Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
UC Davis scientists discovered how salmonella becomes lethal for AIDS patients by finding the defect in immune response that allows it to cross the gut barrier and infect other organs. The study suggests Th17 cells play a crucial role in the inflammatory response, recruiting immune system cells to the site of infection.
The APIC Research Foundation's first national C. difficile prevalence study aims to gain a better understanding of the spread of this virulent pathogen, which causes diarrhea and serious intestinal conditions. The study will provide the first national estimate of C. difficile infection in U.S. healthcare facilities.
Researchers report a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease rates in all age groups post-PCV7 introduction. Disease caused by non-PCV7 serotypes, especially 19A, is emerging and accounts for nearly all IPD cases.
Researchers at University of Toronto have identified compounds that block the activity of a key protein (ExoS) in cystic fibrosis patients. These compounds may also serve as a model for future therapies against the HIV virus, according to a new study published in PLoS Genetics.
A study found that about 1 in 200 facelift patients developed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, highlighting the need for screening protocols to identify high-risk patients. The authors recommend considering MRSA colonization and infection risk factors during preoperative evaluation.
Job's syndrome sufferers lack Th17 cells, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell, leading to recurrent and severe infections. The study reveals the importance of Th17 cells in protecting against Staphylococcus bacteria and certain fungal infections.
Research using ERIC-PCR method found that aerobe and facultative aerobes, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, become prominent in ducklings' intestines after S. enteritidis infection. The study aims to understand the pathogenesis of S. enteritidis infection.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance through a multifaceted research approach. The institute is investing over $800 million annually in basic and translational research to understand the causes, consequences, and treatments of antimicrobial dru...
A £285,000 grant from The Wellcome Trust will support the development of new infection-control methods that do not rely on conventional antibiotics. The team will focus on understanding how Streptococcus bacteria interact with host tissues and proteins to identify targets for prevention.
Researchers have demonstrated that immunization with a stabilized version of M protein found on Streptococcus bacteria can provide protection against Strep infections. The modified M1 protein stimulates the immune system in mice without serious side effects.
Researchers found that viruses infecting bacteria in the region are unrelated to their counterparts globally, with only 5% shared DNA sequences. This contradicts previous studies suggesting widespread dispersal and uniformity of viral genotypes worldwide.
Researchers found that viruses evolve to spell their genes in the same way as their bacterial hosts, demonstrating co-evolutionary behavior. The study also revealed that regions of high codon bias in viral genomes coincide with structural protein encoding, reflecting a selection for optimized protein production.
Researchers developed a new test to detect bacterial infections in prosthetic joints, which can help spare patients from unnecessary surgery. The test uses mRNA detection and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Timothy Lu has engineered bacteriophage to boost antibiotic effectiveness, destroying bacterial defenses and enabling antibiotics to perform better. His platform also thwarts the development of stronger antibiotic resistance, extending the lifetime of existing and future antibiotic drugs.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have created silica nanoparticles that store and release nitric oxide to kill bacteria effectively. This approach avoids the issue of controlling NO release with small molecules, which can be toxic to healthy cells.
A genetic defect in the p22phox protein causes a severe immune deficiency in humans, similar to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study found that mice without this protein also develop a severe balance disorder due to the loss of gravity-sensing crystals in the inner ear.
A new technique developed by a University of Central Florida chemist will help physicians more quickly identify the bacterial infections patients have so they can be treated in hours instead of days. The method uses gold nanoparticles coated with a sugar and a protein that binds to sugars, allowing for rapid testing of antibiotics.
Recent reports show antibiotic-resistant E coli strains causing bloodstream infections, with β lactamases contributing to resistance. Rapid identification of these resistant bacteria is crucial to prevent their spread and select effective antibiotics.
A study published in PNAS identifies intestinal alkaline phosphatase as an enzyme that blocks the action of lipopolysaccharide, a molecule responsible for bacterial toxins' toxic effects. The findings suggest that feeding critically ill patients can prevent infection by stimulating IAP production.
Recovery from flu leaves lungs vulnerable to pneumonia-causing bacteria due to immune system suppression. This 'protection mechanism' may also affect response to environmental allergens.
A new mathematical model has identified minimizing antibiotic treatment duration as the optimal strategy for controlling hospital-borne antibiotic-resistant bacteria epidemics. By starting treatments early and administering drugs for shorter periods, the risk of cross-infection by resistant bacteria can be significantly reduced.
The study proposes antimicrobial cycling and patient isolation as effective strategies to curb dual-resistant bacteria in hospitals. The model's results indicate that these methods can reduce the prevalence of dual resistance, making them crucial in combating the growing threat of superbugs.
A Vanderbilt University team has discovered a protein that blocks the growth of 'staph' bacteria by sopping up manganese and zinc, offering a new way to treat infections. The protein, calprotectin, is naturally produced by immune cells in response to bacterial infections, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers developed a new treatment strategy for serious Staph infections by blocking the production of a golden pigment that allows Staph to evade immune cells. The compound, BPH-652, is a cholesterol-lowering agent that targets a similar enzyme in humans.
Researchers at Penn discovered that a bacterial toxin from Staphylococcus aureus can shut down the control mechanism of an ion channel in immune cell membranes, suppressing the immune response. This finding suggests that identifying inhibitors of the toxin may lead to new therapies for treating MRSA and other resistant infections.
Patients with severe acute pancreatitis who received probiotics had higher mortality rates than those receiving a placebo. The study suggests that probiotics may not be effective in preventing infectious complications and modulating the immune system in these patients.
A new rodent study found that chronic drinking can lead to severe pneumonia following surgery, impairing the immune system's ability to fight off infections. The study suggests that patients considering surgery should control their drinking habits and be honest about their consumption levels with doctors.
A hospital outbreak in Barcelona found that contaminated body moisturizer caused life-threatening infections in five critically ill patients. The bacteria Burkholderia cepacia was found to be present in the product, which had not been invaded after opening.
Recent studies from NIH scientists resolve debate about CA-MRSA molecular evolution, revealing a single strain USA300 as the primary cause of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The research also sheds light on how MRSA evades the human immune system and spreads rapidly.
Recent studies in Annals of Internal Medicine reveal significant advancements in palliative care and insights into sickle cell disease's prevalence. Researchers also discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcal Infections primarily affecting men who have sex with men, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention measu...
A study finds that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is linked to persistent S. aureus infections, highlighting a potential target for non-antibiotic interventions. Plague remains a current threat globally, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia, primarily through contact with infected rodents and fleas.
A new strain of MRSA bacteria has been discovered in sexually active gay men, showing a high rate of transmission through intimate contact and skin-to-skin contact. The study found that these men are 13 times more likely to be infected than the general population, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.
A recent study found that Arctic birds carry antibiotics-resistant bacteria, highlighting the global spread of antibiotic resistance. The researchers believe immigrating birds from Southeast Asia may have introduced these resistant bacteria to the tundra.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 23% of neonates born between 23 and 32 weeks gestation have positive umbilical blood cultures for genital mycoplasmas, a frequent cause of congenital fetal infection. These infections are associated with increased risk of neonatal systemic inflammatory resp...
Scientists are developing a novel treatment strategy to target the key enzyme responsible for tooth decay in Streptococcus mutans bacteria. By disrupting this enzyme, researchers hope to render the bacteria more vulnerable to acid damage and prevent the formation of cavity-causing acid.
Researchers discover polyphenols in winemaking waste inhibit the ability of bacteria to cause cavities and form biofilms, potentially leading to new treatments for oral diseases. The findings also suggest the compounds may hold clues for lessening the ability of bacteria to cause life-threatening infections.
Research finds that multiple species of Chlamydiae bacteria are involved in trachoma, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective, highlighting the need for new vaccine and treatment strategies.
A study published in PLoS Medicine finds IBCs in cystitis patients, associated with E coli and filamentous bacteria, suggesting a need for longer antibiotic treatment. The researchers collected urine samples from women with cystitis and found IBCs in nearly one in five cases.
Researchers confirm that bacteria responsible for UTIs are entrenched inside human bladder cells, contradicting previous models. The finding confirms the importance of fully understanding bacterial behavior in the bladder to develop better diagnoses and treatments.
According to a study published in the General Dentistry journal, mouthguards can harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This can lead to life-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases. Proper mouthguard maintenance, including regular cleaning and storage, is crucial to prevent disease transmission.
A new study found that benzethonium chloride is more effective in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria than other antibacterial products. The compound kills common types of non-hospital MRSA bacteria better than others, with a genuine bactericidal effect against all four tested strains.
A recent study by University at Buffalo biologists provides the most complete picture to date of the complex biological mechanisms of bacterial viruses infected with Shiga toxin. The research reveals that toxins like Shiga are used by bacteria to become mobile and can lead to more effective treatments for humans infected with it.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing functional polymers modified surfaces that can prevent bacterial adhesion and sensitize formed biofilms for antibiotic treatment. This project aims to combat the fourth leading cause of death in the US, hospital-acquired infections and diseases.
A comprehensive review of evidence shows that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines can protect HIV-infected infants against pneumococcal disease. The vaccine can significantly improve the lives of HIV-infected children by reducing mortality rates.
Scientists found that 61% of hospital samples tested positive for ESBL-producing bacteria, which can break down common antibiotics. The spread of these strains has significant economic and health consequences, including longer treatment times and increased costs.
A new molecular method can identify multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii in four hours, allowing for prompt isolation and infection control measures. This rapid test has the potential to reduce transmission and improve patient management.
New community-associated MRSA strains have emerged, spreading amongst the public in the USA, and are now a concern for children's health. These strains produce a toxin called PVL, leading to severe infections with high mortality rates if left untreated.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health found that lung transplantation rarely extends children's survival and can even increase their risk of dying. The study analyzed data from 514 patients with cystic fibrosis and found that only one patient showed a clear benefit from transplantation, while others were at a higher risk of death.
American soldiers with facial fractures can now undergo surgery to repair their injuries in the war zone, avoiding evacuation. The procedure has shown no complications or infections, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new class of long short interfering RNAs (lsiRNAs) in Arabidopsis that are induced by bacterial infection or specific growth conditions. These lsiRNAs have unique biogenesis and target degradation pathways, suggesting they may play important roles in host immunity.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device that reveals how bacteria organize to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms, which play key roles in cystic fibrosis and urinary tract infections. The study's findings could help develop new treatments and preventive measures for these diseases.
Scientists at NIAID identified a key factor contributing to the severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections. Novel proteins in drug-resistant strains of S. aureus attract and destroy protective white blood cells, ensuring the bacterium survives and causes severe disease.
A single disease-causing clone of the bacterium Leptospira interrogans was identified as the cause of a sustained outbreak of human leptospirosis in northeast Thailand from 1999 to 2003. The researchers used genetic analysis and found that the bandicoot rat was an animal host for this pathogenic strain.
A new vaccine developed by the Scripps Research Institute could block deadly staph infections by sequestering autoinducers that trigger bacterial virulence. The vaccine works by inducing antibodies that bind and neutralize these molecules, preventing the shift from harmless to virulent bacteria.
Researchers found that EHEC O157:H7 uses a protein structure called the hemorrhagic coli pilus to attach to human intestinal cells. This adhesion enables bacteria to cause severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the young and elderly.
The NHS must address issues of fairness, where doctors are scarce in areas with greatest need; responsiveness, including evening/Saturday opening of general practices; and safety, particularly concerning healthcare-associated infections. The organization also needs to improve effectiveness by adopting new techniques and approaches.
A new strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria has been detected that is resistant to all FDA-approved antibiotics and not covered by the pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine. This strain was found in nine cases, resulting in unsuccessful treatment with multiple antibiotics.
A strain of bacteria resistant to all approved pediatric antibiotics has been discovered, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The 19A strain was found in children with persistent ear infections despite antibiotic treatment, highlighting concerns over potential long-term consequences.
A Purdue University study found that biometric devices, such as fingerprint and hand-geometry scanners, contain similar levels of bacteria to doorknobs. Researchers discovered that nearly all bacteria died on the devices within 20 minutes, with E. coli surviving slightly longer than Staphylococcus aureus.
A retrospective cohort study found that international medical graduates, physicians with high practice volumes, and those who were in practice longer were more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. This inappropriate prescribing is associated with increased risk of antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and healthcare costs.