Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
The global illegal wildlife trade has a substantial impact on biodiversity loss, human health, and ecosystems. The trade results in estimated costs of $162.7 billion annually and contributes to the extinction of native species.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations in CF patients' sinuses vary widely, with evolution following two stages: pathoadaptive community formation and fragmentation. This discovery may inform new therapeutic approaches by focusing on strongest evolutionary pressures.
Infection with measles virus triggers the activation of both RNA and DNA virus immune responses. The virus affects mitochondrial growth and division, causing their fusion and release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm. This leads to the activation of the cGAS immune response, which is also triggered by DNA viruses.
A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and National Cancer Institute discovered why HIV is rarely the direct cause of cancer. The research found that it requires a specific series of events involving changes in HIV and additional mutations in human genes, resulting in T cell lymphomas. However, the occurrence is rare, a...
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an ultrapotent inhibitor of the dengue virus, effective against all known variants. The antiviral molecule is also suitable for prevention purposes and has shown promising results in mouse tests, with a low dose being extremely effective.
Dr. Gack's research focuses on identifying broad-spectrum antiviral drug targets and has implications for developing effective treatments against COVID-19 and other viral threats. The $5.6 million NIH grant will support her investigation into targeting human enzymes essential for virus replication.
A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.
A clinical trial found that convalescent plasma did not improve survival rates in most critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, immunocompromised patients showed a slight improvement with the treatment. The researchers speculate that too few high-quality antibodies and a runaway inflammatory immune response may be to blame.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers proposes abandoning the R rate for tracking pandemics in favor of nowcasts, which forecast daily new cases and deaths based on growth rates. The Harvey-Kattuman model has already proved accurate and effective in predicting COVID-19 waves and spikes worldwide.
A new DNA sensor can detect both the presence and infectivity of viruses in minutes, providing a significant improvement over current methods that only detect genetic material. This breakthrough could aid in tracking and containing viral outbreaks, as well as understanding mechanisms of infection.
Researchers found that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria induce the resorption of alveolar bone, a key component of periodontal tissue. The study suggests that positive and negative bacteria are responsible for periodontitis symptoms.
A new study reveals a strong connection between infection rates and strains of authoritarianism in public attitudes and politics. The research found that the more infectious US cities and states had more authoritarian-leaning citizens, with correlations between higher disease rates and conservative voting patterns.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that antibodies from people infected with the original COVID-19 strain do not effectively bind to newer variants. This has implications for vaccine efficacy and the design of possible boosters.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.
Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...
Research reveals that stronger lettuce stems are a key part of disease resistance against Sclerotinia spp., the causative agent of lettuce drop. The study found that wild lettuce species exhibit increased stem strength and reduced symptom development, while modern commercial cultivars are susceptible to rapid basal stem rot.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that nearly one-fifth of young people with tuberculosis (10-24 years old) in Brazil experienced adverse treatment outcomes. Factors associated with these outcomes included poverty, HIV, homelessness, and drug use, highlighting the need for greater attention to this age group in tuberc...
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
A study from Texas A&M University found that COVID-19 was the leading cause of maternal death, with a lethality rate higher than in the US. Maternal mortality also increased due to deaths related to hemorrhage and hypertension. The pandemic's impact on healthcare access and care quality highlighted the importance of timely prenatal care.
Researchers at UC San Diego develop precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control mosquito populations. The system uses CRISPR to alter genes linked to male fertility and female flight in Aedes aegypti, reducing disease transmission.
Researchers found that two drugs can suppress ACE2 protein production, reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus entry. Cigarette smoke extract and the drugs activate a receptor that inhibits ACE2 expression, making it harder for the virus to infect cells.
A study conducted by RCSI has demonstrated that a saliva PCR test is almost as accurate as the standard nose and throat swab, enabling greater capacity for frequent testing. The saliva screening represents a less invasive alternative with the potential to increase compliance with screening.
Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from victims of epidemics in Mexico and found evidence of newly introduced viruses, including smallpox, measles, and mumps. The study suggests that European colonists brought these viruses to North America, contributing to devastating epidemics among Indigenous communities.
The study evaluated the impact of the program on patient engagement and clinical outcomes. Patient engagement rates reached 78.9%, highlighting the efficacy of virtual care at home during the pandemic.
Project 2VIDA! aims to increase access and use of COVID-19 vaccines in San Diego's most heavily affected neighborhoods. The program directly educates the public on vaccine safety and addresses health disparities through a door-to-door outreach approach.
Two studies found that breathing humid and salt-enriched air reduced respiratory droplet generation by approximately 50% within 10 minutes. The study suggests this mechanism may contribute to the effectiveness of cotton face masks in reducing COVID-19 incidence and death.
A recent study reveals that protein HSP27 plays a crucial role in regulating blood vessel leakage, which is a hallmark of sepsis. By targeting HSP27, researchers hope to develop drugs that can stabilize blood vessel barriers and prevent fluid loss.
A Mayo Clinic study found that a combination of casirivimab and imdevimab reduced hospitalization rates among high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 by 60%–70%. The treatment allowed these patients to recover safely at home.
Researchers found that masks, social distancing, and ventilation significantly reduce the risk of musical COVID-19 transmission. Simple safety measures, such as wearing masks, limiting performance time to under 30 minutes, and maintaining distance between players, can mitigate this risk.
The need for public engagement on menstrual health is emphasized by a commentary in JAMA, highlighting the importance of sufficient funding and research. Menstrual equity is recognized as a human rights and public health issue with significant disparities affecting schoolgirls, women, and those experiencing homelessness.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a combination of seasonal vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 E and antimalarial drugs significantly reduces clinical episodes, hospital admissions, and deaths from malaria. The results show a 70% reduction in these outcomes compared to current interventions.
A new TB prevention regimen for HIV-positive individuals has shown promising results, with 90.4% completing the three-month course compared to 50.5% of those on a six-month daily treatment. The study suggests that this shorter approach is as safe and effective as the standard treatment.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has initiated a Phase II/III clinical trial for the Bharat Biotech Chikungunya vaccine candidate BBV87, evaluating its safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults across five countries. The study aims to develop an affordable vaccine with the aim of achieving WHO prequalification.
A new study by Ivan Zanoni at Boston Children's Hospital reveals a complex picture of interferon production in mild versus severe COVID-19. The researchers found that different types of interferons have opposite roles in the upper and lower respiratory tract, and that specific interferons determine disease severity.
Researchers used social media posts to predict COVID-19 case counts, achieving correlation rates of up to 0.98 and improving on existing Google Flu Trends algorithm results. The study provides a highly-adaptive approach for feature engineering in epidemic prediction.
A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.
A new University of Georgia study models the impact of three interventions - social distancing, contact tracing, and case isolation - on containing COVID-19. The researchers found that robust contact tracing was essential in suppressing outbreaks, with a significant increase in cases when efforts were less efficient.
A new study led by ISGlobal has identified a gene called PfAP2-HS that allows the malaria parasite to defend itself from febrile temperatures and other adverse conditions within the host. The study found that this gene activates a protective response against high temperatures, helping the parasite survive in the host's environment.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry to generate 3D models for tracking lesion progression and impacts on diseased coral colonies. The study found that stony coral tissue loss disease prevalence varied significantly across location, but not through time.
A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.
SK bioscience's GBP510 vaccine candidate has shown promising safety and immunogenic response in Phase I/II clinical trials. IVI will partner with SK on global Phase III trials to accelerate development and WHO approval of the vaccine.
Patients with Lyme disease have a 28% higher rate of mental disorders and are twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the diagnosis. The study reveals that having multiple episodes of Lyme disease is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, including depression and suicidal behavior.
A large study found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth and all preterm births. People of color face disproportionate infection risk while pregnant. Researchers recommend vaccination to reduce COVID-19 infection and prevent preterm birth.
A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.
Researchers have discovered that reduced levels of sphingosine are significantly associated with developing COVID-19 symptoms, while elevated sphingosine and acid ceramidase levels are linked to asymptomatic infections. This biomarker has a high degree of accuracy in predicting patient outcomes.
Scientists identified five human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize multiple beta-coronaviruses by targeting a conserved structure in the spike protein. These antibodies showed promise in reducing viral load and enhancing immune responses in hamsters, providing potential inspiration for broadly protective vaccines.
Researchers created a 3D view of diseased lung tissue using microCT to reveal that TB granulomas are complex and branched, with unique connections to airways. This has significant implications for treatment, including the potential for aerosolized drug delivery to reduce treatment times.
Researchers at UIC are developing a potential COVID-19 treatment using VT-109, which has shown promise in animal models by restoring lung function and reducing inflammation. The new funding will be used to conduct pre-clinical studies to determine efficacy, toxicity, and dosages before human trials.
A University of Rhode Island researcher analyzed data and proposed solutions to improve passenger safety in future pandemics. She suggests clarifying international maritime laws and customs to ensure flag states have a larger role in responding to disease outbreaks.
A Phase 2 trial showed that combining doxycycline with TB treatment reduces lung cavity size and increases markers of recovery in pulmonary TB patients. This discovery has promise for preventing long-term complications and improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.
A new study confirms that surgical masks effectively block expired particles from talking or coughing, even with leakage around the edges. The results show a significant reduction in disease transmission via expiratory particles when both infected and susceptible individuals wear masks.
A new conceptual model introduces the idea that genetics, environmental exposures and random cellular changes all contribute to aging patterns. The 'Tripartite Phenotype of Aging' aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact to influence lifespan.
A new study has sequenced the carbohydrate structures of glycoproteins from two different sheep prion strains, revealing no major differences that could explain the diversity in prion strains. The findings suggest glycans may not be responsible for the biochemical and neuropathological differences between strains.
A retrospective cohort study found that opioid prescriptions to patients at risk of misuse remained similar before and after CDC guidelines, with only a 14% decrease in oxycodone prescriptions. The study highlights the need for continued education on reducing high-abuse potential opioids for high-risk patients.
A study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that global warming is likely to increase disease risk in animals, particularly those living in colder climates. The thermal mismatch hypothesis suggests that pathogens thrive in warmer temperatures, while cold-adapted animals struggle to cope with rising temperatures.
A new study found that climate warming increases infectious disease risk in cooler-climate species, while reducing the risk for species from warmer climates. Small-bodied pathogens have a greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations than larger hosts.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that high fat and low carbohydrate diets can completely prevent or even reverse heart failure caused by a metabolic process. The research team discovered that providing a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet can improve cardiac fat metabolism and prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction.
A recent study by Syracuse University professor Shannon Monnat found that mortality rates are higher for U.S. working-age residents living in rural areas compared to metro areas. The gap is widening, driven by increased mortality from metabolic and respiratory diseases, suicide, alcohol-related disorders, and mental/behavioral disorders.
A US survey found that increased local case counts of a hypothetical disease led to higher vaccination rates. Older, wealthier participants and those with conservative views were more likely to get vaccinated. The study highlights the complex relationship between perceived risk and vaccine propensity.