Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Research finds bacteria in subgingival plaques of periodontally diseased individuals are also present in their heart arteries, potentially causing inflammation and increasing heart attack risk. Maintaining good periodontal health is advised to prevent this potential effect.
Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoke both impair lung defenses against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes pneumonia and other infections. Researchers exposed rats to smoke and varying levels of alcohol, then infected them with S. pneumoniae, finding that the combination increased bacterial penetration into the lungs.
Two studies document a significant rise in superbugs, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), affecting people worldwide. The prevalence of MRSA has more than doubled, with 76% of community-acquired isolates being resistant to antibiotics.
A new study reveals that E.coli bacteremia affects up to 53,000 non-institutionalized seniors each year, with a significant risk of septic shock and death. Researchers suggest developing a vaccine could save many lives, but currently, there is no similar vaccine available.
A Columbia University/University of Iowa study reveals that inherited variations in the Factor H gene may trigger age-related macular degeneration through inflammation and immune responses. Researchers found that targeting molecules involved in immune system response could lead to powerful new therapies for treating and preventing AMD.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a molecule that detects parasitic infections in humans, shedding light on how the body recognizes parasites. The discovery of Toxoplasma profilin and TLR11 provides crucial information for developing novel strategies to combat parasitic infections.
Researchers identified two strains of lactobacillus that can trap and block HIV, potentially providing a safe and cost-efficient method for preventing its spread. The technology could be used to protect infants and women in poor countries via fermented foods or feminine products.
Three marine phages, sequenced from cyanobacteria in low-nutrient oceans, exhibit genes adapted for infecting photosynthetic bacteria. These genes may help the host maintain photosynthesis during infection, and could influence phage ecology and range.
Scientists have found that Pseudomonas bacteria can switch between two phases, improving their competitive advantage. The switches are caused by spontaneous gene mutations, enabling the bacteria to respond more quickly to changes.
Researchers found a strong association between high levels of C. pneumoniae antibodies and the occurrence of heart attacks in young men. The study suggests that C. pneumoniae may play a role in the pathogenesis of heart disease, but further research is needed to confirm the link.
Researchers found that hormonal contraceptives and bacterial infections like BV and GBS increase the risk of shedding type-2 herpes. Treatment for these infections may help reduce HSV-2 shedding frequency, controlling its transmission.
A novel genetic vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been developed using a modified adenovirus vector expressing a region of the outer membrane called OprF. Immunization with this vaccine induces antibody production and protects mice from deadly doses of the bacteria, even after repeated exposure.
Researchers have found that a key clone of community-acquired MRSA has evolved from the 1950s pandemic-causing strain, developing resistance to meticillin antibiotics. The highly-virulent toxin Panton-Valentine leucocidin is shared by both strains, posing a serious public health challenge.
A novel vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been successfully tested in mice, inducing antibody production and protection against the deadly bacteria. The vaccine uses a modified adenovirus vector expressing a region of the bacteria's outer membrane, which was previously recognized as a promising vaccine candidate.
A study suggests that community acquired MRSA has evolved from a 1950s pandemic-causing strain, developing resistance to treatment by powerful antibiotics. The new strain shares the same highly-virulent toxin and poses a serious public health challenge.
A study of 127 young women found that those who developed physically later were more likely to contract HPV, chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis. Younger, more sexually mature teens had lower infection rates due to higher estrogen levels.
Purpura fulminans is a newly emerging deadly disease characterized by skin lesions and tissue damage. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified three recommended treatments for purpura fulminans, including antibiotic therapy against Neisseria meningitidis and methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
The first UK cases of Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) have been reported in gay men, mostly from London. The disease is caused by a particularly invasive strain of Chlamydia trachomatis and can lead to chronic infection with fistulas and problems with the lymphatic system.
A new study suggests that child care attendance can lead to higher rates of pneumococcal carriage in both children and non-children. The research model predicts that communities with more children in child care have higher carriage rates among all age groups. Vaccination, good hygiene, and regular toy cleaning are key preventive steps.
Bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus are major causes of neonatal infections and deaths in hospital settings. Infections can be spread through unhygienic conditions, contaminated hands of healthcare providers, and antimicrobial resistance.
A new type of T lymphocyte called the Tn cell has been discovered by researchers at U.Va. that regulates neutrophil production. The process is known as the neutrophil turnstile, which uses negative feedback to adjust neutrophil numbers in response to bacterial presence.
Researchers discovered that bacteria's pili induce changes in host gene expression, keeping host cells alive longer. The study found that artificial mechanical pull on the host cell membrane triggers a signaling cascade to affect host gene expression.
A recent study by VUMC researchers confirms a dramatic spread of MRSA in the noses of healthy children, with 9.2% positivity rate, up from 1% three years ago.
Researchers aim to control biofilm formation by manipulating quorum sensing in bacteria. They are designing new compounds that mimic natural molecules to disrupt bacterial signaling, potentially preventing hospital infections.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a biochemical target that could lead to a new class of antibiotics to fight TB. They found that inhibiting an enzyme in a common biochemical pathway can stop the bacteria from multiplying and eventually kill them.
Phage nucleic acid transport poses a fascinating biophysical problem. Researchers used fluorescently labeled phage DNA to investigate the dynamics of DNA ejection from single phages, demonstrating that release is not an all-or-none process but rather a complex and stepwise process.
University of Florida researchers have developed a patent-pending method to improve antibiotic development, combining testing of various drug concentrations at the site of infection with laboratory analyses and mathematical models. This approach aims to reduce the lengthy and expensive trial-and-error process that can take years.
Shigella bacteria uses a Type III secretion system to inject proteins into human cells, causing inflammation and symptoms of dysentery. The bacteria's lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shield protects it from being destroyed by the immune system.
A randomized trial found that 3-day regimens of amoxicillin-clavulanate were less effective than ciprofloxacin in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis in women. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was also less effective among susceptible bacterial strains, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
Researchers found that UTI-causing E.coli strains matched genetically with bacteria from cows and are resistant to antibiotics. The discovery has major public health implications due to the practice of administering subtherapeutic antibiotic doses in animals.
A study found that induction at 32 weeks pregnancy can significantly lower infections in both mom and baby, as well as shorten hospital stay for newborns. This approach may be a viable option for women with prolonged premature membrane rupture to minimize potential infection risks.
Researchers at VIB have discovered a way to prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, potentially leading to a new treatment for chronic urinary tract infections. By targeting the protein Adhesine FimH on the bacteria's pili, a new medication could be developed to combat this widespread problem.
A study found that rats infected with E. coli as newborns had impaired memory in adult life when exposed to an immune challenge. The researchers suggested that this may be due to altered cytokine production and changes in brain architecture, potentially linking early-life infections to later disease susceptibility.
Research from Imperial College London finds that bacterial communities mirror human social life, with close contacts more likely to share infections. Despite potential advantages like antibiotic resistance, the variation in pathogen strains' ability to spread is largely explained by chance.
Researchers will investigate the spread of 'superbugs' and develop more effective antimicrobial agents and vaccine strategies to treat lung infections. The goal is to determine when segregation of CF patients is necessary, reducing social strain on families and individuals.
Researchers found that diabetic patients are more likely to develop bacteremia caused by urinary tract infections, leading to a higher risk of death. The study suggests that diabetics should seek medical care promptly if they experience signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection or bacteremia/sepsis.
A case report reveals a traveller from a tsunami-affected region developed mucormycosis, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that travellers repatriated from affected areas can serve as predictors of infections in survivors.
A recent study explores the issue of antibiotic misuse, finding that more than half of patients in the US are taking unnecessary antibiotics for colds and flu. The study aims to educate providers and patients on proper use of antibiotics, highlighting the risks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Enterococcus faecalis uses a Sonar-like system to detect human blood cells and produce a toxin in response, providing a potential mechanism for developing new antibiotic treatments. This discovery could also be adapted to help the aging population cope with vision loss.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that pulsatile lavage equipment was the cause of an Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak, infecting 11 patients. The investigation led to changes in hospital procedures, including wearing masks and gloves during procedures and using private treatment rooms.
Yale researchers, Jorge Galán, Ruslan Medzhitov, and John Carlson, have been awarded $3 million to investigate Campylobacter jejuni and its impact on the immune system. The funding will support their work in understanding infectious disease mechanisms and developing new treatments.
Researchers analyzed 829 S. aureus strains from Rotterdam and found three major and two minor genetic clusters, mirroring UK study results. However, the new study identified hypervirulent clones associated with serious infections in healthy carriers.
Research suggests a common viral lineage among viruses infecting hosts from all three domains of life, based on structural similarities in their coats. The study found that these similarities may point to sites of enzymatic activity that could be targeted with anti-viral drugs.
The Global Pertussis Initiative recommends introducing universal adolescent vaccination programs and vaccinating certain target groups to enhance immunity. Adolescents are at risk of contracting whooping cough if they don't receive booster shots, making them a key population for vaccination.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a key mechanism by which E. coli bacteria adhere to the urinary tract. The finding sheds light on the mechanisms driving urinary tract infections, allowing for potential new treatments and survival strategies under stressful conditions.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that bacteria in biofilms rapidly diversify, providing a form of biological insurance against adverse conditions. This diversity increases the bacteria's capabilities and may contribute to the difficulty in eradicating chronic infections caused by biofilms.
In a breakthrough discovery, Stanford researchers have found that mast cells can provide protection from sepsis by destroying a molecule that contributes to the pathology and death associated with this bacterial infection. The study reveals a new role for mast cells in limiting damage caused by endothelin-1.
Researchers have identified a new protein structure in E. coli that helps understand how the bacteria attach to human kidney cells and secrete an adhesive protein. The discovery could lead to new treatments for urinary tract infections and other related diseases.
The NIH awarded Indiana University a $7 million grant to establish the Midwest Sexually Transmitted Infections and Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center. The center will focus on researching epidemiology, acquisition, prevention, and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections in young women.
A study found that 10% of college football players had MRSA skin infections, with cosmetic body shaving increasing the risk by 43%. The researchers recommend discontinuing body shaving to decrease infection risk. Proper disinfection of whirlpools and antibacterial soap dispensers in showers can also help control MRSA spread.
A study found that women treated with clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis experienced more frequent increases in E. coli concentrations and higher rates of clindamycin-resistant bacteria compared to those treated with metronidazole. In contrast, metronidazole therapy resulted in increased colonization by protective Lactobacillus species.
A study of 2,279 patients found that hand washing was a key factor in preventing MRSA infections. Patients who received antibiotics were more likely to be infected with MRSA due to unclean hands among healthcare workers.
Paratek Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated disease protection in preclinical studies using non-antibacterial tetracycline compounds, which have no detectable antibacterial activity. These compounds show efficacy comparable to minocycline in reducing limb paralysis in the EAE model of MS.
Researchers identify Photorhabdus asymbiotica, a bioluminescent bacterium that causes pustulent sores and is linked to the plague. The study highlights the potential for emerging diseases to evolve from insect pathogens.
Researchers have found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis recruits more macrophages to granulomas despite the host's defense mechanisms, suggesting a new strategy in mycobacterial infection. The study used zebrafish embryos to visualize cell recruitment into granulomas and identified the RD1 genetic region as crucial for virulence.
Scientists have identified 313 up-regulated and 207 down-regulated E.coli genes in mouse urine, revealing new insights into bacterial growth and virulence factors. The study provides valuable information on growing conditions and could lead to more effective treatments for urinary tract infections.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America states that endocarditis and meningitis are better treated with bactericidal drugs, while urinary tract infections can be effectively managed with bacteriostatic drugs. Corticosteroids are recommended for bacterial meningitis to prevent inflammation.
A survey of 606 recurrent chronic sinusitis or bronchitis sufferers found that nearly a quarter reported missing three or more days of work due to their illness. Antibiotics were associated with faster recovery times compared to over-the-counter medicines, particularly for symptoms lasting one to two days.
A study found that nearly a quarter of weight loss surgery patients tested positive for H pylori, and 48% experienced significant upper GI symptoms. Treatment for these patients was recommended to alleviate postoperative foregut symptoms.
A study of US patients treated with ZYVOX for complicated skin infections caused by MRSA found significantly better clinical cure rates (92% vs. 86%) and reduced healthcare costs ($652 per patient). The treatment's oral option also facilitated earlier discharge, contributing to cost savings.