Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
A UT Southwestern study has found a link between Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria and asthma, suggesting that lingering infections may cause chronic respiratory issues. The research suggests that treating acute M. pneumoniae infections could help prevent later development of asthma.
Researchers have created a new vaccine that can prevent life-threatening infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are resistant to common antibiotics. The vaccine targets the bacteria's capsular polysaccharides and has shown significant efficacy in reducing bacteremia in hemodialysis patients.
The Nabi experimental vaccine reduced bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in end-stage kidney disease patients by nearly 60%. The vaccine elicited a significant antibody response in 86% of the patients, and significantly reduced the incidence of systemic S. aureus infection in the blood.
Certain strains of E. coli produce amyloid fibers similar to those found in Alzheimer's disease, forming a meshwork around the bacteria in biofilms. This discovery raises questions about the role of bacterial infections in amyloid diseases, including Alzheimer's, and may lead to new treatment options.
The study reveals how the T4 virus binds to host cells, punctures the cell wall, and injects its genetic blueprint into the cell. The research provides detailed information on the virus structure and mechanisms used by one virus often resemble those of other viruses, including those that infect humans.
Researchers have learned how bacteriophage T4 uses a needle-like device to infect its host E. coli, potentially leading to new antibiotic tools. The baseplate portion of the virus tail is essential in this process and could help create 'designer viruses' with improved infectivity.
A new study by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers suggests that bacterial overgrowth, rather than stomach acidity, may be a major cause of stomach ulcers. The study found that proton pump inhibitors can actually promote the growth of other types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus.
A potent bacterial toxin called streptolysin S (SLS) plays a crucial role in producing necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection also known as 'flesh-eating disease'. Researchers discovered that SLS is essential for both group A Streptococcus and group G Streptococcus bacteria to cause the infection.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that hyper-oxygen transmissible contact lenses reduce bacterial binding and promote tear exchange, leading to decreased bacterial growth. The study suggests these new lens materials will be a breakthrough in reducing the risk of eye infections.
A study suggests that H pylori eradication can reduce the risk of peptic ulcers in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The research found that 90% of patients who underwent H pylori eradication had a significantly lower risk of developing ulcers compared to those on placebo.
A global white paper on bacterial resistance in respiratory tract infections calls for concerted international action to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The initiative aims to implement robust surveillance, education, and patient involvement to control resistance.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a novel approach to combating antibiotic-resistant infections by using a natural enzyme derived from tiny viruses that live inside bacteria. This enzyme can target and kill disease bacteria on the surface of cells, providing an alternative method for combating resistant pathogens.
Researchers at UCSD and VA San Diego Healthcare System discovered a natural antibiotic peptide called cathelicidin, which inhibits microbe growth and plays a crucial role in mammalian innate immunity. The study provides hope for developing new treatments and a blood test to identify individuals susceptible to bacterial infections.
Severe periodontal disease poses significant threats to pregnant diabetics, exacerbating the condition and pregnancy outcomes. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends routine periodontal exams for pregnant diabetic women.
Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection was more common in patients with hereditary angioneurotic oedema, a genetic disorder causing non-itchy swellings. Eradicating the infection improved abdominal symptoms and reduced episodes of acute pain.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a smart bandage that can detect bacteria and provide instant diagnosis, changing color to indicate the presence of Gram-positive or negative bacteria. The bandage is part of a larger 'smart medical home' system that aims to give people more control over their health.
GammaDelta T cells are activated by bacterial pathogens, recognizing and responding to peptidoglycan patterns. They release pro-inflammatory cytokines to coordinate an immune response, providing innate protection against bacterial infections.
A recent meta-analysis shows a three to sixfold increased risk of non-cardia stomach cancer in H.pylori positive individuals. This suggests that at least half of all non-cardia cancer cases can be attributable to the infection, with potentially much more.
A recent study published in Journal of Nutrition found that human intestinal cells with excess iron are more susceptible to bacterial infection. The researchers suggest that fortifying foods with high doses of iron may be causing other health problems and recommend a revision of the standard policy of iron fortification.
Researchers found oregano oil to inhibit staphylococcus bacterial growth as effectively as standard antibiotics. A study using mice also showed that oregano oil and carvacrol had promising results against the bacteria.
The newly detailed structure of PRD1 reveals striking similarities with human adenoviruses, suggesting a conserved icosahedral shape used by viruses across species. This knowledge may inform the development of novel antibiotic strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers found that inhaling tobramycin twice daily for 12 months effectively eradicated Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the airways of 14 cystic fibrosis patients, with nine remaining free from infection at two-year follow-up. The treatment regimen cures chronic lung infections in patients started soon after colonisation.
Researchers have discovered that chemokine expression plays a crucial role in enhancing antibacterial immunity. This finding is significant for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections.
A study found that pacemakers and ICDs can be infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without obvious signs, highlighting the need for accurate documentation and removal of devices to prevent serious illness and death. The researchers concluded that removing cardiac devices is essential for patients who develop staph infection.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a new model of staph drug resistance that implicates an unlikely protein. The study shows that the mecA gene confers resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics by coding for a different PBP, which is not destroyed by beta-lactam antibiotics.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that a persistent lineage of Staphylococcus aureus is exceptionally adept at acquiring resistance to antibiotics. This 'Iberian' clone, first identified in 1986, has spread globally and is resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant threat to public health.
Scientists propose sCD14 as a protective mechanism against LPS-mediated inflammation. Studies show that increasing sCD14 levels can neutralize LPS and reduce inflammatory cytokine secretion. The protein's role in sepsis treatment is still uncertain, but its discovery offers new hope for managing systemic effects of bacterial infections.
Ketek has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. The approval follows positive opinion from the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and will be available in all 15 EU-Member States.
A new case of resistance to the antibiotic linezolid has been reported in a patient with MRSA infection, highlighting the need for clinical laboratories to perform susceptibility tests. The finding is rare and has occurred after limited use of the drug, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its effectiveness.
The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) has completed the genome sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media. The study provides valuable insights into the bacterium's virulence factors and potential drug targets.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades detection by the human immune system. The TB bacterium inhibits MHC-II molecules in macrophages to prevent recognition and eliminate it from detection.
Researchers found nearly a fourth of S. aureus genome is dispensable, allowing bacteria to adapt and spread through population. Contingency genes provide flexibility in causing diseases in humans, cows, and other organisms.
The study suggests KETEK is an effective option for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, which cause 50 million deaths globally each year. KETEK demonstrated high activity against a range of bacteria, including pneumococci and S. pyogenes, with up to 99.6% susceptibility
A study by Gladstone researchers has identified a specific gene that contributes to the development of tuberculosis. The discovery highlights the importance of recruiting immune cells in controlling the disease, and raises concerns about the potential risks of CCR2 drugs.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that Gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus use cholesterol-dependent cytolysins to inject toxins into host cells, paving the way for entry of other proteins. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Richard S. Kornbluth, a UCSD professor, has received a grant to study a novel method for stimulating the immune system against TB microbes. His research aims to treat latent TB, preventing it from becoming deadly.
A new study found that Staphylococcus aureus produces a toxin that breaks down the protein Desmoglein 1, causing blistering and skin cell adhesion loss. The findings provide insight into the bacterial mechanism of impetigo infection and spread.
A study found that Helicobacter pylori bacteria were present in 88% of SIDS babies, with genes indicating an inflammatory response and potential ammonia production. The prevalence of H pylori infection is typically around 2% in developed countries.
Researchers have identified two Bifidobacterium strains that exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, protecting the intestinal tract from lethal infection with salmonella. These strains, CA1 and F9, decrease bacterial numbers, prevent entry into cells, and work in concert with gut lining enzymes to produce a barrier against infection.
UI researchers find that a simple sugar, xylitol, can enhance the natural defense system of the body, potentially preventing deadly bacterial infections in CF lungs. The study shows that xylitol lowers the salt concentration of the airway surface liquid, favoring antimicrobial agents and killing invading bacteria.
A new study found that silver-coated catheters could reduce urinary tract infections by 47% and bacteremia by 44%. The cost savings could be substantial, with estimated average savings of $4 per patient catheterized.
The phase III clinical trial demonstrated a significant reduction in S. aureus bacteremias during the first ten months, but not after one-year follow-up. The study found that StaphVAX-induced antibodies protected against bloodstream infections.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center discovered that non-pathogenic bacteria in the GI tract can block an immune system pathway called NF-KB, preventing cells from responding to potential threats. This mechanism may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and other intestinal diseases.
Researchers have discovered chemical cousins of an antimalarial drug that show promise in treating serious antibiotic-resistant infections. The compounds, originally developed to treat malaria and other parasitic infections, have been found to be as active as many currently used drugs against a range of bacteria, including staphylococc...
A study published in the journal Stroke found that Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is associated with a higher risk of first ischemic stroke, particularly due to inflammation caused by the infection. The researchers also discovered that shorter-lived IgA antibodies were strongly linked to the risk of having a first stroke.
Researchers from the University of Florida College of Medicine have developed a new therapy using bacteriophages to treat Vibrio vulnificus infections. Most mice injected with both the bacterium and a deadly bacteriophage survived what would normally be a fatal infection, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have designed a new type of molecule that exhibits wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including effectiveness against resistant bacteria. The synthetic beta-peptides mimic naturally-occurring peptides found in nature and have shown promise in laboratory tests.
A new synthetic rubber material has been developed that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact, making it ideal for medical supplies and consumer products. The material uses a different mechanism to fight infection than conventional coatings and protective plastics.
Feline infectious anemia has been identified as caused by Haemobartenella felis, a previously suspected but now confirmed mycoplasma organism. The discovery of this tiny parasite provides hope for developing a diagnostic tool and potentially a vaccine to combat the disease.
Research suggests that home screening kits for Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection, could be a useful tool in preventing lifelong infertility. The study found that men and women aged 18-35 were willing to participate in urine test kits, with higher participation rates among those from Avon than London.
A new method for crafting medical implants from an antibacterial polymer could prevent thousands of patients from dying of hospital-acquired infections. The technology slowly releases an antibiotic to keep bacteria from establishing a foothold, making it ideal for catheters and permanent implants.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis outsmarts the immune system to cause disease. The microbe disrupts a protein called STAT1, blocking macrophages' ability to respond to interferon gamma, allowing it to survive and infect other cells.
A study by Northwestern University researchers finds that linezolid is highly effective against a range of gram-positive bacteria, including those resistant to vancomycin and oxacillin. The antibiotic showed potent activity against all isolates tested, making it a promising new treatment option for patients with drug-resistant infections.
Researchers have obtained X-ray images of crucial steps in bacterial infection, revealing the structure of pili and adhesins that enable bacteria to cling to tissue. The findings provide new insights into the development of effective antimicrobial strategies and vaccine candidates.
The symposium aims to examine the structure of vancomycin and its potential weaknesses. Researchers will discuss various strategies for preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
A study by UC Davis scientists reveals that two organisms - a fungus and a bacterium - cause blossom blight in strawberries. The fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides renders the fruit unattractive, while the bacterium Xanthomonas fragariae causes occasional fruit loss, mainly of minor economic importance.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that 74% of adhesive tape specimens were colonized by pathogenic bacteria, which can contribute to serious diseases. Discarding the outer layer of tape significantly reduced bacterial growth, making it a simple way to reduce the risk of hospital infections.
Researchers found that digital exams nearly doubled vaginal bacteria entering the cervix and uterus in 80% of patients. Potentially harmful bacteria like Group B Streptococcus and E. coli were isolated from cultures, posing a risk to newborns.
A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant decline in TB rates in San Francisco from 1992 to 1997, attributing it to intensified control measures. The study used molecular epidemiology to track the disease and determine the effect of interventions on transmission rates.
Researchers developed a vaccine that protects mice against multiple strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains. The vaccine uses a bacterial molecule produced during infection, and has shown promise in preventing infections.