Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that bacterial cells 'vote' on their fate based on sub-cellular variables, rather than random chemical events. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that cell fate decisions are determined by environmental noise.
Researchers design plastics to capture signaling molecules, blocking bacterial infection and biofilm formation. The approach aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce the risk of infections.
A team of researchers led by Malak Kotb has found that as dominant members of a bacterial community surrender to host immune defenses, they are replaced by a hyperaggressive, mutant minority population that thrives and takes over. This study provides new insights into the dynamics of bacterial evolution in live species.
A new bacterial species found in the fly that transmits African sleeping sickness has been identified as a potential tool for controlling the disease. The bacterium, named Serratia glossinae, has shown promise in killing the parasite that causes the disease and could lead to new treatment strategies.
A recent study published in the journal Surgery found that mechanical bowel preparations (MBPs) do not reduce perioperative infectious complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 patients and concluded that MBPs have no clinical benefit for this procedure.
Researchers have created a two-in-one formula combining an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug, delivered via nano-sized particles that extend medication duration. This development holds promise for easier treatment of bacterial keratitis, potentially reducing hospitalization rates.
A North Carolina State University researcher found that bacteria from insect bites can be passed to human babies by the mother, causing chronic infections. The study suggests a possible link between maternal infection with bacteria like Bartonella and birth defects.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation on silicone surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of new antimicrobial drugs and additives to prevent hospital-acquired fungal infections.
A team of scientists has turned an ornamental plant into a tool for combating citrus greening, a bacterial disease threatening the world's citrus crop. Periwinkle plants were found to be effective in screening treatments and responded well to antibiotic compounds tested to reduce infection rates.
Researchers found that antibodies from HIV-infected Africans bind to LPS, blocking protective 'killing' antibodies. Removing these antibodies allows for effective killing of Salmonella bacteria. The study identifies potential alternative vaccine targets in outer membrane proteins.
Research reveals that pathogenic strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) cause urinary tract infections by binding to bladder cells and triggering high levels of interleukin, an inflammatory cytokine. GBS infection may be more common than previously thought due to lack of clear risk factors.
Richard Goldstein, a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded an Individual Biomedical Research Award for his project on developing a vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The proposed vaccine targets highly conserved surface proteins across all pneumococcal strains.
Long-term elder care residents, HIV-infected and hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of carrying MRSA in their noses. The study found varying quantities of MRSA, with some individuals having as few as 3 colonies and others up to 15 million.
An experimental immune-boosting drug that increases type I interferon production hastens tuberculosis (TB) in mice. The treatment also draws more macrophages to the lungs, where TB bacteria thrive, leading to severe lung tissue damage and worsened disease outcomes.
Bacteria recognize and develop resistance to vancomycin through a specific sensing mechanism. The discovery provides new understanding of the molecular basis of vancomycin resistance and represents an essential first step in developing new antibiotics that can evade bacterial sensing mechanisms.
ARS scientists have developed a method to access and ferment almost all plant sugars in wheat straw, boosting ethanol output by 93 gallons per ton. However, they also found that certain bacteria can infect ethanol plants, causing yield decreases of up to 27%.
A chemical compound, when combined with antibiotics, effectively destroys biofilms produced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The compound also re-sensitizes resistant bacteria to antibiotics, making it a promising treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
Researchers found that thyme essential oil can almost completely eliminate bacteria within 60 minutes, with high efficacy against Staphylococcus species. The study suggests that essential oils could be a cheap and effective alternative to antibiotics, reducing the risk of new strains of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant gonococcal bacteria threatens to make gonorrhoea extremely difficult to treat. Current treatment antibiotics may soon lose effectiveness due to rapid resistance development.
Scientists use micro-particles to mimic bacterial scents, tracking immune cell responses. Neutrophils migrate towards single chemical-releasing particles within minutes.
Researchers have discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis stimulates macrophages to accumulate fat droplets, turning them into 'foamy' cells that can reawaken the latent TB infection. This cellular transformation allows the bacteria to leak out into the airways and progressively destroy lung tissue.
A Johns Hopkins study found that community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) colonization rates increased among pediatric ICU patients, with younger children and African-American children more affected. Universal screening upon hospital admission and weekly screenings can help curb the spread of MRSA.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found a significant association between HIV infection and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) rates. CA-MRSA cases were nearly six-fold higher in HIV-infected patients compared to those without HIV, highlighting the need for education and research into preventive strategies.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious Diseases Society of America have released new clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults. The guidelines update recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control measures to address changes in epidemiology and disease severity.
A new study reveals that Clostridium difficile infections are now surpassing MRSA infections in community hospitals, increasing the risk of life-threatening diarrhea and colon inflammation.
The study found that daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces with a spore-killing bleach disinfectant wipe significantly reduced C. difficile infections in two high-incidence units. The team aimed to reduce hospital-acquired cases to over 20 days between infections but achieved an impressive 137-day streak without a single infection.
A new study reveals that fungi have the capacity to quickly change their genomes and become infectious to plants and animals, including humans. This discovery raises concerns for crop agriculture and human health, as fungal diseases are more difficult to treat than bacterial diseases.
A Kansas State University study found that Helicobacter infections dramatically change the immune system's response to intestinal damage in trauma patients. This means that therapeutics aimed at stopping complement activation may not be effective for infected individuals, requiring different treatment approaches.
A study found that daily chlorhexidine bathing in a trauma center reduced the rate of MRSA colonization and treatment-resistant bacteria infections. Patients who received chlorhexidine baths were less likely to acquire catheter-related bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by MRSA.
Researchers identified YfiBNR signaling system in P. aeruginosa responsible for SCV formation and persistence in CF patients. c-di-GMP triggers massive exopolysaccharide production and reduced growth rates, conferring resistance to macrophage phagocytosis.
A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to prevent 74% of recurrent cases of pneumonia and meningitis in HIV-infected adults in Africa. The vaccine was particularly effective in patients with low CD4 counts, a group previously considered ineligible for vaccination.
Scientists have identified a specific N-glycan that enables arabidopsis plants to recognize and resist bacterial infections. This discovery could lead to the development of new plant varieties with built-in immunity against diseases.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a novel approach to studying Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and deadly inflammatory disease. Mice infected with Salmonella bacteria developed symptoms consistent with human secondary HLH, including fever, anemia, and neurological signs.
A Michigan State University study found a significant association between frequent cow exposure and human Group B streptococcus infection. The research suggests that zoonotic transmission may be occurring, with increased frequency of cattle exposure linked to human colonization.
Research reveals that flu-induced stress response is critical for resistance to secondary infection, involving increased production of glucocorticoids to control inflammation. The study found that mice without GCs were better able to suppress secondary bacterial infections, but lacking GCs led to a lethal excessive inflammatory response.
A signaling protein, GM-CSF, plays a vital role in fighting bacterial infections and inflammation in the intestinal tract. Its deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to persistent gut infection, severe inflammation, and disease duration.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a key protein, TRPV2, that plays a crucial role in helping macrophages capture and destroy germs. The protein helps macrophages bind to bacteria more effectively, which enables the immune system to clear infections more efficiently.
Indiana University researchers have identified a mechanism used by the tuberculosis bacterium to evade the body's immune system and discovered a compound that can block its survival. The IU team synthesized the compound I-A09, which successfully blocked the TB bacterium's activity in laboratory tests.
Researchers found that maggot 'biosurgeons' used to treat chronic wounds are vulnerable to deadly bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can kill the maggots within 20 hours. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment of wounds and development of novel antibiotics.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered how Listeria monocytogenes triggers an endogenous pathway that dampens the host's own immune response. The bacteria makes infected immune cells release interferon-αβ, which reduces immune resistance to infection and causes food poisoning. This finding highlights the crosstalk betwee...
Researchers discover that beneficial gut bacteria play a crucial role in priming the immune system to combat future infections. The study found that these 'good' bacteria influence neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, and suggest that prolonged antibiotic use may compromise immune function.
Aged mice treated with a macrophage-specific growth factor exhibit enhanced resistance to bacterial infection, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. The study's findings provide insight into the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to age-related increased susceptibility to infections.
Research from Malawi and the UK reveals a two-pronged immune response that could combat even the most resilient strains of nontyphoidal Salmonella. Protective antibodies have been identified that recognize bacteria in the blood and kill them without immune cell help, offering hope for an effective vaccine.
A new study found that using procalcitonin levels to prescribe antibiotics in intensive care units can reduce antibiotic exposure while maintaining patient safety. The study showed a significant reduction in antibiotic-free days among patients treated with procalcitonin.
A new study suggests that flu can increase susceptibility to secondary bacterial super-infections, which can lead to high mortality rates. The research found a lethal synergy between the influenza virus and Haemophilus influenzae, mediated by innate immunity, and highlights the need for early antiviral and antibiotic treatment.
McGill researcher discovers a link between contaminated chicken and E. coli bacteria causing urinary tract infections in young women. The study highlights the need for better food safety measures and antibiotic use regulations in agriculture.
Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection may enhance immunity against tuberculosis by inducing expression of interferon gamma and other cytokines. This protection may help determine whether someone infected with TB gets a latent or active disease, offering potential new insights into managing the disease.
Researchers identified statins as a potential new use for treating sickle cell disease in children, finding they reduced bacterial invasion and prevented cell death. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment with statins may reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal infections in these patients.
Researchers developed a rapid-acting disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi on surgical instruments, including those resistant to conventional disinfectants. The new formula is safer, cheaper and more effective than existing treatments against prions, which cause deadly illnesses.
The study reveals how Wolbachia manipulates the sex lives of its hosts, favoring female offspring to spread the infection. This knowledge could lead to more effective ways to fight human diseases spread by insects like malaria and dengue fever.
A new study reveals that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) occurs in distinct geographical clusters across Europe, indicating diffusion through patients moving between hospitals. This suggests that MRSA is mainly spread by patients who are repeatedly admitted to different hospitals.
Researchers at UNC have discovered a single calcium atom controls bacterial motility required for infection. By blocking this site, the bacteria can't move, stopping its ability to establish infections like meningitis. The finding identifies a key step in bacterial infection and could lead to new drug targets.
Researchers found that glycyrrhizin improves the ability of damaged skin to produce antimicrobial peptides, which help prevent bacterial growth and infections. The study suggests that this compound could lead to lower death rates associated with burn-related infections.
A sudden increase in antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains is spreading globally, posing a significant threat to public health. Researchers warn that the misuse of powerful antibiotics may lead to the development of even more resistant strains, rendering current treatments ineffective.
Using disinfectants can promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This adaptation enables the bacteria to survive and infect patients even without exposure to antibiotics.
A new study reports a significant surge in drug-resistant Acinetobacter infections among US hospitals, with over 300% increase in cases resistant to imipenem. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive solutions to address this growing public health threat.
Researchers at Binghamton University identified three key regulators required for biofilm formation, which could lead to new treatments for chronic infections. Biofilms are implicated in over 80% of chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and conventional antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective.
Scientists discovered that membrane ruffles are not essential for Salmonella to penetrate host cell membranes. A new factor called WASH promotes bacterial invasion by contributing to cytoskeletal filament formation.
Researchers found that tubercle formation is a critical step in TB infection, and that epithelial cells produce MMP9 enzyme to recruit macrophages. Blocking this pathway may lead to new therapies for TB and other inflammatory conditions.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower-cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of high-energy fats and their biofuel byproducts easier and potentially less costly.