Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant increase in C. diff infections in children between 2004 and 2009, with 75% of cases acquired in the community. The study also highlights the importance of prevention measures to reduce the spread of this environmental infection.
Researchers found that surface layer proteins of C. difficile produce a different cytokine response in patients with recurrent infection compared to those with initial onset. This suggests a more chronic inflammatory process, potentially leading to continuous or re-infection.
Researchers found that T cell imbalance increases risk for gastrointestinal infection recurrence, particularly in C. difficile cases. Patients with recurrent infections had higher levels of regulatory and TH17 cells, which could lead to targeted molecular therapies.
A new study reveals that MRSA nasal colonization is associated with longer hospital stays and an increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The researchers found that 70% of wound infections in MRSA-positive patients stemmed from the bacterium.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have proven a long-held theory about bacterial communication by showing that quorum sensing's effectiveness depends on bacterial population density. This discovery can inform research into disrupting QS and stopping toxin production in pathogenic organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive method to detect more cases of tuberculosis using vacuum filtering a sputum sample through a small filter. The new technique detected 89% of cases in Brazil, compared to 60% detection with the traditional method.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the use of polymyxins and tigecycline, considered 'drugs of last resort', increased at US Veterans Affairs medical centers between 2005 and 2010. The findings suggest a growing epidemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that large city hospitals act as breeding grounds for the superbug MRSA prior to its spread to smaller hospitals. Researchers analyzed over 80 variants of a major clone of MRSA and identified mutations leading to new strains, tracing their spread nationwide.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that male adolescents have bacteria in their urinary tracts, which are similar to those found in young women. The researchers discovered that the types of bacteria on the penis differ from those in the urethra and that circumcision status affects bacterial composition.
Native gut bacteria help fend off invaders, suggesting ways to prevent or treat deadly forms of E. coli by selectively removing nutrients and boosting others. The study also identifies potential targets for prevention and treatment using antibiotics.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a superbug killer coating that is 99% effective against bacteria and fungi. The coating uses a magnetic-like feature to attract and kill microorganisms, offering an alternative solution to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
A Michigan State University researcher has developed a synthetic biosensor that glows green in response to conditions mimicking human tuberculosis infection. The goal is to find new treatments for chronic TB and multidrug-resistant TB.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a protein called calpain that allows Listeria bacteria to spread infection within human cells. By blocking this protein, new anti-infective drugs may be developed to combat antibiotic resistance.
A research group from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has identified genetic mutations in the GUCY2C gene that cause intestinal blockages in newborns from two Bedouin tribes in Israel. The mutations may have evolved to protect against diarrheal diseases in the harsh desert climate.
A study found that children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis have a higher risk of hospitalized bacterial infections than children without the condition. High-dose steroids significantly increased this risk, while methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors did not.
Researchers found that Listeria uses nitric oxide to evade the immune system and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to multiply in its host. This strategy allows pathogens like Rickettsia and HIV to spread throughout the host in a similar manner.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified pathways of naturally occurring molecules in the human body that can boost the effectiveness of antibiotics. The study found that certain molecules called resolvins and protectins were key in resolving infections and reducing tissue damage.
Researchers used video microscopy and mathematical modelling to challenge common assumptions about Salmonella infection. They found that macrophage infection rates are lower than previously thought, but infected cells can still be reinfected by other bacteria.
Cardiac device infective endocarditis (CDIE) is a serious complication with high in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates, especially if valve involvement occurs. Coexisting valve infection and heart failure were also common complications.
Scientists found that Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria interfere with cells' ability to fight infection, exacerbating the disease in cystic fibrosis patients. Rapamycin, an existing drug, helped control the infection in mice, suggesting autophagy as a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers found that the sasX gene is more prevalent in MRSA strains from China than previously thought, with its frequency increasing significantly over the past decade. The gene plays a pivotal role in establishing MRSA epidemics and may be involved in molecular processes that help bacteria spread and cause disease.
Activated CD14+Trem-1+iNOS+ intestinal macrophages increase NO production, leading to enhanced intestinal permeability and bacterial product translocation. This upregulation contributes to the development of decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Scientists at the University of York discovered that bacteria release long protein chains to form biofilms on implanted devices, making infections difficult to treat. This understanding could lead to new treatments and prevention methods for cardiac device infections.
Researchers discovered that macrophages produce hydrogen peroxide, which activates the temperature sensor TRPM2 at normal body temperature. This mechanism enhances phagocytic activity and may lead to new treatment strategies for infection.
A study discovered Bacillus cereus bacteria in a pharmacy robot's washing station, contaminating intravenous drugs. The contamination highlights the need for strengthened cleaning and maintenance procedures to prevent life-threatening infections.
A large multicenter study found that patients with community-onset Clostridium difficile infection have a four times higher risk of colectomy compared to those who developed symptoms in the hospital. Older adults and individuals with severe cases are also at higher risk for CDI-related colectomies.
Scientists have developed a simple test to identify MRSA in wounds that can detect the superbug quickly, enabling more effective treatment. The test uses tiny electrical sensors to analyze swab samples, potentially reducing laboratory processing time.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that approximately six percent of Chicago-area ambulance sites sampled positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium causing serious infections. The research also revealed that 77% of isolates detected showed resistance to at least one commonly used antibiotic
Researchers found that combining antibiotics with additional compounds made previously resistant bacteria more susceptible, increasing efficacy by up to six-fold. The study's lead author believes adjuvant therapy could revolutionize antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Corals infected with Black Band Disease experience phototrophic zone and anoxic lower zone in tissue, leading to rapid lesion spread. Sulfide concentration and oxygen penetration determine disease progression.
Researchers develop a new antimicrobial coating for urinary catheters, reducing bacterial attachment and infection risk. The coating could prolong catheter life, save NHS millions, and minimize patient complications.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $2.3 million to explore chlamydia genomics and develop a potential vaccine for the bacterial infectious disease. The team plans to use genetic tools to understand how the bacteria circumvents host immune systems and targets preferred tissues.
Researchers are revisiting bacteriophages as antibacterial agents to combat growing antibiotic resistance. Effective against high bacterial loads, these viruses can target specific bacterial strains without infecting human cells.
Researchers have discovered that Streptococcus gordonii can mimic human proteins to activate platelets and form unwanted blood clots. This triggers endocarditis, which can lead to growths on heart valves or inflammation of blood vessels.
Research suggests that calorie-restricted diets can impair immune systems and increase mortality in mouse models with colon cancer. The findings contradict previous research on obesity's impact on inflammatory bowel diseases. Further studies are needed to understand the association between body fat percentage and immune responses.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found a significant association between H. pylori bacteria and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in adults, particularly those with obesity. This link suggests that the bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
A German study found that antibiotic treatment with azithromycin significantly reduced the number of patients carrying E. coli bacteria and the duration of shedding in stool specimens. Long-term carriers were more common among untreated patients.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospitals led by a board-certified director in infection prevention and control have significantly lower MRSA bloodstream infections. The study also suggests that multifacility performance improvement projects are effective in reducing healthcare-associated i...
Researchers found that an epidemic strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae can damage mucins on mucus membranes, allowing the bacteria to enter and infect cells. The study identified an enzyme, ZmpC, as the culprit behind this process. This discovery may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating bacterial infections.
A new study in mBio reveals that microbes thriving on hot fluid methane and sulfur are replaced by those feeding on solid iron and sulfur when deep-sea vents go dormant. Researchers also explore genomic sequencing data to aid rapid detection of hospital-acquired infections caused by enterococci bacteria.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center predicted and confirmed how E. coli bacteria hijack a cell's sense of direction by manipulating actin polymers. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms controlling disease-causing agents and normal mammalian cell behavior.
The study has provided novel insights into the regulatory processes that help Bacillus subtilis cells maintain their metabolism in prime condition. It identified 512 new potential genes in the bacterium and has implications for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.
Scientists have identified a highly transmissible variant of the LA-ST398 strain that can efficiently spread among humans, leading to community-associated infections. The new strain, ST398-NM, contains human-specific immune evasion genes and adheres well to skin, increasing its ability to colonize and infect people.
Scientists at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a key protein, Fur, that controls the expression of hundreds of genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a pathogen responsible for the second most common infectious disease worldwide. This novel pathway may lead to new treatment methods and therapeutic interventions for gonorrhea.
Researchers identified NLRP7 as a key protein that recognizes bacterial cell wall components in harmful gram-positive bacteria. The discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies to combat infections from deadly bacteria like Listeria and MRSA.
A novel oral bacterium, Streptococcus tigurinu, has been linked to serious diseases like heart disease and meningitis. Its identification allows scientists to understand the risk it poses and develop effective treatments.
A study found that a strain of MRSA bacteria acquired resistance to antibiotics on farms and can now infect humans. The researchers sequenced the genomes of 88 different S. aureus isolates and found that the MRSA strain ST398 likely evolved from an antibiotic-sensitive human strain.
Researchers discovered a promising alternative to common antibiotics for treating group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria infections. The new compounds significantly reduce the severity of GAS infections in mice, offering a potential therapeutic solution with reduced risk of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers engineered a hybrid gene that recognizes and destroys Xylella fastidiosa bacteria, reducing leaf scorching and xylem clogging in grapevines. This breakthrough could lead to significant resistance against Pierce's disease, which has already destroyed thousands of acres of California vineyards.
Researchers at UB are studying the microbiology of a new variant of Klebsiella pneumoniae to identify genes that make it hypervirulent. The bacterium causes serious, life-threatening infections in otherwise healthy individuals and has the potential to become highly resistant to antibiotics.
A case report in The Lancet details the death of an 82-year-old woman due to Legionnaires' disease caused by contaminated dental surgery equipment. Laboratory experiments demonstrated genomic matching between the bacteria found in the patient's respiratory secretion and the dental unit waterline.
A study of nearly 15,000 patients found that up to three-quarters of new C. difficile infections were not easily explained by conventional assumptions of ward-based transmission from symptomatic patients. This suggests that current interventions may not be effective in controlling the spread of C. difficile in hospitals.
Research reveals that bacterial plasmids, which cause disease in plants, come with a high cost, but also confer benefits to the bacteria. Non-pathogenic plasmids can
Researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University found that manuka honey can destroy fully-formed S. pyogenes biofilms in vitro and prevent initial bacterial binding to wound tissue. The study suggests that manuka honey may be effective in controlling chronic wounds by inhibiting biofilm formation.
Scientists at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute investigated disease-causing E. coli strains, discovering they use plasmids to resist acidic conditions and form biofilms, critical for infection. The study aims to develop a vaccine capable of cross-protecting humans and birds.
Research reveals that pneumonic plague bacteria transform the lungs into a permissive environment for microbial proliferation. Without symptoms, these bacteria grow and reproduce rapidly, leading to rapid disease progression and high mortality rates. This unique ability is exclusive to Yersinia pestis.
Researchers at Michigan State University show that a virus called Lambda evolves complex and potentially deadly new traits through four mutations. The study suggests that natural selection played a key role in the virus' evolution, promoting adaptation by survival of the fittest.
Researchers at Michigan State University demonstrate how a new virus, Lambda, evolves to attack host cells through a new receptor. The study shows that four mutations are required for this innovation to occur, and natural selection plays an important role in the virus' evolution.
A new detection method for urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, reducing diagnostic time to under 30 minutes. This technique has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs by accurately identifying bacteria and targeting specific antibiotics.
A new MSU project aims to collect local data on preventable bacterial infections and spurs vaccine use and development in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The research focuses on diseases like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, with the goal of increasing vaccine uptake and monitoring their impact.