Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers from Michigan State University have uncovered a key bacterial protein that disables plant defense proteins, allowing bacteria to invade and destroy crops. This discovery has the potential to inform novel disease control strategies, particularly for human bacterial pathogens.
A groundbreaking study found that nearly all children with chronic otitis media have resistant biofilm bacteria in their middle ears, rendering antibiotics ineffective. This discovery sheds new light on the treatment of chronic ear infections and suggests alternative approaches such as probiotics.
A $2.8M NIH grant enables researchers to explore a harmless bacteriophage, nicknamed the 'Bronx Bomber,' that disrupts the biofilm coating of Mycobacterium smegmatis, potentially leading to more effective TB treatments.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a technique to coat implants with zinc or titanium oxide nanosurfaces, significantly reducing bacterial growth and promoting bone growth. The new method has the potential to lead to safer, longer-lasting implants for millions of Americans undergoing joint replacements.
Researchers discovered that listeria bacteria first infect the placenta before using it as a breeding ground and then infecting other organs. The bacteria proliferate rapidly in the placenta before pouring out to cause infections.
A study found that external 'condom' catheters reduced the risk of urinary tract infections by 80% compared to indwelling catheters. The condom catheters were also associated with lower rates of discomfort and pain, making them a more comfortable option for patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified the QseC receptor used by a diarrhea-causing strain of E coli to initiate infection. By using phentolamine, an alpha blocker drug, they successfully impeded signaling to the receptor, blocking bacterial infections.
Researchers have discovered a bacteriophage with a structure similar to human rotavirus, providing new information on the formation of viral particles and genetic distinction. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary origins of viruses, which likely share common ancestors across species.
Researchers De Paepe and Taddei found that bacteriophages exhibit life history trade-offs between survival and reproduction, with rapid reproducers suffering higher casualties outside the host. Two physical parameters account for most of the observed variation in survival, suggesting a fundamental property of evolving entities.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a protein secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that plays a critical role in the infection of cystic fibrosis patients. The discovery provides evidence for a new treatment target, offering hope for combating this deadly disease.
Severe sepsis is a significant health problem causing death and ill-health in UK hospitals. Reliable data tracking is needed to plan resources and campaigns to improve outcomes.
Researchers used FDG-PET imaging to diagnose osteomyelitis, achieving a 93% accuracy rate. The study's findings support the use of FDG PET as a diagnostic tool for chronic osteomyelitis.
Researchers discovered that an endogenous peptide called LL-37 plays a critical role in preventing urinary tract infections. Boosting LL-37 levels may provide a new way to prevent UTIs and offer a defense against the infection.
Researchers have discovered a promising drug target, LipB, essential for M. tuberculosis survival and replication. The protein's structure has revealed its activity in activating cellular machines driving the bacterium's metabolism.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect and identify wound bacteria, significantly reducing the time it takes for lab personnel to figure out what type of bacteria is present. This allows for more accurate treatment to begin sooner, which can help prevent antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have identified four key genes in Porphyromas gingivalis that allow it to infect and survive inside artery cells. The study found that mutating these genes impaired the bacterium's ability to invade cells, providing a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found sulfur-eating bacteria infect giant tubeworm larvae through their skin, not stomach as previously thought. The bacteria then induce tissue differentiation to form the trophosome, a specialized organ housing the symbionts.
A study published in Nature found that caspase-12 deficient mice are resistant to peritonitis and septic shock, clearing pathogenic bacteria more efficiently. The absence of caspase-12 reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production, increasing vulnerability to bacterial infection and septic mortality.
Scientists have identified a new disease-causing bacterium in an immune-compromised patient with chronic granulomatous disease. The bacterium's pathogenesis was demonstrated through the isolation of the organism from lymph nodes and exposure to CGD mice, highlighting its potential as a model for studying microbial killing mechanisms.
Researchers identified a novel disease-causing bacterium in patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a rare immune disorder. The bacterium, Granulobacter bethesdensis, is part of the Acetobacteraceae family and was found in inflamed lymph nodes.
Researchers discovered a link between oral bacteria and preterm birth, finding Bergeyella bacteria in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. This pilot study suggests that oral bacteria may play a role in premature deliveries, which can lead to health challenges for babies and increased medical costs.
A new vaccine strategy has been developed to generate an attenuated strain of Listeria monocytogenes, which affects vulnerable humans such as the chronically ill and young children. The vaccine approach showed rapid clearance and stimulation of T-cells in both normal and immunocompromised mice.
Researchers found that feeding animals, touching them, and failing to wash hands after visiting petting zoos are strongly linked to E. coli O157:H7 infections. Simple handwashing was shown to be an effective preventive measure against infection.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 63,000 patients hospitalized for pneumonia between 1999 and 2003. Vaccination was associated with a 40-70% lower risk of death during hospitalization compared to unvaccinated or unknown status patients.
A new wound monitor uses hybrid sensor technology to detect bad bacteria in the air emitted from a wound, enabling rapid and non-invasive infection diagnosis. The device aims to improve early detection of infections, reducing discomfort for patients with severe burns, skin ulcers, or gaping wounds.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a single dose of azithromycin significantly reduces the risk of trichiasis recurring for up to one year after lid surgery. The researchers compared azithromycin to six weeks of topical tetracycline treatment and found that azithromycin resulted in one-third fewer recurrences.
A study found that 76% of children exposed to tobacco smoke carried pneumococci, compared to 60% of those not exposed. Higher carriage rates are associated with a higher risk of infection, according to lead author David Greenberg, MD.
Researchers at U of MN found that a diverse inventory of T-cells is essential for optimal immune function. They developed a method to monitor small numbers of specific T-cells in mice, revealing that these cells survive and activate more effectively in normal quantities.
A novel vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing middle ear infections in young children, reducing episodes by about a third. The vaccine targets the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, which are leading causes of infection.
A Stanford scientist argues that persistent bacterial infections may provide beneficial effects on the host, such as protection against certain cancers. The researcher notes that many organisms cause disease but often remain asymptomatic, and that messing with microbes can lead to unforeseen consequences.
A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found that snakes become infected with Salmonella through exposure to contaminated environments, not just by eating contaminated food. The knowledge gained from this study can help prevent reptile-associated infections and inform safe handling practices for snakes and other pets.
Between 2000 and 2003, Sweden reported an increasing number of MRSA infections, peaking at 544 cases in 2003. A significant portion, 433 cases, were acquired outside the country.
Researchers at UCSD have found that disease-causing Strep bacteria release an enzyme that degrades neutrophil DNA nets, allowing them to escape the immune system and spread in body tissues. This discovery could lead to new treatments by inhibiting this enzyme, making it easier for the immune system to clear the pathogen.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method to analyze the sugar coating on bacteria, allowing for faster diagnosis of infections. The technique uses lectin microarrays to identify specific sugars on bacterial surfaces, providing valuable insights into how the immune system recognizes bacteria.
Researchers capture the structure of a virus poised to inject its genetic material into a host cell for the first time, providing unprecedented detail. The images show a long coil of DNA dangling inside the viral shell, waiting to be ejected via a protein channel just inside the shell exterior.
Researchers discovered a gut protein called FXR that protects the small intestine from bacterial invasion by binding to bile acids. This finding provides hope for treating conditions of the small intestine, such as sepsis and intestinal damage.
Researchers have discovered four genes in tuberculosis bacteria that enable it to capture iron from the environment, a crucial step in its survival. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-tuberculosis drugs by targeting these genes.
A new biosensor developed by GeneFluidics enables accurate identification of bacteria in urine samples with a rapid turnaround time, reducing the two-day wait period for conventional lab tests. This innovation has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with urinary tract infections.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how viruses infect cells using cryoelectron microscopy and computational methods. The study reveals the importance of proteins beyond the surface shell in binding to host cells, injecting DNA, and packaging it during virus formation.
Researchers at VIB have discovered the mechanism behind reduced inflammation in mice, which produces just enough interferons to activate the immune system against bacteria. This finding is relevant to the quest for new therapeutics for bacterial infections and may provide a breakthrough in combating these deadly diseases.
A team of biologists developed improved software to analyze virus structures, revealing new details about the Epsilon 15 virus that infects salmonella. The advancements enable scientists to observe previously invisible features, including non-symmetric components and a core with unknown function.
Researchers screened 480 strains of soil bacteria for resistance to 21 antibiotics and found that all were multi-drug resistant. The study suggests that studying resistance in the soil can help predict future clinical problems and guide the development of new therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that MRI offers more detailed views and specific information on cochlear implants than CT scans. This enables surgeons to determine the best surgical technique, electrode arrays, and ear placement for each patient.
A Hopkins investigation found that a newly introduced catheter valve was linked to a spike in bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit. The team identified mechanical issues with the device as the likely source of infection, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of technology's safety.
The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other drug-resistant bacteria has been increasing in intensive care units nationwide. Researchers found a decrease in MRSA strains resistant to multiple drugs, which they attribute to community MRSA strains replacing hospital-associated strains.
A recent study found nearly one-third of the US population is colonized with staph bacteria, with a significant increase in drug-resistant superbugs. The prevalence was highest among males and children between 6-11 years old, with MRSA affecting 0.8% of participants.
Researchers discovered that Francisella tularensis can bypass the immune system's sensors and only triggers a response once inside a monocyte. This finding may lead to better treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and the plague. Understanding how the human immune system reacts to F. tularensis could provide new avenues for treatment.
A new study suggests that heartburn medications may be contributing to the spread of community-acquired C. difficile (C. difficile) infection. Over a 10-year period, community C. difficile cases increased from less than one case per 100,000 people in 1994 to over 22 cases per 100,000 by 2004. The study also found that most patients who...
A recent scientific study found that a specific gene variation on chromosome 17 is associated with an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis. The MCP-1 protein, which attracts immune cells to sites of infection, was found to play a crucial role in the early immune response to TB-causing bacteria.
The LINK Applied Genomics Programme accelerated application of genomics knowledge in biomedicine through industry-academia collaboration. Highlights include nerve tissue regeneration, personalized cancer treatment, rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases, and vaccine development against salmonella.
Researchers have identified three newly recognized bacteria highly specific to bacterial vaginosis, a condition affecting up to 10% of pregnant women. The study aims to understand why lesbians and bisexual women are more likely to experience BV and develop strategies to prevent its recurrence.
A new approach to fighting MRSA infections suggests allowing harmless bacteria to live in hospitals, creating a natural protection against more virulent strains. By doing so, antibiotic-free hospitals with 'good' bacteria can test the effectiveness of this method, potentially reducing the spread of deadly MRSA.
New data from ECCO suggests a strong correlation between Chlamydia psittaci infection and development of ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL), with C. psittaci found in 78% of all OAL cases but only 23% of non-cancerous disease cases.
Toxoplasmosis, a parasite carried by domestic cats, is linked to mental health issues like schizophrenia and reduced average intelligence. Indoor cats and stopping stray feeding are recommended to prevent transmission.
Moxifloxacin could be the first new treatment for TB in over 40 years, shortening treatment period by nearly two months. Researchers aim to assess ability of antibiotic to cure disease more effectively and with better patient tolerance.
Researchers investigated risk factors for TB infection in 979 children from Istanbul, Turkey. They found that the absence of a BCG scar was a strong, independent risk factor for infection, while its presence reduced the risk by 24%. The study suggests that BCG vaccination also protects against TB infection, opening new avenues for deve...
A retrospective study found that patients treated with oral ZYVOX had lower healthcare resource utilization and costs compared to those treated with vancomycin. The average total cost per patient was $4,630 less for ZYVOX patients.
Sheila West and colleagues found that yearly mass treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis infection in a Tanzanian community. However, infection re-emerged after 1-year, highlighting the need for sustained antibiotic coverage.
The prevalence of drug-resistant gonorrhoea is increasing in South Africa, with reports of treatment failure coinciding with the emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. The country's health department has been urged to take action and conduct nationwide surveillance to assess the extent of the problem.
A two-year study compared HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with community-acquired pneumonia, finding no significant differences in hospitalization length or mortality rate. Treatment of HIV improves patient health and reduces infections like bacterial pneumonia.