Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Researchers discovered that the HMW1B protein forms a tetramer structure, unlike previously thought monomers, which creates an active pore for substance movement across cell membranes. This finding may lead to new targets for drugs to treat H. influenzae infection.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a new mechanism in bacteriophages that allows them to rapidly evolve new variants to target bacterial resistance. This discovery has the potential to create
Researchers found that bacteriophages can rapidly evolve new variants to target resistant bacteria, opening up possibilities for developing dynamic anti-microbial agents. The discovery could provide a renewable resource of smart antibiotics for treating bacterial diseases.
A new study by the European Union shows that group A streptococci (GAS) infections are more common than previously thought, with an estimated 18-20,000 cases per year across the EU. The study also reveals a higher number of different bacterial types, with nearly 200 types currently identified, and potential antibiotic resistance issues.
A study of 13,271 Salmonella infection cases in Sweden found that 87% were contracted abroad, with most coming from Spain, Greece, and Turkey. The number of diagnoses for a rare type of Salmonella Enteritidis increased dramatically among visitors to Greece in 2001.
Matthew Bottomley, a researcher at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, has won the 2004 EMBO Science Writing Prize for his captivating article on bioluminescent squid. The prize of 1,500 Euro will be presented to him at the EMBO Members Meeting in October this year.
Researchers discovered that streptokinase, an enzyme produced by Streptococcus, enables its infection in humans while showing minimal activity against other mammals. The study creates a transgenic mouse model for studying human-specific microbes.
Researchers discovered that Streptococcal bacteria use an enzyme called streptokinase to block the human blood clotting response and spread within the body. The study found that subtle variations in plasminogen genes may explain why some people are more susceptible to strep infections.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a movie of the T4 virus infection process, revealing conformational changes in the baseplate that enable scientists to visualize the infection process. This improved understanding could lead to deeper insights into viral behavior and potential gene therapy techniques for human patients.
A phase 1 vaccine trial has demonstrated that a group A streptococcal vaccine appears safe and well-tolerated, inducing immune responses capable of conferring protection against multiple strains. The study's findings suggest that a specific dose and schedule may be effective in preventing group A streptococcal infections.
A new study provides detailed insights into the genetic diversity of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains, revealing why some rapidly expand to cause epidemics. The research reveals previously unknown genetic distinctions in M3 strains of GAS.
Neglected diseases, such as onchocerciasis and Chagas' disease, can be controlled with cost-effective interventions. Investing in these efforts could bring long-lasting benefits and reduce morbidity, particularly for children, if done efficiently from Global Fund resources.
The American College of Physicians shares tips on safe air travel for heart patients, the efficacy of antibiotics in treating Gulf War illnesses, and the impact of living wills on hospital deaths. The ACP also introduces a nine-item pretravel checklist for cardiovascular disease.
Biologists at UCSD have discovered a natural defense mechanism in animal cells to ward off certain types of bacteria that secrete toxins. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial diseases such as pneumonia and strep throat.
A call has been made to invest in preventing 'neglected diseases' such as onchocerciasis and Chagas' disease, which can be controlled or eliminated with proven interventions. Investing a fraction of the annual requirements of the Global Fund could bring long-lasting benefits for millions of people.
Researchers recommend using RIP, a new compound that inhibits bacterial virulence and prevents infection-causing toxins. The discovery has the potential to protect hospitalized patients from deadly staph infections.
A multi-state E coli outbreak has been linked to fast-food beef tacos, with inspectors finding a flaw in only one restaurant's meat handling. Potential solutions include a new tracking system and increased monitoring of patients for symptoms such as bloody diarrhea.
Patients with diabetes, females over 70, or obesity are more likely to develop postoperative mediastinitis caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Identifying these risk factors enables the design of preventive strategies.
Researchers from Duke University Medical Center used a common worm as a model to identify specific genes within Salmonella that enable the bacteria to infect host cells. The study found four genes required for maximum potency in infecting the worm, which are also present in human mammals.
Researchers created a virtual model of the human immune system to study M. tuberculosis, a bacterium that causes TB. The computer model revealed key findings on granuloma formation and the immune response, shedding light on why some people fight off infection while others get sick.
Researchers identified six Lactobacillus strains capable of binding to the HIV envelope, inhibiting infection and potentially blocking transmission. The bacteria also bound to immune cells, causing them to clump and immobilize any infected cells.
Researchers used naturally occurring bacteriophage to treat chickens infected with campylobacter, resulting in a significant reduction of bacteria. The effectiveness of the treatment depended on the specific bacteriophage and dose administered.
A new study by the American Society for Microbiology reveals that white tea extract is more effective than green tea at inactivating bacterial viruses and has an anti-fungal effect on certain fungi. The addition of white tea to toothpastes enhances their anti-microbial properties.
A study led by Russell G. Postier found that tigecycline produced a 74 percent cure rate for hospitalized patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), demonstrating promising efficacy against a wide spectrum of bacteria. The antibiotic's safety profile was also acceptable.
A new protein form, liCTLA-4, found to inhibit T cell responses and reduce activation. Increased expression of liCTLA-4 in resistant mice strains suggests its role in preventing T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an antagonistic antibody that can prevent sepsis by blocking toll-like receptor 2-driven shock-like syndromes. The discovery offers new hope for combating this deadly condition.
A recent study found that requiring hospital gowns in intensive care units (ICUs) can save hospitals over $400,000 in annual costs associated with the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The analysis, conducted over two-and-a-half years, also showed that gowns can provide a net benefit in terms of infection control.
Weinstein is recognized for his landmark articles on laboratory detection of bacterial and fungal infections, as well as his contributions to clinical decision-making in infectious disease medicine. He has also served on editorial boards of several journals and holds prestigious fellowships.
A recent study suggests that mycoplasma bacterial infections may cause or exacerbate asthma attacks in children. The research found that nearly half of children experiencing their first asthma attack were infected with mycoplasma. Testing for mycoplasma infection in asthmatic children could help prevent future attacks.
A study suggests that regular doses of cranberry juice or tablets can reduce the risk of female urinary tract infections (UTIs) by up to 50% in sexually active adult women. Cranberry juice's effectiveness in treating existing UTI cases is still unknown, but it offers a potential natural alternative to antibiotics.
A 1999 outbreak of furunculosis in rural Alaska identified individuals with MRSA who received more antibiotics, highlighting a link between antibiotic use and increased risk of skin infections. The study found that Panton-Valentine leukocidin virulence factor was present in nearly all methicillin-resistant isolates.
A study by Ferreri et al. found Chlamydia psittaci DNA in 80% of ocular adnexal lymphoma samples, suggesting a potential role in the disease's development. No association was found with C. trachomatis or C. pneumoniae.
Players suffered from infections by Aeromonas hydrophila after playing in mud prepared with stagnant river water. Organizers advised precautions to protect players against infection, including using treated water and disinfectants.
Case researchers substantiated a bacterial link to preterm birth through mouse studies, finding that Fusobacterium nucleatum from the mouth can reach the sterile womb environment. Periodontal disease and pregnancy compromise the immune system, allowing bacteria to target the placenta.
Researchers have successfully tested a new plague vaccine in a real-world mouse model, showing promising results. The vaccine was tested in a natural transmission setting, where infected fleas fed on vaccinated mice, and showed protection against the disease.
A new dental caries vaccine is being proposed as a crucial tool to prevent the spread of tooth decay, particularly in vulnerable populations. The symposium emphasizes the vaccine's potential to combat the disease and its impact on public health.
Chlorine dioxide-infused gloves can destroy various microorganisms, including E. coli and salmonella, reducing transmission risks in medical and food industries. The technology has potential applications beyond gloves and hands, including preventing infections in vulnerable patients.
A new study confirms that vaccinating children effectively reduces invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in both young and older children, as well as adults. The vaccine has been shown to significantly decrease IPD rates by 94% in children aged 2-23 months.
A new clinical study examines whether restoring good bacteria in intensive-care patients can help prevent infections. The study, led by Dr. Robert G. Martindale, aims to enroll 400 patients and assess the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing infections.
Patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing postoperative MRSA infections. The study found that patients from the most deprived areas had a seven-fold higher infection rate than those from the least deprived areas.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that draining a skin or soft-tissue abscess and packing the wound with gauze is an effective therapy for simple skin abscesses in children, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment was shown to be effective even when treating methicillin-resistant Staphyloc...
A blood test measuring procalcitonin levels can guide antibiotic treatment for lower respiratory tract infections, reducing unnecessary use and promoting more targeted therapy. The study found that withholding antibiotics based on procalcitonin thresholds did not compromise health outcomes in patients with viral infections.
E. coli bacteria undergo four distinct developmental stages during UTIs, including a quiescent state that may create reservoirs for recurrent infections. Researchers hope to use these stages as guides for new drug development.
Linezolid has been shown to be effective in treating diabetic foot infections with a clinical cure rate of 81%. The drug can be given orally or intravenously, making it suitable for outpatient use. This approval may reduce hospitalizations and IV-related complications among patients with diabetic foot infections.
A study found that 70% of intensive care patients were colonized with bacteria from other patients in the unit. The researchers identified multiple strains of Staphylococcus bacteria that were resistant to various antibiotics, highlighting the need for improved infection control and antibiotic use guidelines.
Researchers found that a gene mutation led to a more deadly strain of tuberculosis, which spread rapidly in mice and caused increased bacterial load in organs. The mutated bacteria were able to evade the host's immune system, leading to severe infection and death.
Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute are using a $5 million grant to study Wolbachia, a bacterium that affects insect reproduction and evolution. The team will collect insects in Panama and use molecular tools to identify Wolbachia strains and understand their effects on host organisms.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a new pathway, LRG-47, that can disarm TB and prevent its replication in mice. Strengthening this defense could lead to new treatments for latent TB infections, which affect an estimated 10 to 15 million people in the US.
The University of Minnesota is sequencing the Medicago legume genome with a $10.8 million NSF grant, led by Professor Nevin Young. The goal is to understand nitrogen fixation and health-promoting compounds in legumes.
Nonprescription contact lenses can cause permanent damage, infection and scarring due to ill-fitting design and lack of monitoring by medical professionals. Cosmetic contact lenses sold over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription increase the risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections.
The study found ZYVOX had better cure rates (94.4% vs 90.4%) and shorter IV treatment duration (2 days vs 9.1 days) for patients treated with ZYVOX compared to vancomycin. Additionally, ZYVOX reduced hospital length of stay by a mean of 2.4 days.
Researchers at UCSD have identified chemicals that can protect cells from the effects of the toxin, raising hope for a novel treatment for Pseudomonas infections. The study found that ExoU toxin kills cells by targeting cell membrane phospholipids, but alternative treatments may be possible.
A randomized trial found that selective use of antibiotic decontamination (SDD) significantly reduced ICU deaths by 15% and overall hospital deaths by 24%, as well as infection rates with antibiotic-resistant bacteria by 16%. The study advocates for the use of SDD in patients on mechanical ventilation or in ICUs with low prevalence of ...
A randomized trial found that surgical decontamination (SDD) significantly reduces mortality in ICU patients by lowering antibiotic-resistant bacteria infections. SDD is recommended for patients on mechanical ventilation or in ICUs with low vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and meticillin-resistant S aureus prevalence.
Researchers at UVa and Rockefeller University found that SipA, a Salmonella protein, tethers to actin, allowing bacteria to infect cells. The study's findings may lead to the development of new treatments against severe infections.
Studies presented at ICAAC reveal significant clinical outcomes, resource utilization, and infection-associated costs of Staph aureus bacteremia among hemodialysis-dependent patients. The infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need for a vaccine to prevent these infections.
Researchers at UCSD have identified two peptide sequences that bind to abnormal beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. The peptides may be used for diagnostic tests or coupled with molecules to inhibit plaque toxicity, making them a promising new approach to the disease.
Researchers identified 80 genes in the blood-brain barrier activated by Group B Streptococcus, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis. These genes triggered an immune response by mobilizing neutrophils to combat infection.
Researchers found an 84% reduction in preterm births among pregnant women with periodontitis who received scaling and root planing therapy. The study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk of premature delivery, highlighting the importance of regular dental exams for pregnant women.
Kende has won the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his work on rearrangement reactions, including discovering how dioxins relate to their toxic effects. He also recreated autoinducers, chemical signals that activate bacteria's growth or attack on the body.