Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A new study suggests that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can increase the ability of immune cells to kill staph bacteria by 1,000 times. This could offer a new tool in the fight against 'superbugs' and potentially reduce dependence on antibiotics.
Researchers develop smart catheter that senses infection and releases nitric oxide to stop bacterial growth, reducing healthcare-associated infections. The device has shown promising results in lab experiments, with the ability to extend NO release for up to weeks.
A deadly outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at NIH's Clinical Center was quelled through collaboration with genomic experts. Genome sequencing revealed the outbreak had a single source, and targeted interventions stopped its spread.
Researchers found drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 36 chimpanzees (58% of tested), with nearly 10% showing multi-drug resistance. The risk of acquiring novel pathogens from humans poses a significant threat to wild apes, echoing worst-case scenarios in U.S. hospitals.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified small molecule chemicals that can disrupt quorum sensing in Acinetobacter baumanni, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for deadly hospital-acquired infections. The compounds may potentially be used to limit the virulence of the bacteria and prevent biofilm formation.
A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of fecal transplantation as a treatment for relapsing C. difficile infection. The study aims to demonstrate that fecal transplant is a viable, safe, and curative option for patients suffering from recurring C. difficle.
Cefazolin outperforms vancomycin in preventing hospitalizations and deaths from specific bloodstream infections, a study reveals. The antibiotic was found to be 48% more effective at preventing sepsis.
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can form antibiotic-resistant clumps in a short time, even in a flowing liquid such as the blood, leading to severe infections. These clumps persist even when two different types of antibiotics are added, suggesting that sticking together protects the floating bacteria from the drugs' effects.
Scientists develop substances targeting bacteria virulence factors to prevent UTI development and emergence of resistant microbes. A low dose reduced bacteria in the bladder by almost 10,000 times.
A study published in CMAJ found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, particularly moxifloxacin and levofloxacin, are linked to a higher risk of acute liver injury in older adults. The research suggests these drugs should be subject to regulatory warnings due to their potential harm.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed new polymers resistant to bacterial attachment, reducing biofilm formation and infection rates. The breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and medical device failures, with initial results showing up to 96.7% reduction in bacteria.
A pediatric hospital implemented a prospective-audit-with-feedback antibiotic stewardship program, resulting in a significant decrease in antibiotic usage - up to 37% in early months and 13% at the end of the observation. The study showed a notable reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotics, aligning with CDC recommendations.
Scientists have developed a new method to study how the immune system interacts with bacteria during chronic infections. The method uses 5 mm silicone tubes and combines light microscopy and electron microscopy to visualize the interaction between white blood cells and bacteria.
Researchers used 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT to diagnose infectious endocarditis in hard-to-diagnose cases, achieving high sensitivity and specificity. The test detected septic embolism in 41% of patients, aiding physicians in diagnosis and treatment.
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has identified the secret to the deadly 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany, attributing its lethality to biofilm formation. By targeting this mechanism, the researchers aim to potentially tame the killer bacteria.
A 500-year-old Incan mummy was found to have a bacterial lung infection at the time of death, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers used proteomics to analyze immune system response from degraded samples and found that one mummy had a protein profile similar to those with chronic respiratory infections.
Scientists at Monash University have deciphered the atomic structure of PlyC, a powerful anti-bacterial lysin that kills bacteria causing infections from sore throats to pneumonia. PlyC's unique 'saucer' shape and eight docking sites make it 100 times more efficient than other lysins at killing certain bacteria.
A MCG student has received a $5,000 research fellowship to investigate risk factors for bacteremia in dialysis patients. The study aims to identify potential associations with diabetes, dialysis catheter use, and other factors.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that public reporting of hospital-acquired infection data led to a significant reduction in C. difficile cases. The study showed a 26% decrease in C. difficile infections after mandatory hospital reporting was introduced in Ontario, Canada.
A study published in Nature reveals that the HVEM molecule plays a critical role in protecting against bacterial infections, including E. coli and pneumococcus, by acting as a border guard to signal the immune system to respond. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic target for preventing and treating bacterial infections.
Scientists studied Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a rod-shaped soil bacterium responsible for crown gall disease in plants. They discovered that the bacterium maintains its linear chromosome through an enzyme called TelA, which forms hairpin loops to protect it.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that uncircumcised boys are at a higher risk of urinary tract infections. The researchers did not find a significant association between the degree of urethral visibility and infection risk.
Researchers at UCLA are conducting a clinical trial to investigate the impact of copper surfaces on reducing hospital-acquired infections. The study aims to determine if lowering bacteria levels on hospital surfaces results in reduced infection rates, better patient outcomes, and lower costs.
A study reviewed medical literature on cranberry products and found a reduced risk of urinary tract infections in individuals who consume these products regularly. The study suggests that cranberry-containing products may be effective in preventing UTIs in specific groups, such as women with recurrent UTIs and children.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC identify TLR1 protein as critical component driving mucosal immune response against bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.
Researchers discovered that E. coli uses yersiniabactin to steal copper from host cells, allowing the bacteria to grow and reproduce. This finding could lead to new treatments for serious urinary tract infections. By blocking this thievery with a drug, patients' chances of fighting off infections may significantly improve.
Researchers discovered rare variations in the DCTN4 gene among cystic fibrosis patients with early, chronic airway infections. The study suggests that exome sequencing can identify genetic factors behind complex traits like obesity and heart disease.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that cystic fibrosis makes airways more acidic, reducing bacterial killing. Making the airway liquid less acidic with baking soda restores normal bacterial killing levels.
Researchers discovered that mice without NLRP6 receptor protein are better protected against bacterial infections and can more easily remove bacteria. This finding opens up a new therapeutic track for treating bacterial infections beyond antibiotics.
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an innate immune system component that suppresses inflammation, which in turn dampens the immune response to infections. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could block bacterial infection and offer a completely new approach to fighting infections.
Biochemist Alejandro Heuck maps molecular structure of needle-like tool used by bacteria to drill holes in mammalian cell walls. Researchers aim to identify new targets for developing drugs and treatments against diseases caused by bubonic plague, dysentery, food poisoning, and sepsis.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to measure the rate of DNA transfer from viruses to bacteria. They found that the amount of genetic material within the bacterial cells determines how quickly the bacteriophage's DNA is transferred, not the pressure in the virus itself.
Researchers found that inhibiting a key immune response early on can shorten TB treatment time and prevent relapse. In a study, mice treated with standard TB medication plus a TNF-alpha inhibitor had a significantly lower bacterial burden than those receiving only the standard treatment.
A study by UCSF found that bacterial vaginosis increases female-to-male HIV transmission risk threefold. Women with the condition are more likely to transmit HIV to their male partners, highlighting the need for better understanding and treatment of the disorder.
A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.
A survey of 3,800 home healthcare providers found that many agencies lack written policies on handling infection control for antibiotic-resistant infections. The study highlights the need for simple and quick actions like hand washing, vaccinations, and patient isolation to decrease infections in home care settings.
Researchers developed a new swab technique that can spot tuberculosis in non-human primates with no outward signs of disease. The method has been successfully tested on Asian monkey populations, revealing a significant prevalence rate and potential for primate-to-primate transmission.
Researchers discovered how bacteria release proteins to spread infections, providing a new target for antibiotic development. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism by which normal, non-pathogenic bacteria can release proteins through their membrane pores.
Researchers have developed a new class of antimicrobials that target bacteria virulence factors, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The most potent substance prevented UTIs from developing in mice for over eight hours and reduced bacterial growth by nearly 10,000 times.
Researchers found that bacteria take advantage of autophagy, a cellular waste disposal system, to cause recurring UTIs. Disabling this system in mice led to quicker and more thorough clearance of the infection.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have identified three viruses that target the bacteria causing American Foulbrood Disease in honeybees. The discovery offers hope for a new treatment to replace current methods that involve burning infected hives and could help save millions of bees.
Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to distinguish between related MRSA strains, potentially shortening outbreak duration. The study identified genetic differences between strains that current methods couldn't detect.
A study found that hospitalization rates for community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in NYC tripled between 1997 and 2006. The highest rates were seen among men, children, and homeless populations.
A new MIT study examines how chronic inflammation can lead to cancer. The researchers found that the liver and colon respond differently to infection, with neutrophils secreting hypochlorous acid damaging proteins and DNA in the colon. The study could help predict the risk of chronic inflammation and develop ways to halt it.
Research found no increase in infective endocarditis among dental patients following updated guidelines, which restrict antibiotic use to those at greatest risk of complications. The study's results are reassuring but suggest further research is needed to support the findings.
Researchers found a new genetic mechanism that bacteria use to cause shigellosis, increasing its virulence. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments for this deadly disease.
The Trudeau Institute has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study new treatments for bacterial infections. The institute's lab will investigate the effectiveness of Aronora's therapeutic approach on various types of bacterial infections, building on earlier studies that showed promise in mice.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that caspase-11 enables immune cells to fuse and degrade bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease. The enzyme's activation helps kill the bacteria by triggering a fusion event between phagosomes and lysosomes, preventing bacterial replication.
The study found that daily bathing of patients with disposable cloths containing chlorhexidine gluconate reduced MRSA transmission rates from 4.99 cases per 1,000 patient days to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient days, a significant 82% decrease. This intervention was effective in preventing MRSA infections in a geriatric setting.
A bacterial sepsis outbreak at a Los Angeles County dialysis center was caused by improper disinfection of reusable medical devices, including a dialyzer. The investigation found genetic links between the bacteria infecting three patients, leading to changes in facility procedures and improved infection prevention training.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that patients with a past history of skin infection are three times more likely to develop painful and costly surgical site infections during operations. Despite following proper procedures to prevent SSIs, some patients appear to be more susceptible to contracting an infection due to un...
A team of researchers at UCSC has developed a photoactive compound that releases nitric oxide when exposed to light, eradicating highly resistant 'Iraqibacter' bacteria. The treatment was tested in laboratory models and showed promising results.
A new medical imaging device has been developed to diagnose and treat chronic ear infections by detecting biofilms behind the eardrum. The device uses optical coherence tomography and can identify biofilms in patients with chronic infections, but not those with normal ears.
A Scripps-led study reveals that the nuisance seaweed Leptolyngbya crossbyana produces honaucins with potent anti-inflammation and bacteria-controlling properties. These compounds could one day treat chronic inflammatory conditions, bacterial infections, acne, and other skin conditions.
Researchers found that P. aeruginosa infection is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including more hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and exacerbations in COPD patients. The study suggests that addressing P. aeruginosa infections may be crucial in managing COPD.
Scientists have determined the genetic sequences of all 12 available strains of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which acquired resistance independently after acquiring a specific transposon. The findings may lead to new ways to prevent and treat infection by MRSA, VRSA, and VRE.
A microfluidic chip test has been developed to detect latent tuberculosis, promising to be cheaper and faster than current methods. The test uses a novel approach to detect interferon-gamma in blood samples, triggering an electrical signal for diagnosis.
Scientists traced the origin and development of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus by analyzing genome sequences of 12 strains. The study found that each strain acquired resistance independently and identified shared features among the strains that may have helped them evade human immune defenses.
Proper treatment of diabetic foot infections can prevent lower extremity amputations, and about half of these amputations can be prevented. A multidisciplinary team, including infectious diseases specialists, podiatrists, surgeons, and orthopedists, is recommended for best care.
Researchers found that MRSA strain CC5 is adept at acquiring resistance genes, including the one making it resistant to vancomycin, by co-existing with other bacteria. The strain's unique traits, such as lacking bacteriocin production and producing enterotoxins, enable it to thrive in mixed infections.