Articles tagged with Bacterial Infections
A new device using dielectrophoresis selectively isolates Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum samples, providing a purified sample for molecular confirmation. The technology has shown promising results in detecting TB in underserved areas, with high concordance rates compared to culture diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a 'division-of-labor' strategy to colonize surfaces and spread through the body. This dual strategy allows the bacteria to increase its surface colonization success and resist antibiotic treatments.
Scientists have discovered that dimethylfumarate can block blood clotting during infection, potentially treating life-threatening DIC and severe COVID-19. The mechanism involves blocking interferon production, which promotes tissue factor releases.
Researchers discovered the K1 capsule dates back approximately 500 years and is found in 25% of current E. coli strains responsible for blood infections. Targeting this capsule can make bacteria vulnerable to the human immune system, offering a potential treatment option without antibiotics.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a gene that drives the switch between chronic and acute P. aeruginosa infections. The gene encodes a small RNA called SicX, which plays a vital role in bacterial respiration under low oxygen conditions.
A statewide pay-for-performance intervention based on Choosing Wisely reduced rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections from 43% to 25%. This reduction occurred without measurable harms at safety-net hospitals serving disadvantaged patients.
A global observational study found high mortality among infants with culture-positive sepsis, highlighting the need for effective antibiotics. The study developed tools to identify at-risk newborns and inform WHO guidelines on treatment.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified a protein in Amblyomma ticks essential to their survival while feeding, making it a promising target for developing a vaccine. The study found that silencing gene expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein reduced bacterial proliferation and made ticks more resistant to infection.
Researchers investigated how gut bacteria respond to repeated antibiotic disruptions, finding that they evolve antibiotic-resistant variants and adapt through slowing of cell growth. The study reveals the complex response of the microbiome to antibiotics, including ecological effects and induction of prophages.
SMART researchers have discovered a novel combination therapy using rifaximin and clarithromycin to treat antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infections. The study found that rifaximin potentiates clarithromycin against M. abscessus, increasing its sensitivity and effectiveness in killing the bacteria.
A new study reveals that previously unknown antibiotic resistance genes are widespread in bacteria across various environments, including the human microbiome. The findings suggest that these genes can pose a significant threat to human health, highlighting the need for enhanced understanding of their development and spread.
A global analysis of national action plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance reveals a significant gap in preparedness. The study found that many countries lack adequate funding and monitoring mechanisms, hindering effective implementation of policies.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new class of antibiotics that target novel targets in bacterial metabolism, effectively fighting resistant bacteria. The peptides are highly effective, safe, and immune to resistance, offering hope for treating bacterial infections in patients.
Researchers at the University of Florida have identified plant-produced compounds that could help manage lethal bronzing, a deadly disease spread by a small insect. These green leaf volatiles, released by healthy palms near infected trees, can activate defense mechanisms to potentially stave off the pest.
A breakthrough surveillance tool has been developed to detect elevated risks of Buruli ulcer outbreaks in Victoria, utilizing possum 'poo' analysis. The tool reveals significant spatial correlation between clusters of Mycobacterium ulcerans positive possum excreta and human Buruli ulcer cases.
Pharmaceutical scientists from the National University of Singapore have developed multi-functional synthetic peptide nanonets for relieving inflammation caused by bacterial infection. These nanonets trap bacterial endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, achieving anti-inflammatory activity through selective binding.
Researchers developed a new method combining palmitoleic acid, gentamicin, and non-invasive ultrasound to improve drug delivery in chronic wounds infected with S. aureus. The strategy reduced bacterial burden by 94% and successfully sterilized wounds in diabetic mice.
A neglected 80-year-old antibiotic, nourseothricin, has been found to be effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The improvement in purification of the streptothricins has overcome original toxicity concerns, making it a promising agent for treating difficult-to-treat infections.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found an effective treatment for multi-drug resistant bacteria, a major concern in the fight against superbugs. The newly discovered antibiotic, streptothricin, has shown potency against several drug-resistant strains of bacteria and may deserve further exploration as a potential...
A thin cellulose film coating can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus within minutes and inhibit bacterial growth. The coating's porous nature accelerates evaporation of liquid droplets, introducing an imbalanced osmotic pressure that disrupts viral structure.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have captured the structure of a commonly used phage, filamentous phages, which will enable the development of new biotechnology applications. The new insights gained from this research will help improve phage display and other uses in drug discovery.
Researchers have discovered a compound that can combat multidrug-resistant bacteria within one hour, including the ESKAPE group of pathogens. The compound, Pln149-PEP20, is a synthetic peptide inspired by molecules secreted by Lactobacillus plantarum and has been found to be highly active against MDR bacteria.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that microplastics decrease bacteriophages' infectivity due to leachates and polymer size. The study highlights the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems, affecting both animals and humans.
A study of 14,400 febrile infants found that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the prevalence of urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and bacterial meningitis, particularly among infants aged 29 to 60 days. These findings suggest alternative management strategies for certain febrile infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
A new study suggests that allowing bedside nurses to independently order C. difficile testing can significantly reduce the time to receive test results, potentially decreasing clinical and economic burdens of CDI infections. The policy change also showed a decrease in patient infections and hospital economic costs.
A patient in Cleveland was diagnosed with a corneal ulcer caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium that's rarely found in eye infections. The contaminated eye drops were identified as the source of infection, and treatment required strong antibiotics to prevent vision loss.
Interactions between gut bacteria may limit antibiotics' effectiveness in treating C. difficile infections, a study suggests. Researchers found that certain bacterial species make the bacterium tolerant to metronidazole and increase its abundance.
A study by UMC Utrecht shows that corona patients can measure their blood oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter, feeling safe and experiencing more control. This method does not increase GP visits or hospitalization but contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.
Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) contaminated the entire ICU, with samples detected on bed units, ventilators, and equipment. The researchers highlight the urgent need for targeted infection prevention and control measures to stem the global...
A UNIGE team has developed small beads encapsulating fecal bacteria for treating a serious intestinal infection. The technology overcomes obstacles in current treatments, allowing for easier and more comfortable administration.
Researchers at Nova Southeastern University have made breakthroughs in understanding the complex relationship between beneficial and harmful bacteria. By studying how these bacteria communicate and work together, they hope to develop new treatments for infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A new study by UCL researchers hints at the possibility of detecting conditions such as coeliac disease and Parkinson's disease in principle up to 10 years before diagnosis. The review of existing evidence indicates a 'diagnostic window' – the point at which diagnosis may be possible for some patients.
Researchers developed 'smart' coatings that monitor strain on implants to prevent infection and provide early failure warning. The coatings, inspired by dragonfly and cicada wings, integrate flexible sensors with antibacterial surfaces.
Nearly half of COVID-19 patients develop secondary bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to death. Machine learning analysis found that this complication offsets the mortality rate from the viral infection itself.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that preterm infants' gut microbiomes play a role in the development of dangerous bacterial bloodstream infections. The researchers found that the most common bacteria causing these infections are also commonly found in the gut, and that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of...
The USPSTF recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in populations at increased risk, including those born in or former residents of high-prevalence countries and congregate settings. Estimated prevalence is about 5.0% in the US, with up to 13 million persons affected.
Researchers found that agricultural antimicrobial peptide use can generate broad cross-resistance to the human innate immune response. This has major implications for the design and use of therapeutic antimicrobial peptides.
Researchers developed a bioengineered drug candidate that counteracts <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> infections, including MRSA. The mAbtyrins treatment targets multiple disease-causing mechanisms without killing the bacteria.
Researchers have developed a fast, cheap, and easy method to test antibiotic resistance in bacteria, using optical nanomotion detection. The technique can determine sensitivity or resistance of bacterial cells to antibiotics in under two hours, with significant implications for clinical and research applications.
A new Cochrane Review found that stool transplantation can increase the number of people recovering from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection by 77%, compared to 40% with standard antibiotic treatment. The study also showed a decrease in side effects with stool transplantation.
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria's F-pili are stronger in harsh conditions, enabling efficient gene transfer and biofilm formation. The findings highlight the challenge of combating antibiotic resistance and suggest exploiting similar molecular properties for precise drug delivery.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified a genetic variant associated with increased risk of developing perianal Crohn's disease, a debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. The study highlights the importance of targeting the alternative complement pathway and Complement Factor B (CFB) in treating this condition.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a drug that undercuts antibiotic resistance by blocking key toxins involved in the infection process. The treatment sequesters toxins and disrupts biofilms, making bacteria more vulnerable to antibiotics. Initial results show promising protection against bacterial infections.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a nanocellulose wound dressing that reveals early signs of infection through pH monitoring. This technology can lead to more efficient care and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Research highlights devastating impact of war injuries on civilians and soldiers, resulting in complex bone and soft-tissue infections. Doctors describe treating patients with highly complex musculoskeletal infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.
A study from Lund University reveals how antibiotic-resistant bacteria acquire resistance through two molecular mechanisms. The researchers identified a novel protein that conveys resistance to specific antibiotics, and found that certain antibiotics induce the production of this factor, providing clues for designing new medicines.
Researchers found that identifying and targeting 'supercontactors', including nurses and patients with neurological disorders, can significantly reduce the incidence of MRSA colonization. Simulation studies showed that reinforced contact precautions and vaccination targeting these individuals can be more effective than random selection.
A new discovery by researchers at the University of Warwick has found a simple material that can prevent bacterial viruses from contaminating laboratories and microbial factories. This breakthrough aims to develop next-generation industrial biotechnologies and remove a bottleneck in fundamental research.
Researchers identified protective drugs that shield two abundant gut bacterial species without compromising antibiotic effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria. The study found a novel combination of antibiotics with antidote drugs, such as dicumarol and tolfenamic acid, which protected the gut microbiome and maintained antibioti...
Researchers found that high-dose VE303 prevented recurrent C. difficile infection compared to placebo, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. A larger phase 3 study is needed to confirm these findings.
A Spanish study found that 40% of supermarket meat samples contained multidrug-resistant E. coli, including strains capable of causing severe infections in people. The study highlights the need for regular assessment and farm-level interventions to reduce the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food-producing animals.
A Portuguese study found that six pets in Portugal and one in the UK carried antibiotic-resistant bacteria similar to those found in their owners. The researchers emphasize the importance of including pet-owning households in programs to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Owners can reduce the spread by practicing good hygiene.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends hospitals establish antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections, which cause difficult-to-treat diarrhea, longer hospital stays, and higher costs. The updated guidance provides evidence-based strategies for identifying and...
New research at ECCMID 2023 presents 19 gold complexes effective against at least one hard-to-treat bacterium, including MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The gold-based drugs use a multimodal mechanism to kill bacteria, preventing antimicrobial resistance from developing.
A new machine learning model estimates optimal treatment timing for sepsis, taking into account vital signs and lab test results to predict patient survival. The model was trained on a dataset of over 14,000 individuals with sepsis and showed improved outcomes when actual treatment matched the recommended timeline.
Researchers at the University of Bath have successfully created antimicrobial ferroelectric composite materials using a novel 3D printing process. These materials can eradicate E coli bacteria within 15 minutes, with potential applications in heart valves, stents, and bone implants.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified a potential host-directed therapy targeting the immune system to bolster the body's ability to control TB infection. Blocking IDO enzyme helped nonhuman primates completely eliminate active TB infection, improving health metrics compared to antibiotics alone.
Researchers have developed a new ear tube design that combines liquid-infused materials with optimized geometry to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ear infections. The design enables better performance and reduces complications such as impaired hearing and scarring of the eardrum.