Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
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.
Biofilm bacteria are a common cause of persistent infections, such as ear infections and cystic fibrosis pneumonia. Recent advances in understanding biofilms may help develop new therapeutic agents to control these infections.
Researchers found a significant link between HIV infections and abnormal vaginal bacteria in pregnant women. Four times as many subjects with bacterial vaginosis were HIV-infected compared to those with a normal balance.
A team of researchers has described a case of a patient who died from a bloodstream infection caused by a multidrug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. The study found that a combination of two commonly used antibiotics, oxacillin and vancomycin, was effective in killing the resistant bacteria.
Researchers discover the structure of a key compound enabling the bacterium's deadly mechanism and create molecules that block its effects in mice. The study provides a novel way to combat Staphylococcus aureus infections without killing the bacteria, potentially addressing antibiotic resistance.
The vaccine targets Escherichia coli, the bacterium causing 85% of UTIs. Recipients develop antibodies that prevent bacteria from colonizing bladder walls. Clinical trials in women are planned for the end of this year to test the vaccine's effectiveness.
A new study suggests that crowded urban buses in Buenos Aires could be responsible for 30% of new tuberculosis cases. Researchers found that bus travel increases the risk of infection due to overcrowding and poor ventilation, posing a significant public health threat.
Researchers found that an experimental antibiotic, moxifloxacin, is effective against a range of drug-resistant bacterial strains, including those resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. The findings suggest it could be a potential treatment for serious and deadly illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Researchers found that when E. coli attaches to the bladder lining, it triggers a natural defense mechanism where bladder cells commit suicide and slough off, but some bacteria can avoid being removed by invading deeper tissue. This could explain why patients experience recurrent bladder infections despite antibiotic treatment.
Despite long-standing guidelines recommending antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with cardiac valvular problems, a new study finds no association between dental procedures and the onset of endocarditis. The researchers suggest reconsidering current policies due to low incidence and potential risks associated with antibiotics.
Researchers have discovered that certain bacteria can prevent sperm from swimming well enough to reach an egg, affecting fertility. Infertile men with asymptomatic infections may benefit from broad-spectrum antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria before attempting IVF.
A new study reveals that cattle fed grain may transmit dangerous strains of E. coli to humans, leading to food-borne illness. Feeding hay to cows for a short period before slaughter can reduce the risk of infection.
The development of a new vaccine is crucial to effectively eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a global health problem. The ideal vaccine should prevent new infection, protect those already infected from developing active disease, and prevent reinfection in previously infected individuals.
A bacterial pesticide, Burkholderia cepacia, has raised concerns over its potential to cause deadly lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Experts are calling for a ban on its use in pest control until it is proven safe.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and R.W. Johnson Pharmaceuticals have developed a new class of antibacterial agents that inhibit two-component signal transduction systems, a key regulatory mechanism in bacterial virulence. These inhibitors show promise as a potential tool against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
Researchers found that when H. pylori attaches to stomach cells with a specific molecule called Leb, it triggers an immune response that can lead to ulcers, inflammation, and increased risk of stomach cancer. The study provides a genetically well-defined model for studying bacterial attachment and its role in disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a promising new treatment for meningococcemia, a deadly disease that affects children. The study, led by Dr. Brett Giroir, used bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) to treat severe cases of the disease and showed encouraging results.
Researchers have developed an electronic 'nose' that can detect the presence of pulmonary infection in patients with high accuracy. The device uses breath samples analyzed by multi-element odor detectors to identify unique patterns on a computer screen, distinguishing infected patients from non-infected ones.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that E. coli can live inside immune-system cells lining the bladder wall, making it harder to treat bladder infections. The bacteria use sticky appendages to cling to these cells and evade antibiotics.
A consortium of scientists has released a new genome sequencing project for the bacterium P. aeruginosa, which causes chronic lung infections in CF patients. The project aims to increase practical knowledge about the pathogen and develop new drugs for treatment.
Researchers studied 10 patients with acute bacterial endocarditis and found that 80% continued to have microembolisms up to four weeks after treatment. Microembolisms can induce brain abscesses and lesions leading to stroke, and antibiotics alone may not be sufficient to prevent this risk.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered an enzyme in Porphyromonas gingivalis that activates blood-clotting in humans, potentially linking periodontal infections to heart disease. The study suggests a mechanism for this connection and may lead to a vaccine to neutralize the enzyme.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a natural antimicrobial compound called hTAP that appears to be disabled in CF patients, increasing their vulnerability to lung infections. The researchers believe mass-producing similar compounds could help fight lung infections in both CF patients and the general population.
Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) found in white-tailed deer and black bears, with 56% of Midwestern patients hospitalized due to severe symptoms. Early detection is crucial for treatment with a special antibiotic, which can cure the infection in 24-48 hours.
A new vaccine targeting the E. coli adhesin protein has shown promise in preventing urinary tract infections and bladder infections in mice. The vaccine works by blocking attachment of bacteria to bladder cells, preventing infection and reducing bacterial load.
Researchers developed a conjugate vaccine that stimulates strong immune responses and neutralizes bacteria, providing protection to newborns. The study found that antibodies isolated from immunized women can cross the placenta and protect infants from infection.
A recent study found that patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections acquired them in hospitals, resulting in high mortality rates and increased treatment costs. The study highlights the need for proper antibiotic utilization and collaboration among healthcare professionals to prevent antibiotic resistance.
A study demonstrates that the common cat flea is a competent vector for Bartonella henselae, the cause of cat scratch disease. Flea infestation control may reduce transmission between cats, and thus humans via scratches. Direct transmission from cat to cat cannot be demonstrated without fleas.