Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
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.
A new study by Duke neuroscientists identifies the source of learning difficulties as an overactive immune response, triggered by early-life infections. The researchers found that specialized immune system cells in the brain called microglia release a signaling molecule called Interleukin-1, which can impair learning and memory.
Researchers found that certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have genetic variants that enable them to form biofilms on cardiac devices. This discovery offers clues for preventing infections in patients with implanted devices, which currently cost thousands of dollars and millions of dollars in healthcare costs each year.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic variation in Staph bacteria that increases its ability to form bonds with fibronectin, leading to infections in implanted cardiac devices. This discovery has implications for preventing biofilm-related infections and could lead to new protocols for assessing risk.
Researchers found that specific genetic variants in Staph surface proteins create stronger bonds with human blood proteins, leading to infection. The study aims to develop techniques to prevent these infections by understanding the initial step of biofilm formation.
A recent study has demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper surfaces in reducing hospital-acquired infections. By replacing traditional objects with antimicrobial copper versions, the study found a significant decrease in bacterial growth and infection rates.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the dynamic intestinal ecosystem, suggesting new approaches to prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and viral infections. They found that certain bacteria can increase polio virus infectivity by activating it.
The Trudeau Institute has made a breakthrough in treating Listeria infections by identifying a key role for blood-clotting proteins in immune defense. The study suggests that FXI-targeted therapeutics may be useful for treating severe infections caused by Listeria and other sepsis-causing bacteria.
The Peggy Lillis Memorial Foundation honors Dr. Sherwood Gorbach for his pioneering research and efforts to combat Clostridium difficile infection, a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. The award recognizes his contributions to increasing prevention and minimizing death and disability from C. diff.
A global team of scientists has identified a natural mutation in Clostridium difficile that causes the bacterium to produce hypervirulent strains resistant to antibiotics, leading to severe bowel infections.
Researchers have identified a toxin called SElX released by MRSA that triggers an extreme immune response. By targeting this toxin, it may be possible to prevent severe infections and high fever associated with MRSA.
Scientists analyzed polymorphisms in the MIF gene to identify its role against bacterial infections. The study found specific variants that protect against meningitis and increase mortality.
Researchers discovered that vitamin D is essential for triggering an effective immune response against tuberculosis, a potentially fatal lung disease. They found that T-cells release a protein called interferon-γ that requires sufficient levels of vitamin D to activate immune cells and kill the bacteria.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism where Chlamydia trachomatis tricks host cells into taking up the bacteria by coating itself with a growth factor made by the cells. This disguise creates a positive feedback loop, enabling bacterial infection and spread.
The TB bacterium has a unique molecule on its outer surface that blocks the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key protein in the body's immune response. This allows the bacterium to remain infectious and evade the host's defense.
A study found that residential washing machines often can't kill dangerous hospital-acquired bacteria at lower water temperatures. Washing with hot water and ironing afterwards can eliminate MRSA and Acinetobacter from uniforms.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism by which Burkholderia pseudomallei develops resistance to ceftazidime, making it difficult to detect. The study found that genetic mutations lead to the production of a protein important for bacterial cell division, rendering the drug ineffective.
Paul Kenis and James Slauch have been recognized as University Scholars for their exceptional contributions to the field of chemical engineering and microbiology. Their research focuses on developing novel microfluidic tools and studying Salmonella bacteria to understand its virulence and develop new treatments.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing strategies to diagnose and prevent two of the most pervasive food-borne microbes, focusing on extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and noroviruses. The new initiatives aim to improve food safety and reduce human illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.