Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
A newly-developed AI-powered tool, CAMPER, helps identify peptides that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria by breaking down their outer defenses. The study found that CAMPER is effective in developing treatments against MRSA and other difficult-to-treat pathogens.
A new ultrasensitive test reveals evidence of previously undetected tuberculosis in Boston Hospital patients, with a striking link to life-threatening sickle cell disease complications. The study found that most TB DNA-positive patients were age 50 or older and tested negative on standard TB infection tests.
Dr. James Earnest's research focuses on how the immune system responds to mosquito-borne viruses, aiming to create better preventative measures for dengue and Zika infections. He is collaborating with institutions in Mexico and Uganda to study immune responses over time, shedding light on effective memory B cells and antibodies.
The Lancet Countdown Europe report presents a total of 43 indicators on the connections between health and climate change in Europe. The report warns that fossil-fuel driven climate change constitutes a growing threat to the health of people in Europe.
A new study found that influenza was detected in 11% of winter deaths, but only 17% had a confirmed diagnosis before death. The study highlights the gap between detection and official mortality records, suggesting influenza may play a larger role in winter mortality than routine surveillance captures.
Researchers found that waterfowl in human-heavy landscapes move shorter distances, potentially leading to more intense disease outbreaks. By understanding these patterns, scientists can better predict where bird flu may spread next.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a fast method to measure the effectiveness of plasma-based air disinfection, which can deactivate up to 99.9% of virus particles. The approach harnesses UV fluorescence to track changes in aerosol infectivity in real-time, providing essential information for public health guidelines.
A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Researchers found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by half for those who got infected, even if they didn't get vaccinated beforehand. The study's findings suggest prioritizing influenza vaccination among high-risk populations could have significant public health impact.
A study published in BMC Public Health found an association between antibiotic use and maternal mental health during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 94,000 pregnant women and discovered a stepwise pattern of psychological distress linked to increasing antibiotic exposure. The findings suggest that avoiding unnecessary an...
A meta-analysis of GLP-1 receptor agonist studies found potential safety signals for gastrointestinal side effects, while some evidence suggested a link to reduced respiratory disease risk. Further research is needed to confirm the latter association.
Sudeshni Naidoo, a renowned researcher and specialist in dental public health, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist John Greenspan Global Oral Health Research Award. Her work focuses on infectious diseases, bioethics, nutrition, and noncommunicable diseases, among other areas.
Among highly boosted patients with cancer, overall postacute sequelae risk was not elevated compared to noninfected patients; hospitalized COVID-19 patients remained at increased risk despite therapeutics. Vaccination and boosting remain important in mitigating long COVID among immunocompromised patients
Researchers identified the key to preventing hospitalizations during nursing home flu outbreaks: administering antiviral chemoprophylaxis within two days of an outbreak to at least 70% of residents. This approach reduces hospitalization rates by 21%, according to a study led by Brown University.
Researchers evaluated the performance of the Phoenix Sepsis Score for predicting in-hospital mortality among pediatric ICU patients in China. They found that a modified version, PSS+, showed substantially improved discrimination without sacrificing clinical usability.
A novel method testing directly from urine can tell doctors which antibiotic will work in an average of 5.85 hours, reducing the risk of resistance developing and potentially lethal sepsis. The test agrees with reference methods in 96.95% of cases for seven first-line antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of York have discovered a protein that allows the African trypanosome parasite to evade detection by destroying specific parts of its genetic instructions. This breakthrough provides new vulnerabilities for future treatments and could revolutionize our understanding of infection.
A study reveals dermcidin, a human body natural molecule, exhibits antiviral activity against the influenza virus. Higher baseline levels of dermcidin in individuals who don't develop flu-like symptoms may be associated with lower susceptibility to infection.
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
A multicenter study found that red blood cell exchange transfusion significantly improves clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with severe babesiosis, a potentially life-threatening tick-borne infection. The procedure was associated with substantially lower risk of in-hospital death or readmission.
Globally, meningitis resulted in over 259,000 deaths and 2.5 million infections in 2023, according to a comprehensive study. The disease disproportionately affects low-income countries, particularly in Africa, where air pollution, premature birth, and low birthweight are major risk factors for death.
Researchers developed an AI tool called PathogenFinder2 that can detect harmful bacteria before they infect humans. The tool uses protein language models and has been shown to significantly improve the detection of bacterial threats.
A single-cell study reveals how immune memory cells are molecularly programmed to respond faster when encountering a familiar threat. The study found that memory CD4⁺ T cells have their DNA primed to activate key defense genes within hours, providing a head start in responding to known pathogens.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes are evolving to evade insecticides, threatening malaria control efforts in South America. The study sequenced complete genomes of over 1,000 mosquitoes across six countries and identified resistance-related genes.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 virus genetic evolution was constrained within limited channels despite rapid changes. The research found that the virus altered by combining pre-existing mutations, rather than expanding its genetic routes.
A study in Catalonia uses genomic sequencing to analyze TB bacterial strains, identifying the most frequent lineage and clusters of specific subtypes. The analysis provides insights into disease spread and may help identify outbreaks.
A new study suggests that autoantibodies from Long COVID patients can induce persistent pain-like symptoms in mice, providing evidence for a potential causal role of autoantibodies in the condition. The research also highlights distinct biological subgroups and offers hope for targeted antibody-based therapies.
A Finnish registry study found that severe infections, such as cystitis and bacterial disease, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study examined nationwide health registry data and identified 29 diseases linked to dementia risk, including mental disorders, Parkinson's disease, and alcohol-related mental disorders.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
A new study estimates that more than 18,000 hospitalized children in the US have sepsis each year, including over 1,800 who die. The study also found that most pediatric sepsis cases were present on admission, but a smaller proportion developed during hospitalization and were associated with higher mortality.
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) 2026 childhood vaccine schedule, which is based on evidence and better reflects current disease epidemiology. The ACP's Immunization Committee found the AAP recommendations to be more evidence-based than the CDC's recommendations, particularly i...
A study in ferrets demonstrates that immunity to two proteins on the surface of the influenza virus can reduce transmission and viral evolution. Targeting both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins can effectively curb the spread of the virus, with transmission rates dropping by half in animals with immunity to both.
Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.
A free webinar, part of the Sustainable Microbiology Policy Spotlight journal webinar series, explores how microbiologists can effectively influence policy in the UK. The webinar, featuring senior policymakers and parliamentary affairs professionals, will take place on April 1, 2026, and will be recorded for retrospective viewing.
A study found that babies who develop severe E. coli infections lack sufficient germ-fighting antibodies, which mothers transfer to their babies. The research suggests that these antibodies protect against infection, and developing a screening test to identify high-risk newborns could prevent severe illnesses.
A recent study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a concerning trend of ticks carrying multiple pathogens in the US Northeast. More than 1 in 10 nymphal ticks tested positive for at least two disease-causing pathogens, with co-infection rates approaching 11% for Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increase in co-infection...
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
A new study warns that reduced international funding for tuberculosis services could lead to significant economic hardship for 40 million households globally, with the poorest households bearing the greatest burden. The study estimates that complete elimination of external funding for TB could cost families up to $80 billion annually.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.
A new study discovered that a multifaceted infection prevention and control intervention successfully disrupted a large and long-running bacterial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Zambian neonatal intensive care unit. The study found that low-cost measures, including IPC training, enhanced cleaning, and hand hygiene, reduced neon...
Researchers developed an antibody test for Mpox that accurately identifies those with infection and vaccine-derived antibodies, helping authorities prioritize vaccine use and study disease transmission. The test, validated in Rwanda, uses only four key antibody signatures to ensure affordability and accessibility.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that herpes simplex virus uses protein ICP4 to make human cell nuclei more fluid-like, allowing for faster replication. This makes the nucleus easier for the virus to copy itself and increases production rate of new viral copies
A review of 900 scientific articles identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in viral infections, including activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, certain markers like anti-inflammatory cytokines are linked to better preservation of cognitive abilities.
A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.
App Applied Microbiology International will host a free webinar on 'Gender Equality and Water' to mark World Water Day 2026. The event aims to centred women and girls in water solutions, recognizing their voices, leadership and agency as critical enablers of gender equality.
Researchers identified molecular defect in taste receptor cells due to reduced levels of PLCβ2 protein, which strengthens the signal before transmission to the brain. Taste cells that detect salty and sour flavors are less affected.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a high-resolution 3D map of the Andes virus, a crucial step towards developing vaccines and treatments against hantaviruses. The new structure allows for the design of effective vaccines and antibody therapies.
A new Tulane University study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes persistent brain inflammation and small blood vessel injury, even after the virus is no longer detectable. This finding helps explain why long COVID often includes neurological symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.
Researchers found that farming practices, unsafe sanitation, and domestic animals linked to infection risk. Household-level interventions are essential for accelerating elimination, especially when community-wide strategies fail near elimination.
Researchers found that male patients with early Lyme disease present with different signs of the disease, including symptoms, physical exams, and laboratory test results. These findings suggest that sex and menopause status are important to consider in understanding early Lyme disease.
Co-infection of Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases risk of death significantly compared to fungal infection alone. The fungus changes its cell density, diversity, and capsule size in response to the bacterial pathogen.
Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University have identified three novel antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels that effectively target multidrug-resistant bacteria. The peptides, CdPG-3 and CdCATH, demonstrate strong antibacterial activity across Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
A new study published in Science reveals that diseases closely related to syphilis originated more than 5,000 years ago and were transmitted from the Americas, challenging long-held European theories. The research uses ancient DNA discoveries from Colombia and Mexico to shed light on human disease evolution and global health.
Bacteria levels have decreased but high E. coli and staph still present near the spill site and downstream. UMD experts advise avoiding Potomac water and banks for health risks.
Researchers developed a new single-cell transcriptomic clock called Tictock to measure aging in specific immune cells. The study found that COVID-19 and HIV alter T cell composition and accelerate the biological age of naïve CD8 T cells, while long-term antiretroviral therapy stabilizes T cell proportions.
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway found low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza, with only 29.9% and 12.1% vaccinated respectively. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake among expectant mothers.
A new study has shown that hospital analysers can accurately distinguish genuine liquid medical products from fakes, providing a low-cost screening tool to complement established methods. This breakthrough addresses a global health threat, with an estimated 10.5% of medicines worldwide being substandard or fake.
A novel vaccination approach cleared harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in an animal model of infection. The experimental vaccine protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence through mucosal immunization.
Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship for his innovative work on noninvasive methods to communicate with the brain. He aims to develop versatile platform technologies to obtain new types of research data and treat multiple diseases.