Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers at UCSF discovered changes in intestinal bacteria can perpetuate inflammation triggered by HIV, linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and obesity. The study suggests manipulating microbial populations could be a promising strategy to restore gut health and potentially treat HIV.
A 2011 outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections at Beaumont Health System was attributed to contaminated ultrasound gel. The investigation highlighted the need for increased scrutiny of medical products and led to proposed guidelines for sterile ultrasound gel usage.
Scientists found ethnic differences in immune responses to TB bacterium, impacting diagnosis and treatment. The study identified genetic variation in vitamin D binding protein as a key factor.
Researchers at Boston University's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories have generated a map of the cellular circuitry of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, shedding light on its ability to survive inactive in the human body for decades and resist treatment. The study provides new insight into the bacterium's survival mechanisms...
A new study found that industrial livestock workers in North Carolina carry drug-resistant bacteria associated with livestock, including Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are resistant to multiple antibiotics and were more prevalent among workers exposed to industrial operations, which use antibiotics in animal feed and water.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that basketballs and volleyballs can carry dangerous germs like Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. The germ was able to survive on sports balls for up to 72 hours, even in stored conditions.
A new automated diagnostic test can rapidly identify the most common causes of Gram-positive bacterial blood stream infections and detect three antibiotic resistance genes. The test takes about 2 hours to run and provides faster diagnosis, enabling early treatment of patients with sepsis.
A study examining food poisoning infection in mice reveals Salmonella takes over beneficial bacteria in the gut, using a previously unknown sugar called fucose. The research provides new insights into infection dynamics and could lead to better prevention or treatments.
A University of Michigan-led study found that influenza infection significantly increases the likelihood of developing pneumococcal pneumonia, with a risk increase of up to 100-fold. The study suggests that vaccination against both flu and pneumococcal disease is crucial in reducing bacterial pneumonia incidence.
Scientists have developed a palm-sized microarray platform that can grow up to 1,200 individual cultures of fungi or bacteria. This technology has the potential to accelerate drug discovery for treating various types of infections.
Dr. Ken Cadwell has been recognized with the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his exceptional research in infectious diseases and pathogenesis, with findings already having a profound impact on the fields of immunity.
Rhode Island Hospital implemented a five-step plan to reduce hospital-associated C. difficile infections, resulting in a 70% decrease and a 64% reduction in associated mortality. The study's success highlights the importance of a collaborative effort between hospital departments to improve patient safety.
Scientists at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have found that low doses of silver can boost the efficacy of widely used antibiotics and make previously lethal bacteria sensitive again. This discovery holds promise for treating stubborn infections and developing new therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new compound has been identified that can kill staph bacteria causing bone infections. A mouse model has also been developed to test the compound and generate additional therapeutic strategies.
A novel treatment using resolvins has restored appropriate neutrophil motion in burn-injured rats, significantly improving survival rates. The treatment may help determine risk of septic complications in patients and prevent associated deaths.
Anand Srinivasan receives fellowship support from the American Heart Association to create a new chip-based platform for testing antibacterial and antifungal treatments for infective endocarditis. The technology can quickly test thousands of microbial biofilm samples, potentially saving lives.
Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that platelets actively search for specific bacteria and seal them off from the body, reducing the risk of infection. This mechanism is crucial in combating harmful bacteria like MRSA, which can lead to serious conditions.
Researchers have identified a new virus, CyCV-VN, in patients with severe brain infections in Vietnam. The virus was found in 28 out of 644 patients, but not in those with non-infectious brain disorders. Further research is needed to determine its role in causing the symptoms.
Researchers found that an antibiotic can trigger its own production, increasing levels by dramatically. This breakthrough could enable faster and more cost-effective production of antibiotics.
A multidisciplinary approach combining preventive measures and regular monitoring significantly reduced ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) infections in pediatric intensive care patients. The initiative, implemented at Nationwide Children's Hospital, resulted in a 53% drop in VAT cases compared to pre-intervention rates.
The researchers discovered that altering the expression of the glgS gene affects the production of structures involved in bacterial pathogenicity, which indirectly impacts glycogen production. This finding may provide clues for future strategies to combat bacterial infections by modulating glycogen production.
A University of Iowa-led team recommends a three-step protocol to reduce post-surgical staph infections, which can cause significant pain and financial burden. The guideline involves nasal swabs and application of an anti-bacterial nose ointment before surgery to target MRSA bacteria.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have created an electronic chip that can analyze samples for panels of infectious bacteria in a matter of minutes. The technology can identify multiple pathogens and determine antibiotic resistance, addressing the urgent need for rapid diagnosis.
A study found that an intervention improving clinician education and personalized audit and feedback reduced broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for common pediatric bacterial ARTIs by nearly half. Antibiotic prescribing for viral infections remained low, with no significant change after the intervention.
A new study found that the bacterium NI1060 causes gum disease by triggering a normally protective protein called Nod1 to destroy more bone, not just fight infection. This discovery could lead to personalized therapy for dental patients.
The Duke Clinical Research Institute is part of a $62 million NIH-funded initiative to combat antibiotic resistance. Researchers will focus on developing new treatments for MRSA and E. coli, improving diagnostics, and stewardship practices. The goal is to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and improve patient care.
Scientists discover protein c-FLIP-R that confers protection on immune cells against apoptosis, a type of cellular suicide. The discovery reveals mice with elevated c-FLIP levels are less susceptible to Listeria infections, sparking hope for potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have shown that interleukin-22 reduces lung inflammation during influenza A virus infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection. The study suggests that interleukin-22 may play an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity, providing a potential benefit for patients with flu.
Research suggests that 70% of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections improve within a week without antibiotic treatment. The study's findings indicate that women may be more willing to delay antibiotic use than expected, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative treatments.
Researchers found that using germ-killing soap and ointment on all ICU patients was more effective than other strategies, reducing bloodstream infections and MRSA presence by up to 44%. The study also showed the approach could prevent infections caused by germs other than MRSA.
Researchers found a protective molecular switch in Salmonella Typhimurium that helps the bacteria adapt to hostile environments during infection. This switch, using S-thiolation, may provide insight into fighting systemic illness and could be exploited to develop new treatments.
Researchers have synthesized potent new compounds that effectively interfere with Staphylococcus aureus quorum sensing, a key behavior in the development of disease. The peptides work by blocking chemical receptors and can target all four subtypes of staph, making them a promising new antibiotic strategy.
A study of nearly 8,000 septic shock patients found that the anatomic source of infection significantly impacts hospital mortality, with certain sites associated with higher or lower chances of survival. Infections related to hydronephrosis were linked to the highest chance of survival, while those in ischemic bowel had the lowest.
Research reveals that non-pathogenic bacteria naturally occurring in the human intestine can eliminate Stx from the intestinal contents and completely prevent HUS in a mouse model.
Researchers have discovered that thioridazine, a drug previously used to treat schizophrenia, works against antibiotic-resistant bacteria by removing glycine from the cell wall. This interaction enables antibiotics to attack and kill the weakened bacteria, paving the way for new treatments.
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is carried at high rates in the upper respiratory tracts of healthy children. The researchers found no significant difference in prevalence between asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, highlighting limitations in current diagnostic tests.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have made a groundbreaking discovery about bacterial biofilm formation, a major contributor to complicated infections. The study found that small RNA molecules play a crucial role in determining whether bacteria form biofilms or swim, offering new avenues for treating such infections.
Researchers have successfully infected mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacterium, rendering them immune to malaria parasites. The scientists maintained a stable infection in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes for 34 generations, and all infected female mosquitoes became infected within eight generations when mated with uninfected males.
A study found that antibiotics are frequently prescribed for acute rhinosinusitis in the US, especially among younger adults and primary care patients. The study highlights the need to promote clinical practice guidelines to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers used bacteriophages to attach to and kill bacteria that form biofilms on implanted devices, reducing antibiotic-resistant infections. The technology shows promise for combating antibiotic-resistant infections and developing bacterial sensing devices.
A new biosensor can detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria in just 10-12 minutes, significantly faster than existing methods. This technology targets antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of superbugs.
A new study found that adults with depression and certain antidepressant medications are more likely to develop Clostridium difficile infections, a serious and costly hospital-associated infection. Individuals with major depression were 36% more likely to develop the infection than those without depression.
Research identifies a key gene that regulates both protection against bacterial infection and excessive blood clotting, leading to potential new treatments for deep-vein thrombosis. The study found that inhibiting the enzyme could offer hope to patients prone to clots.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential treatment for deadly, drug-resistant bacterial infections that uses the same approach as HIV to infect cells. The new antibiotic, called engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs), has shown rapid destruction of bacteria resistant to standard antibiotics.
A recent study has found a significant link between certain antidepressants and an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection. People with major depression were 36% more likely to develop CDI, while the use of mirtazapine and fluoxetine doubled the risk. Researchers stress that the exact cause of this association is unknown.
A handheld diagnostic device uses microfluidic technology with nuclear magnetic resonance to diagnose TB and other bacterial infections in under 3 hours, improving on standard culturing practice. The device also detects antibiotic-resistant strains and has potential applications in resource-limited settings.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have found a breast milk protein complex, HAMLET, that can help restore sensitivity to antibiotics in drug-resistant bacteria. The study showed that HAMLET can lower the dose of antibiotics needed by a factor of eight or more, making it a promising treatment option for superbugs like MRSA.
Researchers found that testing patients with three risk factors upon hospital admission can identify nearly three-fourths of asymptomatic C. difficile carriers, who are the primary source of transmission in hospitals. The study suggests a targeted screening approach to control C. difficile infection.
Research by scientists from the Max F. Perutz Laboratories suggests that treating flu-related tissue damage can aid in combating co-infections with bacteria like Legionella pneumophila, which cause pneumonia and potentially fatal outcomes.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria is likely the cause of bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The condition affects one in every three women and often does not cause significant symptoms.
A high-salt diet significantly increases the risk of gastric cancer in animals infected with Helicobacter pylori. The study found that CagA, a bacterial oncoprotein produced by H. pylori, plays a key role in cancer development.
A new study found significant variability in sepsis incidence rates depending on the method used, with a 3.5-fold difference between methods. This discrepancy limits efforts to improve treatment for sepsis, highlighting the need for uniform definitions and universal measurement of outcomes.
Scientists discovered that certain bacteria require parts of the CRISPR system to stay infectious, using it to shut off a gene that triggers detection by the immune system. This finding could accelerate vaccine development, but also highlights the dangers of defensive tools being co-opted for stealth.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that a dedicated daily cleaning crew can effectively reduce C. difficile contamination in hospital rooms. The intervention included a standardized disinfection process, which significantly improved disinfection rates compared to traditional cleaning practices.
A recent study found that Antimicrobial Copper surfaces can continuously kill 83% of bacteria causing HAIs within two hours, reducing the risk of infection. The use of copper alloy surfaces has been shown to significantly lower the proportion of patients developing HAIs in Intensive Care Units.
A scissor-like enzyme discovered by UT Southwestern researchers can cut off fatty acids from proteins, disabling the immune system's communication infrastructure and allowing bacteria to grow and survive. This discovery provides insight into severe bacterial infectious diseases and cancer, and may lead to the development of new treatme...
A new vaccine candidate for post-operative staph infections failed to demonstrate efficacy in reducing serious infections and was associated with increased mortality among patients who developed the infection. The study found no significant difference in efficacy between the vaccine and placebo groups, and reported a higher rate of mul...
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite cultivates bacteria beneficial to it, changing the thinking about which comes first–infection or bacteria. The study found two unique bacterial communities strongly associated with trichomonas infection.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a biological pathway that triggers excessive inflammation in pneumonia and sepsis, leading to improved lung function and survival in animal models. The team developed small molecules to inhibit this protein, offering hope for new treatments for these conditions.