Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise 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.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals evidence for transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus between Cystic Fibrosis patients through DNA sequencing, highlighting the global spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. The research team developed new measures to protect Cystic Fibrosis patients from this emerging threat.
Researchers found that a strain of probiotic bacteria can alter its coat to outcompete harmful bacteria. This ability may prevent the growth of Clostridium perfringens in poultry, reducing the risk of necrotic enteritis and food poisoning.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that histamine 2 receptor antagonists increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized patients, particularly those receiving antibiotics. The study highlights the need for judicious use of these drugs to reduce C. diff infection rates.
A new portable device can count all five subtypes of white blood cells within minutes, providing an accurate differential and enabling the detection of rare basophils. This technology could improve outpatient monitoring of patients with chronic conditions and bring medical care to remote areas.
Researchers found that certain bacteria in the stomach microbiota can prevent pathology from H. pylori infection, while others exacerbate it. The study suggests that targeting specific microbes may lead to a cure for ulcers and gastric cancer.
A new study found that people with higher levels of infection in their blood, including cold sores, were more likely to have cognitive problems than those with lower levels. The research suggested a link between infection and increased risk of low scores on cognition tests.
A study found that pubic hair removal, particularly shaving, can increase the risk of spreading Molluscum contagiosum. Researchers believe micro trauma from hair removal facilitates transmission of the pox virus through self-infection or scratching.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a novel lipopolysaccharide modification that contributes to F. tularensis lethality and developed a live attenuated vaccine strain. Additionally, scientists studied the dynamics of plague in an urban environment, finding that while port cities are susceptible to outbreaks, they may not b...
Researchers found that certain bacteria in the stomach microflora can change the response to Helicobacter pylori infection, potentially allowing for prediction of disease development and identification of potential probiotics. The study, published in Infection and Immunity, has implications for treating human infections.
A recent study reveals that antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain ST131 is increasingly found in hospitals and long-term care facilities, particularly among older adults and nursing home residents. The study found that LTCF residence was the strongest predictor of ST131 infection, with LTCF residents having 8 times the risk of contractin...
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an improved purification method for oysters that effectively removes Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, reducing the risk of gastroenteritis. The new process uses temperature-controlled depuration with ultraviolet light, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria after four to five days.
Research reveals that certain brain cells are better equipped to fight off viral infections due to their unique immune defense mechanisms. The study found that granule cell neurons, which rarely become infected, have different gene profiles compared to cortical neurons, making them more resistant to infection.
New research reveals that antibiotic-resistant Staph bacteria exhibit a seasonal pattern, with community-associated strains more likely to infect children during the summer months. In contrast, healthcare-associated strains are more prevalent among seniors during the winter months.
Healthcare workers who wear special fitted face masks are less likely to get clinical respiratory and bacterial infections. The study, published in the American Journal of Critical Care Medicine, found that continuous use of N95 masks provides significant protection against both types of infections.
Researchers have uncovered the atomic structure of dermcidin, a natural antibiotic that is highly efficient against tuberculosis germs and other dangerous bugs. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that control multi-resistant bacteria.
Researchers are conducting an early-stage human clinical trial of two related candidate vaccines to prevent infection with Shigella bacteria, which causes diarrheal illness particularly among children. The Phase I trial aims to evaluate the vaccines for safety and immune response induction in healthy adults.
New research finds that standard bacterial culture tests may overlook certain germs, highlighting the need for multiple detection methods. The study analyzed 44 premature babies and detected over 20 uncultured bacterial species using DNA genomic analysis.
A new study reveals that the bladder is unable to mount an effective immune response to bacteria, leading to recurrent infections. The researchers found that mast cells produce interleukin-10, which drives localized immune tolerance in chronic bladder infection.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a defect in bladder immune memory that hampers a timely attack against bacterial infections. The study found that mast cells produce an immune-suppressing molecule, leading to a lack of antibody response and stifling immune memory.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and TWINCORE are studying patient samples to find biomarkers for infectious diseases. The new antibiotic GSK1322322 targets gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, with minor adverse effects in Phase I clinical trials.
A new antibiotic, tedizolid phosphate, has been shown to be effective in treating skin infections with a shorter course than traditional treatments. The study found that the new antibiotic was noninferior to linezolid in both early and sustained clinical responses.
Researchers found that geographic site, demographic factors, and adherence to initial therapy are crucial for successful H pylori eradication. The study suggests a 'one size fits all' approach may not be optimal, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
NIH researchers discovered a critical transport system in Staphylococcus aureus that produces deadly toxins, paving the way for new antibiotic treatments. The system, called Pmt, is thought to play a similar role in other staphylococci, such as S. epidermidis.
A new strain of MRSA has emerged that can spread beyond hospital walls, putting everyone at risk. Researchers have identified a gene that causes this strain to linger on the skin longer than other strains, making it more susceptible to polyamines, which can be toxic to other forms of the bacteria.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill identified a bacterial enzyme that enables vancomycin resistance to spread among Staphylococcus aureus strains. They also discovered a potential solution by designing a synthetic molecule that blocks the transfer of resistance genes, offering hope for developing effective therapies.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that tuberculosis bacteria can infiltrate and settle in mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow. This finding raises the possibility that other infectious agents may employ similar tactics, providing a new potential target for treatment. The research suggests that u...
Researchers identify metabolic switch that turns on aggressive infection in antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cystic fibrosis patients and superbugs.
Researchers discovered that blue light can selectively eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of the skin and soft tissues, while preserving the outermost layer. This breakthrough could provide a potential non-toxic approach to treating resistant bacterial infections.
Researchers found that N. meningitidis adhesion to human microvessels leads to endothelial inflammatory response, clotting, thrombosis, congestion, and vascular leak, resulting in purpuric rash development. The study's findings challenge previous assumptions about the role of circulating bacteria and LPS release in vascular damage.
Researchers discovered a signaling pathway in macrophages that detects escaping bacteria and activates an enzyme to trigger self-destruction, protecting against lethal infections. The caspase-11 detection pathway protects mice from infection with Burkholderia species, including the potentially deadly B. pseudomallei.
Researchers found that estrogen levels can affect infection susceptibility, bladder health and the inflammatory response to infection in mice with simulated menopause. Boosting estrogen levels may get a second look as an approach for reducing urinary tract infections in menopausal women.
A University of Colorado study reveals that lung and GI cancer patients are more prone to E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, particularly after aminopenicillin treatment. This knowledge can inform targeted antibiotic therapy before complications arise.