Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that invading bacteria themselves are the cause of pain during skin infections, rather than the body's immune response. The study also showed that activated pain neurons suppress the immune system, potentially helping bacteria become more virulent.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered that bacterial toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus cause lethal effects on the heart in infective endocarditis and sepsis. The study found that blocking superantigen action could be a new approach to treating deadly staph infections.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a potential drug target for brucellosis, a chronic and debilitating bacterial disease. The study found that PPARγ is responsible for altering the metabolism of immune cells to supply bacteria with energy, enabling its survival and replication.
A study found that MRSA strains in humans originated from cattle, with a 40-year timeline for the emergence of resistance to methicillin. The bacteria's genetic analysis revealed that bovine strains were closer to the root of the phylogenetic tree, indicating a common ancestor.
Three winning teams received a $10,000 prize for their innovative projects addressing underserved populations and individuals with disabilities. The Personalized Monitoring of Enzyme Dynamics project focused on cancer treatment personalization, while the Microflora Refinement System tackled Clostridium difficile infections.
A new study reveals that SIGIRR protein suppresses the gut's immune response to bacteria, allowing beneficial microorganisms to thrive. This balance is crucial in preventing infection and inflammatory diseases.
Research found that C-section infants had a narrower range of beneficial bacteria in their guts compared to vaginally delivered infants. This has implications for the development of their immune systems and risk of allergies. The study also found lower levels of Th1 chemical messengers, which can contribute to allergic diseases.
Dr Lindsay Hall's five-year research project will investigate the establishment of infant gut bacterial communities and their protection against infection. The study aims to explore new probiotic bacteria to restore the microbial community and enhance the body's ability to fight infection.
Researchers found that certain stimuli, such as flu infection, fever and stress hormone release, trigger bacteria to leave biofilms in the nose and enter sterile organs, revealing increased virulence. Understanding this mechanism could lead to ways to block the transition to disease.
A study by the NIH found that deleting a protein called Olfm4 improves white blood cells' ability to fight bacteria in mice with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). This suggests a novel strategy for developing new treatments against common and deadly infections.
Researchers have identified a staph-killing compound and developed a new mouse model to test its effectiveness. The study may lead to new strategies for restoring bone balance, even if the infection is not fully eliminated.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation identifies Olfm4 as a potential therapeutic target for Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) patients. Deletion of Olfm4 in mouse models protected against Staphylococcus aureus infections, including community-associated MRSA strains.
A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that more than 60% of antibiotic prescriptions in the US are for broad-spectrum drugs, which can be ineffective against viral infections. The overuse of these antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and side effects.
A unique four-point test using clinical variables such as serum albumin levels and white cell count can accurately predict the death risk of patients with C. difficile infections. This method has potential benefits for patients, hospitals, and health services worldwide.
Researchers have identified prolactin as a potential treatment for inflammatory joint disease, reducing chondrocyte death and associated cartilage degradation. A protein called CTHRC1 has also been linked to bone health, suggesting it could be a target for osteoporosis treatment.
A UC Irvine study has found that breath analysis may be an accurate way to quickly determine the severity of bacterial infections. The researchers correlated inflammation levels in laboratory mice with carbon monoxide and other gases in breath samples, making carbon monoxide a reliable biomarker for infection presence and intensity.
A study found that a moderate increase in vancomycin-resistant enterococci at one hospital led to a nearly 3% increase in VRE across the county. The Regional Healthcare Ecosystem Analyst model showed that hospitals in populated areas were more likely to spread the infection.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered natural killer cells have optimal immune response balance, having less active NK cells during early stages of infection improves survival. The overproduction of interferon IFN-γ can block recruitment of neutrophilic granulocytes, leading to fatal sepsis.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified a dozen new types of unknown viruses infecting different strains of marine bacteria. These bacteriophages play key roles in global processes such as oxygen and carbon cycling, climate patterns, and nutrient availability.
Researchers discovered a high internal pressure within the human herpes simplex virus 1 that enables it to eject its DNA into a host cell's nucleus. This pressure is a key mechanism for viral infection across organisms and presents new opportunities for broad-based, mutation-resistant antiviral treatments.
Researchers identified a novel component of Legionella's replication system, RidL, which disrupts an intracellular transport system needed for bacterial elimination. This allows the bacteria to survive and replicate in phagocytic cells.
Researchers found that bacteriophages significantly reduce C. difficile cells and toxin production without harming the gut microbiota, offering a potential new therapeutic agent to combat hospital infections. However, some bacteria may develop resistance due to lysogeny, requiring further development to control C. difficile infections.
Kansas State University researchers have discovered how Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium causing hospital-associated infections, uses its regulatory system to resist the host's innate immune defense. The team has identified a protein called Eep as a key stress response that can be targeted with novel drug compounds.
Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered a new class of white blood cells that play a critical role in the first line of defense against harmful fungal and bacterial infections. The findings have significant impact on vaccine design and targeted immunotherapies.
A study at WashU Medicine distinguished between viral and bacterial infections in children with fever using gene profiling, achieving a 90% accuracy rate. This new method could help identify the cause of illness and ensure targeted treatment.
Researchers at McGill University have found that cranberry derivatives can inhibit bacteria from sticking to surfaces, potentially preventing infections in medical devices such as catheters. The study's findings also suggest that cranberries may play a role in preventing chronic infections, which are a major public health concern.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University created an artificial cellular system with varying levels of molecular crowding to study its effects on gene expression. The findings suggest that tight quarters enhance gene expression in artificial cells.
Researchers have developed a method to identify Staphylococcus aureus capsule types using infrared light, achieving a success rate of up to 99%. The technique relies on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and artificial neuronal networks to distinguish between different capsule forms.
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.