and brucellosis bacteria using cross-disciplinary approaches. This research aims to assign functions to these genes, which could inform studies across species with similar genes.
Researchers discovered that S. aureus converts neutrophil extracellular traps into a toxic molecule, dAdo, which kills macrophages and allows the bacteria to avoid immune destruction. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind S. aureus infections and offers potential therapeutic targets.
A special issue of Gut Microbes explores the role of H. pylori in stomach cancer, as well as its impact on the natural stomach ecology and relationship with hepatitis C virus-associated liver cancer. The studies discuss various factors contributing to H. pylori-induced gastric cancer.
The report highlights the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, its major causes and consequences, and identifies key areas in which action is urgently needed. The authors call for a fundamental shift in how antibiotics are developed, financed, and prescribed to address this threat.
Northeastern researchers have developed a new treatment to cure MRSA infections by targeting dormant cells called persisters. The approach uses a drug called ADEP, which effectively wakes up and eliminates these expert survivors, leading to complete eradication of the bacterial population.
Researchers at San Francisco State University use mathematical analysis to model the separation of bacterial chromosomes, revealing a stepwise process. This study could lead to the design of better antibacterial drugs and a deeper understanding of DNA topology.
A new method developed in collaboration with Unisensor A/S can determine the optimal antibiotic treatment for a given bacterial infection within 2-4 hours, reducing the response time by half. This faster diagnosis can help prevent the development of resistant bacteria and shorten disease courses.
A new clinical score test for patients with sore throats can reduce antibiotic use by almost 30% and improve symptoms more quickly. The FeverPAIN score considers fever, pus infection, rapid attendance, inflamed tonsils, and cough or cold symptoms to determine if antibiotics are needed.
Scientists have discovered a molecule called CNFy produced by the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which facilitates the infection process by manipulating the host cells' molecular switches. This allows the bacteria to inject toxins into immune cells more efficiently, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers found strong divergences in mtDNA, suggesting cryptic speciation, but no differences in nuclear DNA markers. Wolbachia infections can mimic this phenomenon, leading to false results in DNA barcoding studies. The study warns against relying solely on DNA barcoding for species identification.
Research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that newborn infants' immune systems suppress helpful bacteria colonization by CD71+ cells, leading to infection susceptibility. The study proposes a new explanation for neonatal infections and suggests temporary immune suppression extends beyond the intestines.
Scientists have identified Lactobacillus brevis from a traditional Japanese pickle as having protective effects against influenza virus infection in mice. The bacteria's unique properties, including exopolysaccharides, are thought to enhance immune system function and eradicate virus-infected cells.
A three-year project aims to create an oral vaccine against C. difficile, which kills thousands annually. The novel approach uses harmless bacterial spores to boost immunity and targets the protein needed for the infection to take hold.
Scientists from the University of Sheffield have partnered with an Indian team to develop a new technology that can rapidly diagnose and treat corneal infections, potentially saving thousands of patients' eyesight. The technology uses polymers that trap bacteria or fungi in place, allowing for easy removal.
A new study found that a patient's immune response may provide better insights into bacterial infections than conventional tests, leading to more accurate diagnoses and appropriate antibiotic treatment. The research identified unique 'immune fingerprints' associated with certain pathogens and predicted the nature of the infection.
Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found a more accurate way to screen for bacterial meningococcal infection in its early stages. They discovered that abnormalities in neutrophil counts can indicate a serious infection, including meningococcal disease.
After implementing a national initiative to reduce MRSA rates, cases have continued to decline in VA medical centers. The initiative resulted in significant decreases in both transmission and healthcare-associated infection rates, with notable declines in non-ICU settings.
A new €6 million global research program, CF Matters, aims to develop personalized antibiotic treatments for Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study will use molecular next-generation DNA sequencing methods to detect bacteria present in patients' sputum and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Pediatric patients with culture-positive Staphylococcus aureus infections saw a significant increase in methicillin-resistant MRSA cases, leading to longer hospital stays and more surgeries. MRSA-infected patients were also more likely to experience complications such as deep vein thrombosis and septic shock.
Research finds obesity may significantly increase the risk of C. difficile infection, particularly in those with no prior healthcare exposure. Additionally, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are also at higher risk, highlighting the need for improved clinical surveillance and monitoring.
A study found that treating asymptomatic urinary tract infections with antibiotics does not decrease the risk of bloodstream infection or mortality. Only a small percentage of patients who developed bacteria in their blood had it originating from the urinary tract.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered a mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus bacteria attack and kill off immune cells. The toxin selectively binds to surface receptors on different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils and T-cells.
Researchers have isolated viruses that specifically target the highly infectious hospital superbug C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for this condition, with the potential to revolutionise the way it is treated in clinics.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have developed a new type of antibiotic called PPMO that successfully killed a multidrug-resistant germ common to health care settings. The technology targets specific genes essential for bacterial reproduction and offers promise against the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital urologists found that while women are more prone to urinary tract infections, men are more likely to be hospitalized for treatment. The researchers discovered that older men and those with serious kidney infections were most often admitted to the hospital.
The UK is tackling the issue of food poisoning caused by Campylobacter coli through a new two-year study funded by the Food Standards Agency. Researchers will analyze 500 genomes from various sources to identify genetic markers that can help track the bacteria's presence in different environments.
Scientists create tiny houses for bacteria using a novel 3D printing technology, enabling precise control over bacterial interactions and growth. The method reveals that certain bacterial communities become more resistant to antibiotics when contained together, providing new insights into infection mechanisms.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created over 650 new compounds that restore or improve effectiveness against drug-resistant pathogens in animal models. The findings could have major impact in the struggle against antimicrobial resistance, which threatens public health globally.
A study of 20 ICUs found that healthcare workers' universal gowning and gloving reduced MRSA acquisition by 40%. Handwashing frequency increased, but no adverse events were reported. The findings suggest that adopting such policies can help decrease healthcare-associated infections.
A randomized trial assessed whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in ICUs reduces MRSA or VRE acquisition. The study found a lower risk of MRSA acquisition alone, but no overall reduction in the composite rate of both bacteria.
A study found a pill-based fecal transplant to be effective in stopping recurrent C. diff infections, achieving a 100% success rate among patients. The treatment involves taking capsules containing fecal bacteria, rebalancing the gut microbiome and preventing future infections.
Researchers have engineered E. coli to seek out and kill disease-causing pathogens, including those responsible for difficult-to-treat infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The new bacterial strain uses an antimicrobial peptide and enzyme to break down biofilms, offering a potential new treatment option.
Researchers found that two benign strains of C. difficile can prevent infection by more dangerous strains. The harmless strains occupy the same niches as the infective strains, preventing colonization and ultimately infection. This study provides promising results for developing new protective measures against C. difficile infection.
A £139,000 grant will investigate how cystic fibrosis patients' immune cells are infected with the B.cepacia superbug, which causes serious lung damage. The research aims to develop molecules that can help immune cells clear invading bacteria and potentially treat the condition.
A study by the University of Strathclyde found that Legionella bacteria exist in a significant number of commercial compost products in the UK. The research suggests that the bacteria are widespread in composts and could be a source of infection, especially if proper precautions are not taken.
Hospitalized patients with severe infections like meningitis and C. diff. experience improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays when treated by infectious diseases specialists. ID consultation reduces readmission rates, ICU days, and total Medicare costs.
Researchers mapped C.diff cases in Oxfordshire and found most cases weren't hospital-borne, but rather acquired elsewhere. Restricting antibiotic use may be more effective in reducing C.diff infections than infection control measures.
A new study has provided hope for halting the incurable citrus greening disease by understanding its impact on trees before infection. The researchers used DNA sequencing technologies to reveal metabolic imbalances and hormonal disruptions caused by the bacterial disease.
A new study found that children with specific heart birth defects are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, a serious bacterial infection. The risk is especially high in those with heart defects associated with cyanosis and cardiac surgery within the past six months.
Researchers discovered that Baka pygmies have a low incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection, contradicting the assumption of an ancient bacterial population. The bacteria instead appear to be recent re-infections from neighboring populations.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment for gonorrhea that works like a live vaccine, reversing immunosuppression and preventing reinfection. The treatment, administered intravaginally, uses microsphere technology to stimulate an immune response against the bacterium.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a revolutionary method to identify and characterize antibiotics, providing a powerful tool to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new approach enables the rapid prioritization of promising molecules, accelerating the development of new medicines.
A study published in JAMA Network found that high exposure to swine manure in crop fields and proximity to high-density swine livestock operations increase the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and skin and soft-tissue infections in humans.
Scientists found that vaccinating cattle against E. coli O157 could reduce human cases of infection by nearly 85%, a significant improvement over previous estimates. The researchers used veterinary, human, and molecular data to estimate the impact of vaccinating cattle and predict that it would have a major public health benefit.
The study found a significant decrease in invasive MRSA infections nationwide from 80,461 in 2011 to estimated 30,800 in 2005. This represents a 27.7% decline for healthcare-associated community-onset infections and a 54.2% drop for hospital-onset infections.
A new pathway has been identified by UNC researchers that triggers septic shock, a condition where the immune system overreacts to bacterial infections. The pathway involves two sensors: one outside and one inside cells, both detecting lipopolysaccharide, a molecule found in bacterial cell membranes.
A new study reveals that E. coli bacteria can block a critical pathway in the gut, allowing them to survive and spread, leading to serious complications like kidney damage. The research provides valuable insight into how the gut fights infection and could lead to improved therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers have discovered that the protein Parkin plays a key role in fighting tuberculosis, triggering the destruction of bacteria by immune cells. This finding suggests that strategies already being explored to combat Parkinson's disease may also be effective against tuberculosis.
Scientists have mapped the structure of a protein that helps bacteria evade the immune system. Understanding this protein, called BamA, could lead to new treatments for diseases like gonorrhoea and chanchroid. The discovery brings researchers closer to stopping infection before it takes hold.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown remarkable cure rates for recurrent C. difficile infection, with up to 92% of patients cured and an astounding 98% secondary cure rate. FMT also treats various GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.