Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
A new UK/Portuguese study suggests that pets can act as reservoirs of resistance, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria to their healthy owners. The study found multidrug-resistant bacteria in both pet-owning households and among the owners themselves.
Researchers analyzed blood stem cells in mice with prior sepsis and found they were fully recovered but failed to respond to a second inflammatory stimulus, leading to inefficient immune cell production.
Researchers have developed novel antibiotics based on protein building blocks with fluorous lipid chains to fight resistant pathogens. The compounds were shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in mouse models, killing bacteria without developing resistance.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a mechanism by which a bacterial virus limits Salmonella's ability to cause infection. By compromising protein synthesis, the virus can allow the host to rehabilitate and potentially treat resistant cases.
Despite therapy, cystic fibrosis patients still suffer from persistent respiratory infections due to unregulated cell signals. By studying lung cells, scientists found a disruption in TGF-β and Wnt pathways, leading to bacterial docking station formation.
Researchers discovered that tiny RNA molecules play a decisive role in the complex interaction of attack and defence strategies when bacteria are infected with bacteriophages. The study found that these RNA molecules regulate phage genes as well as host genes, effectively explaining the destruction of bacterial cells.
A new EU study has found that over-60s are six times more likely to acquire pneumonia-causing bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae after daily contact with young children. Pneumococcal infections mainly affect children under two and the elderly, claiming almost two million lives worldwide every year.
Researchers developed novel pre-clinical models to examine the behavior of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) strains, revealing differences in aggressiveness between hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. These models provide a platform for assessing novel drugs and interventions to combat Kp-related diseases.
A new study finds that BCG vaccination reduces TB transmission in cattle by almost 90%. Vaccinated cows also develop significantly fewer visible signs of TB than unvaccinated ones. The vaccine has the potential to control bovine tuberculosis and put herds on a pathway towards elimination.
A systematic review by Gogichadze et al. suggests that active pulmonary TB screening programs targeting vulnerable populations in low-TB-incidence countries are cost-effective. The authors conclude that screening immigrants and other high-risk groups is a viable approach to detecting latent infections.
A study of two large European patient cohorts found that increased abundance of butyrate-producing gut bacteria is associated with reduced risk of hospitalization for infections. Each 10% increase in these bacteria resulted in a 14-25% lower risk of hospitalization, regardless of demographics or comorbidities.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective approach for identifying L. pneumophila using whole genome sequencing, which can analyze available specimens without culturing. This method has already been used to identify the source of deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreaks, including a 2015 outbreak in New York City.
University of Calgary researchers found that communication between the lungs and brain triggers symptoms of sickness, changing treatment approaches for respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The study also suggests targeting neurological pathways alongside antibiotics to combat infections.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discovered a link between ionophores, cellular ion balance, and inflammation. The study found that cells trigger an immune response when potassium ions fall below a certain level, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC found that primary care telemedicine visits are associated with lower antibiotic prescription rates for children compared to virtual-only direct-to-consumer providers. The study highlights the importance of integrated telemedicine within primary care settings.
A new study has discovered that Streptococcus anginosus bacteria play a significant role in causing stomach cancer. The research showed that S. anginosus infection led to gastric inflammation, cell damage, and the growth of stomach cancer cells, doubling tumour size and weight in some cases.
Tulane University researchers have developed a CRISPR-based platform for diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, allowing for accurate results in as little as two hours. The blood test can identify over 93% of patients with an NTM infection, enabling rapid treatment plans and reducing the risk of complications.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.
Researchers from the University of Kent have identified steroid drugs used for hormone replacement therapy that can stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and effectively kill MRSA. These findings suggest an alternative to conventional antibiotics, providing a potential solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Research reveals that dietary tryptophan can be broken down by gut bacteria into small molecules that bind to a receptor, triggering a pathway that reduces the production of proteins used by E. coli to attach to the gut lining. This ultimately prevents the pathogen from colonizing and causing infection.
A team of international scientists has developed an effective treatment for preventing infection in chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics. The new method involves the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings, producing a unique mix of chemical oxidants that are effective in decontaminating and aiding healing.
Research on over 600,000 TB cases reveals 80% have no persistent cough, delaying diagnoses and transmission, with high infection rates among symptomless individuals. The study suggests rethinking current diagnostic practices for more effective TB identification.
A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.
A study by Amsterdam UMC and University of Cape Town found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is present in the respiratory aerosol of 90% of suspected TB patients, including those with negative sputum tests. This raises concerns about unknowingly transmitting infection and highlights the complexity of TB transmission.
A new study published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance found that pathogenic bacteria E. coli and A. baumannii employ shared and unique mechanisms to acquire resistance to antibiotics ciprofloxacin and GP6. The researchers developed a method to track the acquisition of drug resistance using whole genome sequencing, which revealed t...
A team of researchers has determined the detailed mechanism of cyclization catalyzed by the cyclization domain of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase from Thermoanaerobacter italicus. The study reveals that the enzyme produces β-glucosidase-resistant compounds and features a transglycosylation reaction.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered a way to trick bacteria into sending death signals to stop the growth of their slimy biofilms, which can lead to deadly infections. The study found that these 'death extracellular vesicles' can reduce bacterial growth by up to 99.99% in laboratory experiments.
A study by Duke University researchers found that an overgrowth of nerve cells in the bladder may be responsible for persistent pain and urinary frequency after recurrent UTIs. The team identified a potential new treatment strategy by targeting mast cells, which release chemicals that drive nerve growth factor and increase sensitivity.
Researchers found hundreds of new genes in these bacteria, which may offer clues to curb antibiotic-resistant infections. Insects and other invertebrates are likely the greatest natural source for enterococci bacteria, including those that are naturally resistant.
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub have isolated and genotyped Leptospira bacteria from Austrian cattle, revealing a widespread and adaptable strain that poses a public health risk. The study's findings highlight the need for improved diagnostic tests and biosecurity measures to prevent infection on farms.
Researchers have designed a chemical sensor array, or an artificial tongue, that distinguishes dental bacteria and can inactivate them. The artificial tongue uses nanoscopic particles coated in DNA strands to detect the presence of bacteria, and can distinguish between healthy and diseased individuals with high accuracy.
Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered a zinc pathway defect in immune cells of people with cystic fibrosis, leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. The team identified a potential solution by restoring the macrophages' ability to kill bacteria with a zinc transport protein.
Scientists found a mutation in E. coli that allows it to spread further into the body and infect organs, causing life-threatening diseases. The discovery helps explain why certain types of E. coli become more dangerous and provides an explanation for emerging virulent bacteria.
Rumbaugh's lab aims to understand the effects of dispersing bacteria from a biofilm on their susceptibility to antibiotics and on the host. They will use enzymes as tools to break up biofilms, allowing researchers to better comprehend the relationship between bacterial dispersal and infection outcomes.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.
A new analysis method for detecting bacteria in blood has been confirmed to provide accurate and fast results at smaller hospitals, enabling quicker antibiotic treatment. The test revealed a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use and an improved patient outcome in one out of four cases.
Researchers from Osaka University found that gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce periodontitis-related bacteria in patients with type 2 diabetes. This simple method may improve the lives of people with periodontitis-linked diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers use bacteriophages to target and kill drug-resistant bacteria, with a patient experiencing complete resolution of infection after combination therapy. However, immune response may lead to recurrence, highlighting need for further clinical trials.
Researchers found that an imbalance of CD4+ T cells in the lungs can exacerbate tuberculosis, leading to increased disease severity and reduced survival rates. Removing a specific receptor that recognizes extracellular ATP can improve the response of these T cells and potentially lead to new therapeutic interventions.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered a tiny worm species that can control crop pests in warm, humid environments. The new Steinernema adamsi nematode is nearly invisible and can kill insects with a low dose, making it a potential alternative to pesticides.
A new study suggests hydroquinine, a naturally occurring compound found in tree bark, can effectively disinfect contact lenses and combat keratitis infections. The compound killed 99.9% of bacteria at the time of disinfection, making it a potential alternative to existing disinfecting solutions.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified 137 unique T cell epitopes targeted by the immune system in patients with active TB. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapies for the disease, which affects over 1.3 million people worldwide.
The University of Texas at Arlington is advancing its understanding of deadly disease tuberculosis (TB) with a new research project led by associate professor Kayunta Johnson-Winters. The project aims to understand why certain types of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria do not respond to treatments.
Researchers found that resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli can remain in the body for up to nine years after initial infection. The study's key findings highlight the need for tailored treatment approaches to combat persistent infections.
A machine learning technique called LASSO was used to analyze blood samples from six countries, identifying seven genes that can predict the risk of developing a secondary respiratory bacterial infection. The findings aim to guide clinicians in making more informed decisions about antibiotic use.
Researchers have developed a mussel-inspired antimicrobial coating that can effectively protect healthcare fabrics from pathogens and reduce the risk of infection. The coating has been shown to exhibit high efficacy against a broad spectrum of microbial species, including multi-resistant microorganisms.
Northwestern University researchers successfully engineered a virus to destroy itself from the inside out, killing a deadly bacterium. The study represents a critical step towards creating new therapies to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A highly infectious and antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain, known as B5/H24RxC, has been identified in a Chinese children's hospital, leading to two outbreaks. The strain is resistant to powerful antibiotics like carbapenems, making it a significant public health concern.
A new epidemiological study reveals that bacterial meningitis can cause significant and lasting neurological disabilities in children. The infection can be cured with antibiotics, but it often leads to permanent impairment. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 people who contracted bacterial meningitis as children and found a high...
A team of researchers identified a CTP-dependent transcription factor controlling Shigella virulence gene expression, providing new avenues for combating this and related bacterial pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis.
Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.
A team of researchers from UMass Amherst and Seattle Children's Research Institute found that prior exposure to certain bacteria changes the lung's innate immune response, making it more vulnerable to tuberculosis. The study suggests that remodeling the innate immune system could be a more effective strategy in fighting TB.
The fungal pathogen Rosellinia necatrix produces antimicrobial proteins during host colonization, which helps it overcome the inhibitory effects of plant-hosted bacteria. This finding highlights the importance of antimicrobial strategies in plant-pathogen interactions.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that anti-HIV drugs can prevent liver abscess formation during Escherichia coli infections by blocking reverse transcription. This mechanism could lead to a new way of treating and preventing deleterious consequences following bloodstream infections.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that the immune system's response to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be tricked into producing non-protective antibodies, making vaccines ineffective. The study suggests targeting subdominant antigens for future vaccine development.
A new study reveals that bacteria associated with gum disease promote COPD through the activation of γδ T cells and M2 macrophages in the immune system. Researchers found that mice infected with periodontitis and COPD had worse progression, highlighting a potential new strategy for treating COPD.
Researchers have discovered how the TamAB system helps Salmonella survive under harsh conditions inside macrophages. The study found that TamAB creates favorable conditions for the Bam complex to work, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Understanding this process could help in developing treatments for Salmonella infections.
Researchers found microbial contamination on high-touch hospital surfaces, including pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria, in a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study highlights the need for more effective disinfection protocols to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
A new research effort, led by University of Oklahoma's Zhibo Yang and San Diego State University's Laura-Isobel McCall, aims to investigate the role of bystander cells in infectious diseases. By examining metabolism changes in non-infected cells near infected cells, researchers hope to gain insights into possible disease progression.