Research on infections caused by bacteria and how to fight them. Covers antibiotic resistance, biofilms, congenital syphilis, Lyme disease, and precise treatments.
Researchers have discovered highly effective antibodies against P. aeruginosa that can block its type III secretion system and are effective against highly resistant bacteria. These 'pathoblockers' offer a potential therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic infections with multi-resistant pathogens.
Researchers used AI to identify 2 promising antigens as candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine, which accurately predicted reduction of bacterial populations. The antigens were tested in lab and animal models, showing efficacy in killing bacteria and decreasing bacterial burden.
A study led by the University of Sydney found that many antibiotics for childhood infections have less than 50% effectiveness, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths globally. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance a top public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for updated guidelines.
Mammalian cells consume bacteriophages, killing bacteria and promoting cellular growth and survival. The study suggests that phage particles serve as a nutritionally enriched resource, triggering signaling pathway events that enhance cellular health.
Scientists create molecular model of triglyceride transport in mycobacterial barrier, discovering 'Trojan horse' system to weaken pathogen's defenses. This breakthrough could lead to more effective therapies against tuberculosis.
Researchers discover biological mechanisms by which Wolbachia bacteria boost fruit fly fertility, with implications for controlling disease-spreading mosquitoes. The study reveals that Wolbachia infection restores fertility in flies with defects, enabling them to produce more offspring.
Scientists from Central South University develop a novel approach to address bacterial infection in bone transplantation by enriching H2O2 and amplifying the Fenton reaction. The technique enhances biocompatibility and safety, promising reduced transplant failures and post-operative complications.
Postoperative wound infections in the head and neck region are common complications, with risk factors including age, smoking, and comorbidities. Aseptic operating conditions and peri/postoperative antibiotics can help minimize infection rates.
Researchers studied how Mycobacterium tuberculosis forms cord-like aggregates that resist antibiotics and alter host cell behavior. The study revealed new insights into the biophysical mechanisms of cord formation and its impact on infection.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 infection may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms in men. The research involved 17,986 men with medication for LUTS, half of whom had COVID-19, and showed a significant increase in urine retention, UTIs, and enlarged prostate issues.
A new study reveals a multi-drug resistant strain of E.coli, MDR ST131, can outcompete and displace other strains in the human gut. The research provides evidence that certain types of E.coli are more prone to developing antibiotic resistance, posing significant health risks.
A new study confirms the presence of deadly Vibrio bacteria in Florida's coastal waters following Hurricane Ian. The research, led by University of Maryland senior author Rita Colwell, found high levels of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, particularly in oyster samples from Lee County.
Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria can form special cells that survive for long periods in a dormant state, making antibiotic treatment challenging. The discovery could lead to new treatment concepts by targeting proteins involved in the transition to this slumber state.
Researchers have discovered a novel enzyme family related to bacterial pathogenicity in Gram-negative bacteria. The study revealed that enzymes involved in OPG synthesis and regulation play crucial roles in bacterial infection capability.
A new study reveals that innate CD8+ lymphocytes play a crucial role in limiting tuberculosis infection, and an inflammatory molecule called Interleukin-15 could be used to boost vaccine efficacy. Researchers found that these cells create a 'bottleneck' preventing bacteria from establishing active infection.
Scientists sequenced nearly 600 Klebsiella samples and found two-thirds are K. pneumoniae, with carbapenem-resistant strains confined to clinical settings. Genomic surveillance informs control measures against treatment-resistant infections.
Pioneering work on bacteriophages to combat disease has received an £800,000 boost from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The grant will advance production of phages to combat disease in the veterinary field and bring them to market.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are developing computer models to better understand the cellular processes and gene activity of multi-drug resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities in these bacteria and advance the development of new treatments.
Scientists have discovered a TB vaccination strategy that prevents lung infection in monkeys infected with SIV, despite the vaccine being contraindicated for people living with HIV. The results show promise for protecting people with HIV against TB, which is the leading cause of death among them.
A study by Professor Mark Webber and his team found that the NRCS-A strain of Staphylococcus capitis is commonly carried on the skin and in the gut of uninfected neonatal babies, making transmission between babies within NICUs likely. The bacteria's unique genes allow it to survive in the gut, making cleaning the skin ineffective.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a genetic scar that enables pneumonia-causing bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. The study found that mutations in the pde1 gene act as an evolutionary gateway for this resistance, threatening patient treatment and highlighting the need for control measures.
A recent study conducted at the University of São Paulo's Medical School found that isolating patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in emergency departments (ER) for over two days can significantly reduce CRE transmission. The researchers also discovered that the ER structure, including bed layout and hand hygiene...
Using data from Mass General Brigham’s electronic health records, researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 accounted for approximately 1 in 6 cases of sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mortality rate for patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated sepsis was initially high but declined over time.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet challenge the hygiene hypothesis by showing that mice with high infectious exposures have a similar ability to develop allergic immune responses as laboratory mice. Despite this, they developed strong signs of pathological inflammation and allergic responses when exposed to allergens.
A study by Washington State University researchers found epigenetic alterations associated with elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, suggesting a systemic impact. The findings also suggest that the disease may be heritable, raising concerns about its transmission and susceptibility.
Researchers developed an integrated microfluidic chip for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing from positive blood cultures, reducing diagnosis time to under 3.5 hours. The chip demonstrated high accuracy in diagnosing clinical cases with a 93.3% agreement rate.
Researchers at Linköping University develop a new method to deliver strong compounds specifically to bacteria, allowing for efficient and safe treatment of infections. The TOUCAN strategy uses nucleases to target bacterial DNA, reducing side effects associated with current antibiotics.
A new study found that most C. diff infections are caused by characteristics associated with the patient themselves, not hospital transmission. Researchers analyzed fecal samples from over 1,100 ICU patients and discovered only six genomically supported transmissions during a nine-month period.
Researchers at HKU introduce a novel dual Trojan Horse strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by mimicking iron uptake. This approach enhances the effectiveness of sideromycins and prolongs their lifespan, offering hope in the fight against superbugs.
Researchers found that AvrE/DspE family proteins, used by plant pathogens to cause disease, fold into a straw-like structure with a water channel. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to disarm these proteins and prevent crop damage.
A study of 300,000 sepsis admissions found that the condition is more prevalent than previously thought, but many patients survive. The observed increase in cases is largely due to more people developing sepsis repeatedly, rather than dying the first time they contract it.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a nano-thin superbug-slaying material effective against drug-resistant bacterial cells. The black phosphorus-based nanotechnology achieved comparable results to antibiotics in eliminating infection and accelerating healing.
Researchers at UNIST developed a microfluidic system to process blood into artificial tissue scaffolds for vascular regeneration. Autologous blood-based implants demonstrated superior wound closure rates, increased epidermis thickness, and enhanced collagen deposition in rodent skin wounds.
Researchers have found that certain strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae are more likely to survive in blood and serum than others, while neutrophils are less effective at killing them. The study suggests a vaccine approach for prevention/treatment of infections may be feasible.
A new study found that antibiotics promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut by providing extra nutrients, allowing these 'bad' bacteria to multiply. The research suggests that targeting beneficial bacteria can help restrict the growth of resistant bacteria, paving the way for microbiome therapeutics treatments.
A new MU study highlights the protective role of innate lymphoid cells and interferons in reducing neurological effects of Brucellosis. The findings could lead to improved diagnostics and therapies for neurobrucellosis, a condition that can cause long-term neurological complications.
Researchers found that the incidence of gut-colonizing ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli increased in Seattle-area women over age 50, affecting about 1 in 5 women. The study suggests prioritizing strategies to control drug-resistant E. coli's ability to colonize the gut.
University of Louisville researchers have received a five-year, $11.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to investigate the connection between microorganisms and disease. The study will focus on various chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, periodontitis, and colorectal cancer.
A new NIH study found that high levels of certain minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The presence of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum was positively associated with increased incidence of lung infections.
Implementing whole genome sequencing (WGS) can prevent bacterial healthcare-associated infections, saving the NHS £480 million annually. The technology has major implications for health policymakers and healthcare leaders, with potential benefits including reduced antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have created a powerful dataset to facilitate drug development against gram-negative bacteria. The dataset reveals over 270,000 previously unidentified outer-membrane proteins with potential as vaccine targets.
Researchers have developed a molecular 'singlet oxygen battery' that can target and kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria in deep tissue layers. The technology, which does not require external light or oxygen, is highly effective in treating pulmonary infections caused by MRSA.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.
Researchers found that genetic variants of the STING gene and bacterial NADase enzyme activity interact to determine disease severity. People with the risk variant of STING have a higher risk of life-threatening conditions, while those with the protective variant are less affected.
Researchers found stable antibodies in 800-year-old medieval human teeth that can still recognize viral proteins, allowing them to study the history of infectious human diseases. This discovery expands the field of palaeoproteomics and may enable experts to analyze how human antibody responses developed over time.
A UCF researcher is developing a new antibiotic to treat tuberculosis and related lung infections. The team aims to create potent antimycobacterial agents that can be administered orally and target drug-resistant strains.
Researchers found that the flu blocks lung liquid secretion, allowing staph to infect lungs. Treatment with a CFTR-activating drug like ivacaftor restores liquid secretion and protects against staph infection.
Researchers develop single-use nanoscale system that targets specific bacterium causing ear infections, eliminating most cases without antibiotic use. The system uses hypohalous acid similar to bleach and has shown promise in tests on chinchillas, with potential for future adaptation to prevent recurrent infections.
A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.
A new study reveals that bacterial resistance to albicidin is caused by an increase in the number of copies of a specific gene, leading to up to a 1,000-fold increase in resistance. This discovery highlights the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and underscores the need for effective strategies to combat it.
Researchers have created a novel animal model to study the pathogenesis of neurobrucellosis, a severe complication of brucellosis. The model reveals that innate lymphoid cells and interferons play a crucial role in limiting brain damage during Brucella infection.
A new antibiotic strategy has been found to defeat gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli by interfering with the outer lipid layer of the bacteria. The compound, LPC-233, is a small molecule that works fast and is durable in animal tests, with potentially vital applications against stubborn urinary tract infections.
Researchers used phage PASA16 to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, achieving an impressive 86.6% success rate. The study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of phage therapy as a valuable alternative to conventional antibiotics in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers have found that human milk oligosaccharides can stop common prenatal infections in human tissues and pregnant mice, potentially preventing preterm births. The sugars were tested against Group B streptococcus infection, reducing inflammation and bacterial numbers without the need for antibiotics.
The study estimates more than two of every five deaths in the Americas were associated with AMR in 2019, accounting for 11.5% of global deaths. The four most fatal infectious syndromes were bacterial respiratory infections, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a continuous-flow manufacturing method for producing cefazolin, an essential antibiotic. This new approach reduces time, cost and waste, making it ideal for flexible production and improving global health access.
Researchers find that Acinetobacter baumannii can achieve significant functional modifications in protein complexes over short evolutionary time spans, particularly in hair-like cell appendages. This diversity may affect the pathogen's interaction with its environment and inform personalized therapies.
Researchers developed AirGels, bioengineered models of human lung tissue, to study airway infections in a more realistic manner. They found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces contraction of the host's mucus using type IV pili, contributing to biofilm formation.
A new study found that individuals vaccinated with the newer pertussis vaccine show similar immune responses to antigens present and absent from the vaccine, suggesting that asymptomatic infections drive T cell response. This could lead to the spread of the bacteria to vulnerable populations.
The Bioaction project leverages bacteria as allies in promoting tissue regeneration, offering a paradigm shift in addressing infections. By developing functional bio-hydrogels, the project aims to accelerate healing and stimulate bone growth, reducing reliance on extended antibiotic therapies.