Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Out-patient clinics and offices can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, C.difficile, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Implementing infection control strategies such as hygiene, education, and careful prescribing of antibiotics can minimize transmission.
The European Union has awarded $4 million to support the development of new antibiotics and vaccines against pneumococcal infections. Researchers from 13 international institutions are working together to combat this deadly disease, which claims over 60,000 lives annually in Germany alone.
Researchers identified LXR proteins as a new target in the fight against tuberculosis, providing substantial protection against infection. Additionally, studies revealed that immune cells can destroy AAV-transduced liver cells through CTL recognition, suggesting a potential therapeutic intervention to improve gene therapy success.
LXRs play a protective role against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by boosting Th1 and Th17 immune responses. Treatment with LXR activators provides substantial protection from infections.
Researchers found that bacteria in mosquito's gut inhibit infection with Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite. The study suggests that the microbial flora of mosquitoes stimulates immune activity protecting them from malaria infection.
Researchers discovered that the influenza virus can paralyze the immune systems of healthy individuals, leading to severe secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia. The study found that this immunological paralysis is long-lived and specific to influenza infection.
A parasitic bacterium may reduce mosquito lifespan and limit dengue fever transmission. Infected mosquitoes become more active as they age, but their activity levels don't increase further.
Scientists have developed nanoparticles that release nitric oxide to combat drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections, improving wound healing and reducing bacterial counts. The therapy has shown promise in treating MRSA and other infections, with plans for clinical trials.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered tufted bacteria can attach to premature babies' skin, causing infection. The bacteria's unique hair-like structures facilitate adhesion, while LL37 antimicrobial peptide helps inhibit growth.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a powerful relief for kids' chronic eczema using diluted beach baths. The study found that giving pediatric patients with moderate or severe eczema reduced signs of infection and improved the severity and extent of the eczema on their bodies.
Current treatments for cystic fibrosis, including hypertonic saline, macrolide antibiotics, and ibuprofen, are crucial for improving life expectancy. Patients with CF can benefit from airway clearance techniques, nutrition supplements, and medications to prevent bacterial infections.
Scientists identify Psl as key component in Pseudomonas biofilm development, enabling bacterial cells to resist efforts to kill them. The discovery offers new potential therapies targeting the sugar to prevent biofilm formation.
A study by the University of California, San Diego found that 67% of injection drug users in Tijuana test positive for TB, which increases their risk for HIV infection. The analysis highlights the urgent need for TB screening and treatment for this high-risk population.
Researchers identify previously unrecognized defense mechanisms that improve treatment of viral skin infections. They found that immune cells in the skin, such as dendritic cells and memory T cells, can trigger a strong response to infections, providing efficient and long-lasting immunity.
Eating two and a half ounces of baby broccoli sprouts daily for two months reduced HpSA levels by over 40% in infected individuals, suggesting potential protection against gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. However, the study did not cure infection or eradicate H. pylori colonization.
Researchers found that eating broccoli sprouts daily for eight weeks significantly reduced Helicobacter pylori infection levels in humans. This reduction is expected to lead to a decrease in stomach cancer risk due to the well-established cause-and-effect link between H. pylori and stomach cancer.
A study found that periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis can reactivate latent HIV-1 in infected individuals. The bacteria induce histone acetylation, leading to HIV-1 reactivation. Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for preventing AIDS progression.
A new combination of antimicrobial drugs and peptides has been developed to target MRSA, resulting in a 99.97% kill rate and 1000x increased effectiveness compared to existing treatments. This approach also prevents bacteria from producing toxins and is unlikely to lead to resistance.
A year-long study found that frequent handwashing by hospital staff and visitors significantly reduced MRSA transmission rates. The study's results suggest that isolating infected patients may not be the most effective strategy for controlling MRSA superbug infections.
A study found 46 different species of bacteria in newborn babies' stomach contents, including two not typically found in the body. Improved dental hygiene may help reduce pregnancy complications and infections in newborns
Researchers found that within-household transmission of trachoma is more efficient than community transmission, accounting for almost three quarters of new infections. Treating all infected household members during mass antibiotic administration can prevent rapid re-infection and slow community spread.
Researchers at UCL Eastman Dental Institute have developed a light-activated antibacterial coating that can kill 99.9% of E. coli bacteria when exposed to white light. The coating, made of titanium dioxide with added nitrogen, has shown promise in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
The discovery of slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in TB patients' lungs may lead to the design of new anti-TB drugs. These slowly growing bacteria are non-responsive to treatment with isoniazid, contributing to prolonged treatment times and relapse rates.
A study by Wan Li Low and colleagues found that combining low concentrations of tea tree oil and silver increases antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This method allows for controlled release and may lead to safer, over-the-counter antiseptic compounds.
A CDC analysis reveals that a multifaceted MRSA prevention program employing positive deviance techniques triggered significant reductions in MRSA incidence, ranging from 26 to 62 percent. The hospitals also saw a decline in methicillin-resistant infections, demonstrating progress in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs.
Researchers discovered that premature newborns lack the ability to form a 'death NET', a crucial white blood cell trap that kills bacteria. This defect may contribute to severe infections like sepsis and pneumonia in preterm babies, highlighting the need for new treatments.
The Seattle Times reporters Michael Berens and Ken Armstrong won the American Society for Microbiology Public Communication Award for their three-part investigation into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Washington State hospitals. The series, known as "Culture of Resistance," highlighted microbiology's role in cont...
The University of Pittsburgh will focus on developing new strategies to prevent and control antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as C. difficile, A. baumannii, and MRSA. The four-year grant aims to improve infection surveillance and reduce healthcare costs associated with these resistant infections.
Researchers found that USA300 and its forefather USA500 are nearly identical in virulence and have similar levels of virulence gene production. They also discovered that alpha toxin and alpha-type phenol-soluble modulins play a crucial role in determining the severity of community-associated MRSA infection.
A joint study from Helmholtz-Centre and immunologists found that flu infection facilitates and intensifies pneumonia bacteria infections. Researchers discovered that lack of immune cells does not cause increased susceptibility to superinfections.
The Burkholderia cepacia complex's ability to produce exopolysaccharide slime complicates cystic fibrosis treatment, as it can form biofilms that protect bacteria against antibiotics and natural defenses. This superbug's potential for causing serious infections may have been underestimated due to its lab-grown behavior.
Effective measures to prevent and control hospital infections from antibiotic-resistant organisms include proper hand hygiene, a clean environment, and early patient identification. Hospital-acquired infections are more common in patients with certain risk factors such as older age, severe disease, or prolonged antibiotic use.
Researchers in Colorado discovered a way to disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by targeting protein and DNA with specific enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment strategies for infections caused by this bacteria, which are prevalent in burns, wounds, and cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers develop anti-inflammatory therapy that blocks NF-kappa-B's movement into the nucleus, preventing excessive lung inflammation and damage. The treatment showed effectiveness in a mouse model of acute lung injury, offering hope for improved therapies for life-threatening pneumonia.
Research reveals that chemicals in cranberries, called proanthocyanidins, prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells. This prevents the development of UTIs, which burden the healthcare system with significant treatment costs.
Mobile phone handsets used by hospital workers are highly contagious with bacteria, including MRSA, and can lead to infections ranging from skin complaints to life-threatening illness. The study recommends strict infection-control procedures and decontamination methods to prevent the spread of infection.
Researchers developed a virus that knocks out bacterial defense systems, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics. The engineered virus targets specific bacterial genes, preventing resistance from developing and increasing survival rates in mice infected with resistant bacteria.
Researchers uncover way to genetically modify Clostridium difficile and solve mystery surrounding its toxicity, revealing toxin B as the cause of severe disease. The discovery has the potential to save lives and healthcare systems billions of dollars annually.
Researchers identify PARF motif bacteria as cause of rheumatic fever, a precursor to rheumatic heart disease. A new test strip reacting to the PARF motif is being developed to filter out cases and treat them at an early stage.
New research finds that universal childhood vaccination against meningococcal C has significantly reduced the incidence of the most deadly strain of bacterial meningitis in Canada. Provinces with early implementation of the vaccine program showed a dramatic decline in cases, while those introduced later showed no major changes.
Scientists have found that combining FDA-approved drugs meropenem and clavulanate is effective in killing laboratory-grown strains of Mtb, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for people infected with XDR TB, a rare but deadly form of multidrug-resistant TB.
Researchers identified two molecules, yersiniabactin and salmochelin, that enable E. coli to survive and reproduce by stealing iron from their hosts. This discovery presents a potential way to selectively eradicate pathogenic E.coli strains without affecting beneficial ones.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that bacteria causing urinary tract infections produce compounds called siderophores to steal iron from their hosts. These tools provide a potential way to target bad strains of bacteria for eradication without affecting good strains. The discovery could lead to new treatment...
A study published in JAMA found that MRSA central line-associated BSIs declined significantly in all six adult ICU types and remained stable in pediatric ICUs from 2001-2007. The decline is attributed to improved adherence to prevention guidelines, better care practices, and reduced transmission between patients.
A recent CDC study reveals a steady decline in intensive care unit catheter-associated MRSA bloodstream infections since 2001. SHEA President Mark Rupp emphasizes the need to focus on preventing infections caused by multiple organisms rather than just one, such as MRSA.
Researchers find increasing risk of staph infections from ocean beach users, but also discover sponge and coral-derived chemicals that could break down antibiotic-resistant compounds. New tools to fight antibiotic resistance have been identified, including novel antibiotics and chemicals with potential for personalized medicine.
Research reveals swimmers using public ocean beaches increase their risk for staph organism exposure and potential infections. Taking precautions like showering before entry can reduce the risk of infection.
Researchers from MIT indicate that underlying gastrointestinal infections increase severity of acute diarrhea and delay recovery. The analysis provides a model for evaluating new preventive strategies or therapeutic treatments.
Researchers have discovered a transient protective effect of herpesvirus infections in mice, suggesting possible benefits against bacterial pathogens. The findings, confirmed by Dr. Marcia Blackman's team, contradict previous suggestions that vaccinated individuals may experience unintended negative consequences.
Researchers at Scripps Institute successfully capture the crystal structure of an intermediate viral particle, revealing a dynamic process of protein coat assembly. The study provides fresh insights into viral protein interactions and suggests potential targets for interrupting virus assembly.
Researchers have developed a nanoemulsion that effectively kills a wide range of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including those causing cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses ultra-fine oil-and-water emulsions that disrupt bacterial outer membranes, making resistance unlikely and offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers at UBC discovered a mimic of nature's antibiotic that can protect surfaces from bacteria and fungi, potentially reducing medical problems like degeneration or rejection of implants. The synthetic peptides are active when attached to surfaces, killing harmful bacteria and fungus.
The lack of new antibiotics is exacerbating the antibiotic resistance crisis, with 'super bugs' becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The divide between research and development, and real-world application is hindering efforts to combat these life-threatening infections.
A new study suggests that a twist on old medical technology could save limbs by treating infections in soldiers with compound bone fractures. Colistin-laced bone cement may prevent the spread of deadly A. baumannii infections, which are widespread among US troops in Afghanistan.
Research found that Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles within macrophages, increasing resistance to antibiotics and evading the immune system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the life cycle of H. pylori and potential new drug targets.
Research by Arizona State University scientists reveals that APEC can be transmitted from poultry to humans through shared genetic material, highlighting the need for a vaccine to prevent infections. The study identified key genes responsible for disease-causing effects and suggests these could be used to develop vaccine candidates.
A new study reveals that non-food factors such as swimming and private well water exposure pose significant risks for sporadic bacterial enteric infections, comparable to food-borne risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of controlling these environmental exposures to prevent outbreaks.
Lung airway epithelial cells initiate an immune response to inhaled bacteria by signaling white blood cells to move into the lungs. Researchers have identified a way to inhibit proteases and restrict junctions between cells, reducing inflammation and allowing optimal white blood cell response.
Researchers have decoded the language of memory cells that protect against re-infection, a breakthrough in understanding immunological memory development. The study reveals distinct program generates memory cells for vaccine effectiveness and cancer research applications.
A study by University of Iowa researchers has documented MRSA in swine and swine workers in the US for the first time. The investigation found a high prevalence rate of MRSA among swine and swine handlers, suggesting transmission between animals and humans.