Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers at University of Cambridge developed machine-learning tool to identify drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria from microscopy images. The algorithm correctly predicted resistance or susceptibility without culturing the bacteria, reducing diagnosis time from days to hours.
A recent study mapped the evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a deadly bacterium that causes devastating infections in people with underlying lung conditions. The researchers found that almost seven in ten infections are caused by just 21 genetic clones, which have rapidly evolved and spread globally over the last 200 years.
A new study finds that antimicrobial peptide mixtures can delay the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mixtures, which are synthesized in a lab, were found to prevent cross-resistance and maintain drug sensitivity.
Researchers have detected anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks, indicating a potential source of human infections. The study found that around 35% of tattoo or permanent makeup inks sold in the US were contaminated with bacteria, highlighting the importance of monitoring these products.
A new study suggests taxing certain antibiotics could help manage the threat of antibiotic resistance in humans. By making narrow-spectrum drugs cheaper and broad-spectrum ones more expensive, GPs may be incentivized to prescribe narrower options.
Dr. Harish Manyam has developed a groundbreaking system that addresses potentially dangerous problems associated with traditional pacemakers and defibrillators. The leadless pacemaker, in combination with a novel subcutaneous defibrillator, eliminates the need for lead extraction procedures.
A study at Umeã University reveals that an enzyme breaks down the bacteria's protective outer layer, facilitating the transfer of genes for resistance to antibiotics. The researchers identified that only the SLT domain was active in PrgK, but it has an important role in regulation.
Research by a University of Virginia undergraduate may help explain recurrent Crohn’s disease in children and open the door to new ways to treat or even cure the devastating condition. Children with relapsing Crohn’s had persistent disruptions of their microbiomes even after inflammation was successfully controlled.
Researchers have designed a novel 3D hydrogel culture system that accurately mimics the mammalian lung environment, allowing for the study of tuberculosis bacteria infection and therapeutics. The system successfully tracks infection progression and demonstrates the efficacy of pyrazinamide in clearing out TB bacteria.
A study of over 10,000 people found that those with fewer butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut were more likely to develop serious infections. The research suggests a strong link between the microbiome and the immune system, opening up new possibilities for preventing serious infections.
A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria endemic to the UK and Norway are not prevalent in Pakistan despite widespread use of antibiotics. The study used genomic surveillance to map different strains of Escherichia coli, highlighting the importance of understanding bacterial threats in specific regions.
Researchers have gained insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella adapts to invasion, flourishing in hostile environments and evading immune defenses. The study sheds light on the role of fluid shear forces in bacterial behavior, which may accelerate the design of new therapies for life-threatening infections.
Researchers have identified two distinct types of dysbioses in cystic fibrosis, which differ in their ecological organization and response to treatment. These findings suggest that antimicrobial drugs may be more effective in hierarchically organized microbiota, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients.
A new study has found that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder are three times more likely to have Bartonella DNA in their blood than adults without these disorders. The study suggests a potential role for vector-borne pathogens, such as fleas and ticks, in mental illness.
Researchers used human lung microtissues to uncover the strategy used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to invade lungs. The pathogen targets goblet cells, which it uses as Trojan horses to breach the defense line. Lung organoids also enabled the development of a sensor to monitor bacteria and track their behavior during infection.
A novel antibacterial lipopeptide produced by Serratia marcescens has been shown to be highly effective in killing Staphylococcus aureus. The lipopeptide targets the cell membrane, causing lesions and cell death.
A molecule produced by gut bacteria, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), has been found to reduce viral load and inflammation in mice infected with influenza virus. Researchers at the State University of Campinas and Pasteur Institute discovered that supplementing IPA supplementation reduced symptoms and improved outcomes.
A recent study has identified over 300 distinct types of bacteria in Roman Baths water, including those with antibiotic-producing capabilities. These microorganisms show promise as a potential source of novel natural products to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers tested seven antibiotics in combination with various natural compounds, finding synergistic effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study suggests combining antibiotics with plant extracts or phytochemicals could be a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A new study demonstrates personalized phage therapy's effectiveness in treating antibiotic-resistant infections in animals, with a case of a cat healing from a persistent wound. The treatment combines a specific anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage with ceftazidime, achieving full healing after 14 weeks.
A novel real-time PCR method has been developed to detect and identify the emerging zoonotic foodborne pathogen E. albertii, which is often misidentified as E. coli. The study found that E. albertii can survive in the human intestinal tract for approximately four weeks.
The new nanodevice shows significant efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. It improves the efficacy of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde by up to 52-fold for E. coli and 60-fold for S. aureus.
A new Lancet Series estimates that over 750,000 deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could be prevented annually through improved prevention methods. AMR poses significant threats to newborns, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, causing nearly 5 million deaths globally each year.
The study found a 5.7% blood culture positive rate among eligible Hem-Onc patients, with 56% having an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500 µL at presentation. Gram-positive organisms were the most common isolates, highlighting the diversity of bloodstream infection causes in this patient population.
New studies by University of Michigan physicians highlight the need for improved diagnosis coding to target efforts to optimize antibiotic use and reduce risk. Inappropriate prescriptions occur in up to 35% of adults treated in emergency departments, with similar rates seen in clinics serving Medicaid patients.
Researchers characterized the microbial composition of oral fluid, feces, and environment of nursery piglets on commercial farms in Brazil. The study found distinct oral fluid bacterial profiles differing from those in feces and environment, with potential implications for swine health and production.
Researchers discovered that coumarin glycosides inhibit the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium by competing for iron, reversing enterococci-mediated infections. The study validates diet-based strategies to mitigate enteric polymicrobial infections.
A new study found that treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam increased 90-day mortality by 5% compared to cefepime. The antibiotic depletes the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in metabolism, immunity, and preventing infections.
Researchers identified a unique two-part defense system that destroys plasmids, protecting the bacterial strain from evolution and contributing to its longevity. This discovery could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies against severe symptoms.
Researchers have identified new cellular targets for a vaccine to treat eczema in children, which may limit the severity of symptoms and reduce antibiotic use. The study uncovered specific immune signatures in children with infected flares of eczema, providing a potential blueprint for future therapies.
A new study suggests that countries should prioritize tuberculosis treatment for exposed individuals with evidence of TB infection, regardless of age—except in high-burden settings, where all exposed individuals should be considered for treatment. Preventive treatment can stop latent TB infections from developing into deadly TB disease.
Researchers have identified a subset of intestinal epithelial cells that act as both the major target and responder in a mouse model of gut infection by Citrobacter rodentium. These cells, known as distal colonocytes, trigger a unique gene-expression program when infected with the bacteria.
Researchers identify critical genes and transport systems in E. coli that enable rapid growth despite sterile urine environment. ABC transporters appear crucial for infection, with inhibitors potentially slowing bacterial growth and complementing antibiotic efforts.
Researchers at George Mason University have developed a urine test for Lyme disease that detects the bacteria causing the infection, leading to earlier treatment and prevention of long-term debilitating effects. The test has shown high sensitivity and specificity, and will be made available through telehealth to increase accessibility.
A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.
Scientists identify crucial protein PicA in jumbo phages that selectively transport proteins to replicate inside bacteria. This discovery sheds light on the complex biological makeup and mechanisms within these mysterious viruses.
Researchers discover epilancin A37, a lantibiotic produced by staphylococci that targets corynebacteria, key competitors in the human microbiome. The compound kills bacteria without destroying the cell membrane.
New therapies aim to strengthen the body's immune responses and restore antimicrobial functions to combat TB. Researchers have identified small molecule compounds that reduce Mtb growth inside immune cells by up to 50-75%, suggesting a potential complement to standard therapy.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Network Open found that over one million newborns were given unnecessary antibiotics for suspected sepsis despite a reduction in sepsis cases. The researchers argue that the treatment burden is too high, suggesting potential to reduce antibiotic use.
Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.
A German study of over 1,300 hospitalised adults with moderate COVID-19 found that antibiotic treatment was associated with a five times greater likelihood of clinical deterioration. The researchers highlight the need for improved antibiotic stewardship interventions and rational use of antibiotics during viral pandemics.
A Cleveland Clinic study uses reinforcement learning to design antibiotic regimens that minimize resistance and maximize susceptibility. The AI model predicts the most efficient treatment plans for multiple strains of E. coli, informing hospital-wide infection management.
Therapeutic phages can detect epithelial cells of the human respiratory tract, eliciting proinflammatory responses. Specific phage properties and airway microenvironment influence these responses.
A new study finds that antibiotic prescriptions have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 4 prescriptions going to patients who don't need them. This trend threatens to fuel antimicrobial resistance, which kills 48,000 Americans annually.
Bacteria like Burkholderia pseudomallei use a unique tactic to spread in the body by residing inside human cells. They employ a nano-sized speargun called type VI secretion system (T6SS) to move from cell to cell without being detected by the immune system.
A recent study published at the ESCIMD Global Congress found that Black female patients are at higher risk of death from carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from 362 US hospital patients and discovered that Black females had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to ...
Researchers at Tulane University identified a promising new approach to treating persistent neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease. Fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors showed promise in reducing inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Researchers uncover how tuberculosis infection drives excessive inflammation in the lungs by activating neutrophils. Targeting neutrophils could lead to new therapies for TB treatment, potentially reducing antibiotic-resistant cases.
A recent study has identified two main types of E. coli bacteria responsible for neonatal meningitis, a rare but life-threatening disease. The research found that these bacteria can cause repeated invasive infections in babies, even after initial treatment with antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria, including Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, are attracted to human serum, which contains the amino acid serine. This phenomenon, known as bacterial vampirism, allows the bacteria to navigate towards the source of blood in under a minute.
Phage researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research elucidate precise mechanisms by which phages disable bacteria. The study reveals how a specific phage called PP7 infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to the pilus's detachment and reduced bacterial capacity for infection.
A large study found that antibiotics provided no measurable impact on cough severity or duration in patients with lower-respiratory tract infections. Advanced lab tests confirmed bacterial and viral infections, but treatment didn't affect resolution time.
A new UK/Portuguese study suggests that pets can act as reservoirs of resistance, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria to their healthy owners. The study found multidrug-resistant bacteria in both pet-owning households and among the owners themselves.
Researchers analyzed blood stem cells in mice with prior sepsis and found they were fully recovered but failed to respond to a second inflammatory stimulus, leading to inefficient immune cell production.
Researchers have developed novel antibiotics based on protein building blocks with fluorous lipid chains to fight resistant pathogens. The compounds were shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in mouse models, killing bacteria without developing resistance.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a mechanism by which a bacterial virus limits Salmonella's ability to cause infection. By compromising protein synthesis, the virus can allow the host to rehabilitate and potentially treat resistant cases.
Despite therapy, cystic fibrosis patients still suffer from persistent respiratory infections due to unregulated cell signals. By studying lung cells, scientists found a disruption in TGF-β and Wnt pathways, leading to bacterial docking station formation.
Researchers discovered that tiny RNA molecules play a decisive role in the complex interaction of attack and defence strategies when bacteria are infected with bacteriophages. The study found that these RNA molecules regulate phage genes as well as host genes, effectively explaining the destruction of bacterial cells.
A new EU study has found that over-60s are six times more likely to acquire pneumonia-causing bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae after daily contact with young children. Pneumococcal infections mainly affect children under two and the elderly, claiming almost two million lives worldwide every year.