Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created 'conversation stoppers' that can block bacterial communication signals, offering a new approach to combat deadly bacterial infections. These small organic molecules can be combined with antibiotics to deliver a powerful one-two punch and minimize resistance development.
A group of tannins found in cranberries can transform E. coli bacteria into spheres, alter cell membranes and make it difficult for them to bind to cells. The results suggest whole cranberry products may have the greatest health effects against certain infections.
A study published by Infectious Diseases Society of America found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are causing an increase in muscle infections, particularly among children. The researchers discovered a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus associated with more severe disease, and emphasized the need for physicians to consider ini...
The Pall eBDS System is a highly sensitive culture-based test that detects bacterial contamination of red blood cells, reducing the risk of sepsis and death from transfusion. The system's novel approach to detection measures oxygen consumption as a marker for bacteria, allowing for effective detection of commonly found contaminants.
St. Jude researchers have solved a 25-year mystery by discovering the first biochemical step that many disease-causing bacteria use to build their membranes. The discovery holds promise for effective, new antibiotics against these bacteria, which would not cause dangerous side effects.
Researchers developed a novel approach to assessing the risk of water-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, by measuring bacterial DNA in environmental waters. The method provides a quantitative risk assessment for human disease and has implications for health departments monitoring water safety.
Researchers report first case of total suppression of male killing in a butterfly, revealing genetic conflict between elements promoting life and death. Breeding experiments show that counteracting elements can spread quickly through the population, potentially leading to widespread disappearance of male-killing bacteria.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of a new drug, daptomycin, for treating bloodstream and heart infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The FDA has approved the drug for these types of infections, offering an alternative to vancomycin.
A study by Penn State researchers found that breaks in hibernation may be an evolutionary mechanism to combat bacterial infections. Regular wake-ups help animals avoid serious infection while minimizing energy loss.
Researchers are investigating antioxidants for preventing or treating rickettsia bacteria, a deadly tick-borne illness. The study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for rickettsial diseases.
Researchers found different types of immune response in children with varying levels of infection, including pro-inflammatory and regulatory responses. These findings may help design vaccines to prevent trachoma infection.
Patients with highly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa are twice as likely to die from hospital-acquired pneumonia. Inappropriate antibiotic treatments contribute to higher mortality rates.
Scientists have identified two genes that Wolbachia manipulates when infecting the fruit fly Drosophila simulans, shedding light on the genetic basis of Wolbachia infection. This discovery could lead to the development of genetically modified mosquitoes that can help control malaria transmission.
A recent study published in Annals of Surgery found AVELOX to be equally effective as a multi-dose combination therapy for treating intra-abdominal infections, with improved cure rates among hospital-acquired infections. The treatment showed a significantly higher cure rate and better safety profile compared to the standard regimen.
Researchers developed a vaccine using irradiated Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, providing better protection against disease than traditional heat-killed vaccines. The irradiated vaccine retained the ability to activate the immune system through Toll-like receptors, promoting long-term immunity.
The launch of Tygacil (tigecycline) in the UK marks a significant step forward in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and Escherichia Coli. The new antibiotic has been developed to overcome common mechanisms of resistance and offers a single effective therapy for complicated skin and soft tissue infections.
Researchers have identified a possible mechanism used by an important motor protein that enables bacteria to travel through the bloodstream and infect organs such as the heart. The discovery may lead to the development of new pharmacological therapies that can target and kill bacteria, preventing or minimizing damage to the heart muscle.
A new study found a significant link between periodontal bacteria and the risk of heart disease, specifically acute coronary syndrome. The research suggests that specific bacteria, including T. denticola, T. forsythia, and streptococci spp, may contribute to inflammation and increased white blood cell counts.
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.