Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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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.
Researchers discovered MRSA contamination in 26 out of 395 raw pork samples collected from US stores, highlighting the need for safer handling practices. The study also found no significant difference between antibiotic-free and conventionally produced pork products.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have discovered that manganese completely protects against Shiga toxicosis in animal models. The findings suggest that manganese could be a promising treatment for neutralizing the effects of Shiga toxin in humans, offering an affordable solution to this deadly infection.
A new VCU study suggests using antimicrobial impregnated scrubs combined with good hand hygiene can effectively reduce MRSA burden on healthcare workers' apparel. The study found that antimicrobial scrubs reduced the bioburden of MRSA on healthcare worker apparel, but did not impact hand hygiene practices.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that the bacterial toxin alpha-hemolysin triggers bladder cell shedding and disables immune responses, contributing to persistent urinary tract infections. The toxin causes degradation of proteins involved in cellular responses to infection, leading to more severe clinical symptoms.
Researchers developed a rapid test using mass spectrometry to identify Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium causing staph infections. The test can detect low concentrations of bacteria in just a few hours, reducing manual labor and subjective interpretation.
Researchers have found that adding a specific protein from Listeria to a probiotic can decrease the risk of infection by 46%. The breakthrough could lead to the development of a pill or drink to prevent Listeria infections, primarily affecting pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
A study by Lidia Morawska and colleagues found that older vacuum cleaners, even those with HEPA filters, release higher levels of fine dust and bacteria into the air. Newer models were generally less polluting, suggesting age and cost can impact emission rates.
A recent study in the journal mBio challenges the unique E. coli protein YfeX's role in iron acquisition, finding it lacks catalytic ability to dechelate iron from heme. Meanwhile, researchers discover an unprecedented level of transference of resistance among strains and species of bacteria via plasmids containing carbapenemase genes.
Researchers found that Th17 cells, a specialized immune cell group, can confer immunological advantage against infectious organisms. The approach uses protein complexes in the cell membrane as antigens, offering potential for simplified vaccination and broader coverage against diverse bacterial strains.
Bacteria manipulate a natural cellular process to divert raw materials for building and disguising a structure that houses the bacteria as it replicates. The modification creates a dam, blocking proteins from reaching their destination, allowing the bacteria to blend in with the cell.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers have created a human immune system mouse model that closely mimics the response to a tick-borne infection in humans. The study found that mice developed B1b-like cells, specialized antibody-producing systems used to fight bacterial pathogens, which helped resolve the infection.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key region in Ler, a protein linked to E.coli virulence. This breakthrough could lead to alternative treatments and minimize antibiotic resistance.
Tel Aviv University engineers have developed an efficient liquid solution that can alter the genetic make-up of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making them sensitive again. The solution is easy to prepare and apply, and non-toxic, with potential to be added to antibacterial cleansers.
Salmonella forms two genetically identical types, each with an advantage in infection and evasion. The bacteria's ability to produce flagellin triggers a self-destructive response in immune cells, but restricting production helps it colonize hosts.
A comprehensive study of premature infants found that they harbor fewer diverse microbes than full-term infants, with harder-to-treat Candida fungus and harmful bacteria prevalent. The research highlights the importance of balance in the infant's gut microbiome and suggests that probiotic substances may be beneficial.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a brand new tick-borne infection, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, which causes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in people with impaired immune systems. The infection has been reported in eight cases worldwide, three in the Gothenburg area.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that hospital-acquired C. difficile infection increases length of stay in hospital by an average of six days.
Researchers found that bacteria wait until the last minute to synthesize glue for permanent attachment, using flagella and pili to facilitate timely release. This mechanism may help design drugs to prevent infections by targeting adhesin stimulation.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that surgery significantly improves short- and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure caused by bacterial endocarditis. The study showed patients who underwent surgery had a lower mortality rate compared to those treated with medical therapy alone.
Preemies with AB blood type are nearly three times as likely to die from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as those with other blood types. Changing blood transfusion practices could significantly reduce NEC incidence by providing specific blood types.
A novel antibacterial protein, Avidocin, demonstrates potential for preventing and treating E. coli O157:H7-induced diarrhea and intestinal inflammation in an animal study. The protein also carries fewer bacteria in the feces of infected animals, making it a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers have discovered a defect in the cell-targeting ability of Helicobacter pylori bacteria that leads to reduced inflammation in the stomach. The study found that the bacteria's chemotaxis, or movement towards specific chemicals, plays a crucial role in triggering chronic inflammation.
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when starved due to the ability of outer layer cells to sense nutrients, producing a protective mechanism against toxic oxygen radicals. Disrupting this function could improve treatment for infections.
Researchers discovered a transporter system in bacteria that protects itself from immune attack by transporting molecules meant to destroy it away from its inner membrane target. This mechanism helps bacteria survive in the host, but also presents an opportunity for developing novel antibiotics.
Researchers identified a process by which Legionella bacteria trick host cells into generating amino acids, necessary for growth and infection. The study's findings could lead to the development of new antibiotics and vaccines.
The world is facing a dire shortage of new antibiotics, with increasing resistance making treatment increasingly difficult. Professor Laura Piddock calls for urgent action to turn this around, citing the need for increased public awareness and government support.
Researchers developed a novel compound that blocks bacterial adhesion to bladder walls, alleviating weeks-long infections in mice. The treatment has the potential to treat antibiotic-resistant UTIs and may be effective against other types of infections.
Paul Kubes, a University of Calgary researcher, has won the 2011 Canada's Health Researcher of the Year award for his groundbreaking work on visualizing the mammalian immune system. His research focuses on understanding sepsis and its relationship to other diseases such as stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
Researchers at Wayne State University will study a novel antibiotic, daptomycin, to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections and decrease mortality. The goal is to determine the optimal doses of daptomycin to achieve greater bactericidal activity and prevent resistance.
The study found that pneumonia is the most common serious infection after heart surgery, occurring in 2.4 percent of patients, followed by C. difficile colitis and bloodstream infections. Risk factors for infection include congestive heart failure, hypertension, and length of stay.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a protein that disables the immune response, allowing the bacteria to live comfortably in human cells. This breakthrough provides new targets for developing better treatments against this devastating disease.
Researchers sequenced bacterial genomes to understand how a pathogen evolves in response to human defenses and medical treatment. The study found widespread purifying selection, but also identified specific genes that showed strong evidence of positive selection.
The study reveals that while the Hib vaccine has reduced Hib disease in young children, other strains of the bacteria continue to cause substantial disease in older adults and infants. The burden of disease is highest among the elderly and youngest age groups, with nearly a quarter of cases being fatal.
An international team of scientists discovered how a bacterial pathogen kills cells by preventing protein synthesis, paving the way for novel therapies to combat melioidosis. The study, led by the University of Sheffield, used intense X-rays to solve the structure of a protein from Burkholderia pseudomallei.
The university will conduct research on deciphering and controlling the signaling processes in bacterial multicellular systems and bacteria-host interactions. This study aims to understand persister formation in biofilm development and manipulate the multicellular and inter-kingdom signaling processes.
A study found that environmental growth of Acinetobacter baumannii was detected in 48% of patient rooms, with surfaces like supply cart handles and floors being most commonly contaminated. Patients with recent or remote MDR-AB colonization or infection showed similar levels of environmental contamination.
Four Michigan State University researchers are working on new projects to combat cystic fibrosis, using funds from the $110,000 grant from Hunt for a Cure. The studies aim to develop new treatments and prevent bacterial infections, with a focus on understanding the role of molecules, genes, and biofilms in the disease.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how Helicobacter pylori bacteria disrupts mitochondrial function to induce cell death. The researchers found that the bacterial toxin VacA recruits a host protein to activate apoptosis, a process linked to cancer development.
Fecal microbiota transplants have shown high efficacy in treating recurrent C. difficile infections, with a success rate of 91% in one study. The procedure has also been effective in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease, particularly when done recurrently. Researchers found that fecal transplant is a safe and effective treatment option ...
Researchers found that antibiotics are not the sole risk factor for community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection and that nursing home residence is a strong predictor of disease severity. The study identified increasing age, higher Charlson Comorbidity index, and lack of antibiotic exposure as predictors of hospitalization.
Researchers discovered a key enzyme, IreK, involved in resistance to cephalosporins, while another enzyme, IreP, regulates its activity. This understanding could lead to new strategies for controlling enterococcal infections and developing new treatments.
A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that cranberry juice is more effective than proanthocyanidin extracts in preventing biofilm formation, a precursor to urinary tract infections. The study found that cranberry juice completely prevented biofilm formation, while extracts showed limited ability to reduce it.