Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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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.
Infectious disease experts call for novel approaches to end the growing scourge of 'superbugs,' citing 2 million annual infections and 100,000 deaths. The authors recommend new strategies to prevent infections, encourage economic investment in anti-infective treatments, and alter host-microbe interactions.
Researchers identify normalizing p62 levels in immune system cells as a strategy to clear an infection that is deadly to patients with cystic fibrosis. This approach enables the natural cellular process of autophagy, which helps digest pathogens and clear them away, thereby controlling inflammation and saving patients from death.
A meta-analysis found that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smokers, but stopping smoking decreased this risk by about a third. Stopping smoking reduced the risk of bacterial pneumonia by approximately 30-70% compared to non-smoking counterparts.
The study highlights links between NTDs and socio-economic prosperity, finding that integrated treatment efforts are cost-effective public health interventions. The report recommends prioritizing NTD programs worldwide to improve health and prosperity for over 1 billion people.
Researchers found that probiotic supplementation improved gastrointestinal immune function and decreased inflammation in SIV-infected macaques treated with ARV. These findings suggest that probiotics could benefit ARV-treated HIV patients, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
A Kansas State University-led study reveals a new protein that affects how cells in the innate immune system function and protect humans against invading bacteria. The researchers characterized a glycosyltransferase activity protein that targets GAPDH function to inhibit NF-kappaB activation, leading to enhanced disease susceptibility.
Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.
Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.
A new study found that unnecessary antibiotics increase the risk of recurrence of deadly Clostridium difficile infections. Researchers reviewed patient cases and found that 77% of patients received at least one dose of unnecessary antibiotic, leading to a substantial increased risk of recurrence.
Researchers at Duke University developed a genomic signature to diagnose flu and staph infections, distinguishing between infected and uninfected individuals with high accuracy. This approach could lead to earlier diagnoses, reduced antibiotic misuse, and improved treatment decisions.
Researchers have created a synthetic stool called RePOOPulate to cure C. difficile infections, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments. The artificial poop was tested on two patients with chronic infections and showed promising results in eliminating the infection.
Researchers have discovered a new compound that restores health to mice infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The compound targets an enzyme essential for bacterial survival and has been shown to be highly active against MRSA in mice.
Researchers identified the mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus colonizes nasal passages, finding that Clumping factor B (ClfB) binds to skin protein loricrin with high affinity. This interaction is crucial for successful colonization and opens new avenues for developing therapeutic strategies.
A recent study published in Genome Biology analyzed Clostridium difficile genomes from 486 patients to investigate transmission. The results indicate that transmission between patients occurs at relatively low frequency, with most cases attributed to specific strains.
Researchers discovered that neutrophil membrane tethers act like slings to anchor the cell and maintain control during high-speed blood flow. This unique structure enables neutrophils to navigate through narrow venules without being swept away, allowing them to effectively present their antigen-sensing ligands at the infection site.
A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine found that patients with sepsis had abnormally low levels of the inflammatory protein LECT2. Injecting LECT2 into septic mice promoted bacterial clearance by immune cells and increased their production of survival-promoting factors.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that antibodies in the immune system can be turned around by certain bacteria, affecting their recognition and neutralization. The study shows that this phenomenon varies depending on the severity of the infection, with more serious diseases having the correct antibody orientation.
Researchers have found that Salmonella bacteria change key cells in the intestine to cross the gut wall and infect vital organs. This allows Salmonella to thrive and cause severe symptoms like diarrhoea, fever, and even death in young children.
A study found that contact precautions for patients with drug-resistant infections reduced visits by healthcare workers, but increased hand hygiene compliance upon exiting patients' rooms. However, this intervention had negative effects on patient care and mental wellbeing.
A study found that antibodies attached to bacteria via their Fc regions in saliva, while in blood they bound primarily via their Fab regions. This difference in orientation was linked to the local antibody concentration, with low levels favoring Fc-mediated binding and high levels favoring Fab-mediated binding.
A study of over 33,000 outpatient male veterans found that a longer duration of antimicrobial treatment did not reduce the risk of early or late recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The optimal treatment duration for UTI in men is currently unknown.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that a common diarrhea-causing bacterium triggers an overactive immune response, worsening illness in hospital-acquired infections. Researchers found that activating a protective mechanism involving the PPARgamma pathway can reduce disease severity and be activated by existing diabetes drugs.
Undergraduate researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute created engineered surfaces that kill 34% of E.coli bacteria when peptides are lying flat, but 82% when attached vertically. The team developed a technique to monitor AMP attachment and plans to test other materials for optimal antimicrobial activity
A team of immunologists found that the flu virus alters host immune systems, compromising its capacity to effectively fight off bacterial infections. The molecule TLR7 recognizes viral genomes and signals scavenger cells to ingest fewer bacteria, leading to increased risk of superinfections.
UCI researchers found that histone proteins stored in lipid droplets can target and kill bacterial infections, providing a novel approach to fighting bacterial growth. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with bad bacterial infections.
Using DNA sequencing, researchers confirmed an ongoing MRSA outbreak in a hospital, identifying the source and extent of the infection. The team linked the outbreak to an unsuspecting carrier and treated them to eradicate the bacteria, preventing further spread.
Researchers found that antibiotic resistance for urinary tract infections increased by over 30% between 1999 and 2010, making treatment more challenging. The Southeast region had the highest burden of antibiotic resistance, while states in New England and Pacific regions showed lower levels of resistance.
Researchers have discovered how a particular type of carbapenemase enzyme reorients bound antibiotics to destroy their antimicrobial activity. This understanding could lead to the design of new drugs that can resist being broken down by such enzymes, helping combat increasing antibiotic resistance.
A recent study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that T-cells responsible for controlling herpes viruses are reduced significantly during new infections, allowing latent viruses to reactivate. This understanding could lead to prevention strategies and improved treatment options for people with herpes.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new tick-borne disease in Switzerland, neoehrlichiosis, which has infected eight patients with severe symptoms. A DNA test has been developed to detect the infection quickly, allowing for timely treatment.
Researchers found that eliminating bacteria's DNA and boosting human beta-defensin-3 can kill NTHI bacteria, a major cause of middle ear infections. The study suggests a new treatment approach to target biofilms formed by the bacteria.
A combination of six naturally occurring bacteria eradicates a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, a cause of bloating, diarrhea, and over 2,000 UK deaths in 2011. Faecal transplantation resolves symptoms and contagiousness, but the new approach aims to reduce antibiotic use.
A recent study suggests that fecal microbiota therapy may help pediatric patients with recurrent C. diff. diarrhea, while another study highlights the increased risk of health complications in hospitalized children with CDI, including longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates.
Researchers used UV-C to eliminate Acinetobacter and Clostridium difficile bacteria from patient room surfaces, reducing CFUs by 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively. The study suggests UV light could be a promising addition to hospital infection control strategies.
A study of nearly 75,000 ICU patients in 43 hospitals shows that daily antimicrobial soap and ointment use significantly decreases bloodstream infection rates. The approach, known as universal decolonization, resulted in a 44% reduction in MRSA-related infections.
Researchers at the University of Washington examined the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which colonizes in cystic fibrosis patients. They found that certain cells called cheater cells share public goods without releasing them, leading to destabilization of cooperation and potential new strategies for infection control.
A new study found that living near livestock may increase the risk of acquiring MRSA, with regional density of livestock being an important risk factor for nasal carriage. The study suggests that community members in animal-dense regions who are otherwise unaffiliated with livestock farming are at higher risk.
Researchers discovered that immune cells use vitamin B products to recognize bacterial infections, triggering an immune response. This finding opens up potential targets for improving treatments or developing a vaccine for tuberculosis.
A computer simulation study found that hospitals working together and coordinating their infection control procedures can significantly reduce the prevalence of MRSA infections. By implementing contact isolation protocols, hospitals can not only improve their own infection control but also benefit neighboring hospitals.
A new class of treatment has been identified against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a 'superbug' responsible for difficult-to-treat illnesses. The compound, developed from an anti-cancer agent, shows promise in treating MRSA-infected mice and has the potential to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers found that T2R38 is expressed in upper respiratory tract cells and activated by bacteria, correlating with increased susceptibility to sinus infections. Genetic variation in the T2R38 gene contributes to individual differences in respiratory infection risk.
Researchers have made progress in tackling C. difficile infections using mouse models and human patients, with potential treatments including an oral medication and genetic mutation detection. The studies found that administering an oral supplement can prevent CDI, while detecting a specific gene mutation may predict recurrent infections.