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Disease-causing pathogen rewires gut metabolism to secure nutrients for growth: Study

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis reshapes intestinal cell metabolism to support its growth, causing diseases like diarrhea and colorectal cancer. The study provides new possibilities for intervention by targeting metabolic interactions between host and microbes.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

In vitro antibacterial activity of crude extracts from Tithonia diversifolia (asteraceae) and Solanum torvum (solanaceae) against selected shigella species

Crude extracts from Tithonia diversifolia and Solanum torvum exhibit significant antibacterial activity against selected Shigella species. Hexane extract from S. torvum and dichloromethane extract from T. diversifolia inhibit bacterial growth with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 500 and 1,000 µg/mL.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateFeb 25, 2026

Researchers find key to stopping deadly infection

New research from Washington University School of Medicine identifies a key step in rotavirus infection and shows that disabling this process can prevent infection. The discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention, potentially treating not only rotavirus but also other pathogens with similar infection mechanisms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2025

Mediterranean diet provides symptom relief for patients with IBS in pilot study

A pilot study found that the Mediterranean diet provided symptom relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with 73% of participants experiencing improvement. The low FODMAP diet was also effective but led to greater improvements in abdominal pain intensity and IBS severity score.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 30, 2025

Colder temperatures increase gastroenteritis risk in Rohingya refugee camps

A new study by Hokkaido University found that colder temperatures significantly increase the risk of gastroenteritis among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's Kutupalong and Nayapara camps. The study reveals a link between temperature changes and gastroenteritis risk, with both extreme cold and heat contributing to higher numbers of cases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2025

A probiotic bacterial strain proven more effective for treating a common intestinal infection

Researchers have discovered a new probiotic bacterial strain that is 15% more effective in treating giardiasis than the existing strain. The strain, Lactobacillus johnsonii CNCM I-4884, has significant anti-Giardia activity and can transform conjugated bile salts into toxic compounds for the parasite.

Beyond the gut: A new frontier in IBS treatment by targeting the brain

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Diarrheal diseases remain a leading killer for children under 5, adults 70+

A new study reports a 60% decline in global diarrheal disease mortality, but highlights regional disparities and areas for improvement, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The largest decrease was among children under 5 years old, with a 79% drop in deaths, while adults 70+ still face high mortality rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2024

Exploring the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota disruption caused by antibiotics

A review of probiotics for restoring antibiotic-disturbed gut microbiota found limited conclusive evidence. While certain probiotics can reduce clinical symptoms like diarrhea and C. difficile colitis, the lack of standardization in measuring microbiota disruption and recovery hinders conclusions.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2024

Treatment for deadly superbug C. diff may be weakening

Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 25, 2024

Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS

A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 18, 2024

Life expectancy increased as world addressed major killers including diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and stroke

The study found that reductions in deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer led to the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021. The super-region of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the largest net gain, while South Asia had the second-largest increase primari...

This common medication could save half a million children’s lives each year. So why is it underprescribed?

A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2024

Hypoxia visualized by endoscopic imaging as an objective indicator for assessing bowel urgency and ulcerative colitis disease activity

Researchers at University of Tsukuba discovered a correlation between hypoxia levels and clinical symptoms in UC patients. Lower oxygen saturation in the rectal mucosa was associated with greater severity of colitis, making this method a potential tool for objective measurement of disease activity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 23, 2024

First comprehensive guideline on using biomarkers for monitoring Crohn’s disease

The American Gastroenterological Association released a new guideline recommending the use of biomarkers to help manage Crohn’s disease. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin can measure levels of inflammation, helping doctors assess disease activity and guide treatment decisions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2023

Vaccine candidate prevents diarrhea, improves growth in animal model

A vaccine originally developed to prevent bacteria-caused diarrhea has been found to also help infant nonhuman primates grow faster, according to a new study. The researchers found that vaccinated baby monkeys were taller than the unvaccinated when measured from head to toe, with a significant improvement in growth rate.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023

A CRISPR-edited calf shows virus resistance

A gene-edited calf demonstrates reduced susceptibility to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) after intentionally altering the CD46 receptor with CRISPR/Cas9. The healthy calf showed no measurable infectious virus in its blood, despite both calves developing antibodies to the virus.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 9, 2023

Study finds stool transplants more effective than antibiotics for treating recurring, life-threatening gut infections

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.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023

BU researchers solve the cell structure responsible for traveler’s diarrhea

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that ETEC pili are fine-tuned for their preferred microenvironment, allowing the bacteria to cause disease. By understanding how pili work, scientists may develop new therapeutics that target only disease-causing bacteria, leaving beneficial microbes intact.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

COVID-19 infections raise risk of long-term gastrointestinal problems

Researchers found that COVID-19 infections are linked to an increased risk of developing liver problems, acute pancreatitis, and other GI disorders. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and estimated that SARS-CoV-2 infections have contributed to over 6 million new cases of GI disorders in the US.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2023

Severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes in children is on the rise: A pediatric investigation review probes deeper for insights

A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateJul 19, 2022