Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fire stations are contaminated with MRSA, with the most common areas being medic trucks and kitchens. The research suggests that transmission between personnel and environmental surfaces may be occurring, highlighting the need for further studies.
In a breakthrough study, three young children with severe hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) after an EHEC infection have been successfully treated with eculizumab. The treatment, which targets the immune system's destructive reactions, led to dramatic improvements in kidney function and neurological disorders.
Researchers analyzed 35 highly-cited studies and found that fewer than half of biomarkers had statistically significant associations with disease risk in larger follow-up studies. Only one in five original studies increased a patient's relative risk for a condition by more than 1.37.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that patient cell phones were more likely to contain potentially dangerous bacteria than those of healthcare workers. The researchers also discovered seven patient phones with multidrug-resistant pathogens, highlighting a potential risk for nosocomial infections.
Researchers found that cooperative bacteria can evolve behaviors that eliminate fitness advantages derived from cheating within social groups. The 'policing' mechanism allows cooperators to outcompete cheaters in mixed groups, but also strongly benefits cooperator cells in certain contexts.
Three teams of Tufts graduate students have won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award program for their research on clean water, renewable energy, and green medical technologies. The winners will use their prize money to develop solutions to pressing global challenges.
A study found that infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can lead to Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice, and researchers suggest that this may be due to a modified cholesterol produced by the bacteria. The findings could have implications for understanding the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers found Wolbachia bacteria can significantly reduce Plasmodium falciparum levels in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The bacteria also killed mosquitoes after feeding on blood, potentially providing a strategy to control malaria.
Monitoring healthcare worker adherence to mandatory hand-washing protocols is crucial in preventing outbreaks of the opportunistic C. diff bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vigorous washing with soap for 15 seconds before leaving a patient's room.
Researchers found that extracts from six Indian wild plants effectively killed bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida. These natural remedies offer hope against resistant species, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Researchers found that gut bacteria can influence brain chemistry and behavior, with changes in bacteria disrupting behavior and increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Disrupting the normal bacterial content of the gut with antibiotics also produced changes in behavior.
Scientists at the University of Alberta discovered the first step in a bacterial immune response, where RNA is cut into pieces to target invading viruses. This finding has implications for controlling bacterial growth and fighting human infections.
A new study found that bacterial infection alone is not a reliable indicator of poor lung function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Instead, early childhood factors such as body mass index and nutritional status appear to play a significant role in determining lung function later in life.
Research suggests that linezolid is a more effective treatment than vancomycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by MRSA. Linezolid showed higher clinical and microbiologic success rates, with cure rates being higher at the end of treatment.
Scientists have identified a class of naturally occurring bacteria that can strongly inhibit malaria-causing parasites in Anopheles mosquitoes. The study found that Enterobacter inhibits parasite growth by producing short-lived molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing malaria infection by 98-99%.
Researchers at Boston University discovered that adding sugar to antibiotics increases their effectiveness in targeting 'persisters' - bacteria that survive antibiotic onslaughts. This approach has the potential to improve lives and reduce healthcare costs for millions.
A study of 150 children on temporary breathing devices found that shorter antibiotic courses were just as effective in treating respiratory infections without increasing the risk of drug-resistant infections. Careful evaluation of the need for antibiotics and shortest treatment duration are recommended to curb antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed a low-cost sensor that can identify infectious bacteria by smell, offering a faster diagnosis than traditional methods. The sensor uses a printed pigment array to detect unique chemical signatures from each bacterium, identifying specific species and strains in just a few hours.
A study published in Pediatric Pulmonology found that azithromycin can reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants colonized or infected with Ureaplasma bacteria. The treatment showed a 21% reduction in BPD development and death rates in treated infants, compared to placebo.
Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common oral bacteria, facilitates disease and infection spreading from the mouth through the bloodstream. This bacterium is linked to increased risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found a new Salmonella infection mechanism targeting the actin cytoskeleton and exploiting myosin II motor protein. This approach allows bacteria to pull themselves into host cells without forming ruffles, expanding the known invasion strategies.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease face a sixfold greater risk of death from Clostridium difficile infection if admitted to hospital, according to a new study. The researchers recommend proactive screening for IBD patients on admission to protect them from serious illness.
A team of researchers at the University of Guelph has developed a potential vaccine against Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterium linked to stomach cancer. The sugar-based antigen caused mice to develop antibodies against the bacteria.
A new probiotic treatment has been shown to reduce the rate of recurrent urinary tract infections in women. The study found that women who received a Lactobacillus crispatus intravaginal suppository had lower infection rates compared to those who received a placebo.
A NIH study found that active surveillance for bacteria and barrier precautions did not reduce the transmission of two important antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospital-based settings. The use of gloves and gowns was also not sufficient to prevent bacterial spread.
A new research study found that a commonly used strategy to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria in hospital ICUs had no significant effect. The study, which used active surveillance and expanded use of barrier precautions, did identify a large subgroup of patients not previously known to be colonized with MRSA or VRE.
Researchers found that manuka honey can inhibit bacterial attachment to tissues and make MRSA more sensitive to antibiotics, reversing antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of cheaper and more effective treatments for wound infections.
Scientists have successfully mutated specific genes of Chlamydia bacteria using a new approach called Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING). This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of the infections and develop new strategies to prevent and control them.
Research suggests that stress alters the balance of intestinal bacteria, leading to increased levels of immune biomarkers and priming the innate immune system. The study found that antibiotics can reduce this effect, highlighting the role of gut bacteria in modulating stress-induced immune responses.
Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.
Research suggests that probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 can reduce negative effects of AIEC in Crohn's patients, modulating inflammatory immune proteins. The study emphasizes the potential of EcN in IBD treatment and its use as a therapeutic option for CD patients with pathogenic AIEC.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that hands-free electronic water faucets are more likely to be contaminated with Legionella bacteria compared to old-style fixtures. The study found that these new devices pose a problem in preventing Legionella infections in hospitals, despite reducing daily water consumption by over half.
Researchers detected high numbers of CRKP in long-term acute care hospitals, with 42% of cases occurring in these settings. The study highlights the need for heightened surveillance to monitor emerging pathogens like CRKP.
A new study published in Pain journal finds that acupuncture has little convincing evidence of effectiveness in reducing pain, while causing serious adverse effects. The authors call for better training of acupuncturists to minimize avoidable harm.
Researchers found that zeta toxins convert a compound required for bacterial cell wall synthesis into a poison that kills bacteria from within. The toxin-antitoxin systems, which are normally dormant under normal conditions, can be activated to trigger programmed cell death in response to stress.
Researchers found potentially pathogenic microbes on at least 50% of orthodontic retainers, with Candida and Staphylococcus species commonly present. Biofilms on the retainer can be difficult to remove and have high levels of resistance to antimicrobials.
Dr. Susan Huang and researchers from the Translational Research Prevention Epicenter - Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc. will study prevention and treatment of hospital-borne microbial infections caused by MRSA and other pathogens. The goal is to identify effective strategies to reduce MRSA infection and hospitalization.
Research found that used woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi, including species of Staphylococcus and molds. Proper sanitation and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent the spread of illness and infection in children who play these instruments.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are developing new approaches to reduce health-care-associated infections. Investigating the use of probiotics to prevent pneumonia in ventilated patients and evaluating the effectiveness of a new antibiotic in preventing Clostridium difficile infection are two key areas of focus.
Scientists at NIAID discovered how E. coli O157:H7 infects humans by altering the host's immune responses, allowing it to evade elimination and prolong survival. This mechanism could be relevant to other pathogens involved in foodborne diseases, such as Shigella and Salmonella.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered that children with asymptomatic H. pylori infections have lower iron levels compared to those without the infection. The study found that even in healthy children, the bacterium causes a decrease in iron storage, which may have long-term health consequences.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that community gym surfaces do not appear to be reservoirs for MRSA transmission. The researchers collected 240 samples from three local gyms and found none to be positive for MRSA or MSSA, suggesting that aggressive disinfection programs may not be warranted.
Researchers found that multi-drug tolerant organisms can form within days of infection in zebrafish and grow inside host macrophages, helping to promote the continuation of TB. Inexpensive drugs like verapamil may block tolerance mechanisms, potentially shortening treatment duration.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases article explores possible explanations for NDM-1 cases in Balkan countries. Authors suggest two hypotheses: independent emergence or import from the Indian subcontinent via medical tourism.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified a particularly virulent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known as the 'superbug', that causes aggressive infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The team used new DNA sequencing technology to understand how the bacteria adapts to infect patients and develop targeted treatments.
A new Johns Hopkins Children's study suggests that timely and proper wound cleaning and draining may be more important than the choice of antibiotic in treating MRSA skin infections. The researchers found that 95% of children recovered completely within a week, regardless of which antibiotic they received.
Scientists have identified a compound found in Eastern Red Cedar trees that effectively fights methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. The compound's discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for deadly MRSA infections, which are resistant to most medications.
A new anti-microbial collar is being designed to prevent bacterial infections associated with broken bones, reducing infection rates by up to 85%. The device aims to kill bacteria before they can spread, and could reduce NHS costs by avoiding complications.
Researchers have discovered a new way to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by targeting the bacteria's RNA degradation process. The approach, which uses an inhibitor called RNPA1000, shows promise against MRSA biofilms and other antibiotic-resistant strains.
Researchers have discovered a novel molecular mechanism that triggers plant infection by Pseudomonas syringae, a bacterium responsible for bacterial speck in tomatoes. The two-gene system is an evolutionary innovation that has provided the bacteria with a selective advantage, allowing them to infect a wide range of plants.
A study published in American Journal of Infection Control found that MRSA screening in ICUs can be cost-effective and save hospitals money. The research estimated that the screening could result in savings of almost $500 per hospital admission under optimal assumptions.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that certain strains of Listeria monocytogenes can invade the heart, leading to serious and difficult-to-treat cardiac infections. The bacteria display modified proteins that enable easier entry into cardiac cells, making them a new target for treatment.
Research reveals how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria adapt to evade the immune system and antibiotic treatments by forming small colony variants. These 'dormant forms' can persist within host cells for weeks, leading to relapsing infections.
A sub-population of Listeria monocytogenes displays enhanced cardiac tissue infectability, increasing the risk of serious cardiac disease. Diagnostic tests based on bacterial genetic markers could protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers have discovered a new method to fight bacterial infections associated with contact lenses, breaking apart molecular scaffolding that encases bacteria and reducing infection rates by 79.2%. The treatment has promising early results for treating microbial keratitis, cystic fibrosis, and severe burns.
A new company, Fixed Phage Limited, has been launched to commercialize technology developed at the University of Strathclyde to tackle bacterial infections and contamination. The technology uses bacteriophages, naturally occurring viruses that are non-toxic but effective against bacteria.
New research reveals that odontoblast cells in teeth orchestrate an immune response to protect against bacteria-induced decay. The cells produce proteins that down-regulate inflammation, protecting the underlying pulp from damage.
Research reveals erythropoietin (EPO) has contrasting influences on infectious and inflammatory diseases. EPO reduces the ability of the immune system to fight off systemic infections but decreases inflammation in non-infectious conditions.
A team led by Caroline Genco is studying the cellular mechanisms responsible for immune system activation and its link to chronic inflammation caused by persistent bacteria. The study focuses on two pathogens, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Porphyromanas gingivalis, which can lead to atherosclerosis and other systemic diseases.
Scientists have developed a stable RNA nanoparticle that can power biological motors and resist enzyme breakdown, paving the way for RNA nanotechnology applications. This innovation could lead to new treatments for cancer, viral, and genetic diseases.