Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a human gene, PARP14, that plays a role in regulating interferon and boosting the immune response. The protein's antiviral activity against multiple viruses suggests it could guide the development of new therapies for viral infections.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
Researchers have identified three distinct immunotypes in EPTB patients, revealing new insights into disease mechanisms. Additionally, gene expression-based biomarkers have been developed to reliably diagnose both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Researchers have developed particles that can deliver an effective immune response at a much lower dose than traditional mRNA vaccines. The new particles, called AMG1541, use cyclic structures and ester groups to enhance mRNA delivery and improve biodegradability. This could potentially reduce vaccine costs and side effects.
Researchers found that early clindamycin administration significantly improved recovery rates in patients with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The study also showed that M1uk strain does not worsen prognosis in critically ill adults, but prompt treatment remains crucial.
Researchers found RSV to be of comparable severity to influenza and COVID-19, with higher death rates and intensive care admissions. Long-term cardiovascular and neurological complications were also observed up to 300 days post-hospitalisation.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy using biomaterial scaffold vaccines to protect against Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopedic device implants. The vaccines, made with immune cell-attaching molecules and S. aureus-specific antigens, create a beneficial immune response that significantly lowers bacterial burden.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
The editorial highlights how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment, potentially compromising outcomes for women. Hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and renal clearance all influence drug processing, yet these variables are rarely considered in dosing algorithms.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered central routes that deadly viruses take to invade human cells, designing decoy molecules to block infections. The studies set the stage for developing new strategies for yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis viruses.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will participate in numerous panels and presentations during the conference, sharing their latest findings on obesity treatment and prevention. The institution is well-represented at the event, with faculty members among the experts leading courses, presentations, and speaker panels.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have used artificial intelligence and citizen science to identify what may be the first specimen of Anopheles stephensi — an invasive and deadly malaria-carrying mosquito — ever detected in Madagascar. The study demonstrates how AI-powered image recognition and public participation can t...
A new approach, epimodulation, has been developed to improve epidemiological forecasting models by incorporating critical pieces of understanding into the models. This approach increased model accuracy by up to 55% during epidemic peaks for hospital admission forecasts without reducing accuracy at non-peak times.
Scientists from Institut Pasteur identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis in remains of 13 soldiers who retreated from Russia in 1812. The study suggests these two pathogens may have contributed to the high number of deaths in Napoleon's army.
A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
A new human lung alveolus chip model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy. The study achieved significant reductions in virus load and host inflammatory response after a single administration.
Full-term children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids are at higher risk of infections until age 21, a new study finds. Preterm children, however, show no association between ACS and infections.
Researchers create novel compounds that kill bacteria in a new way, reducing the risk of side effects and environmental harm. The compounds have been shown to be effective in preventing bovine mastitis without affecting milk quality.
A key molecular player, RfaH, has been identified as a protective shield for bacterial genes, enabling them to survive the hostile environment inside the body. The protein ensures transcription runs to completion, making it an anti-terminator that prevents premature termination of gene expression.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have identified a previously uncharacterized subset of immune cells called preTfr that play a critical role in preventing autoantibody production. In patients with severe COVID-19, these cells are significantly reduced, correlating with increased levels of harmful autoantibodies.
Researchers found that specific bacteria, such as Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium species, are associated with AIG-related neuroendocrine tumors. The study suggests that changes in host metabolism occur before alterations in the gastric microbiota, potentially creating a microenvironment that favors tumor growth.
A new study found that breastfeeding until six months of age helps babies fight off infections and reduce chronic inflammation. The researchers identified specific lipids in breast milk, such as plasmalogens, which appear to lower inflammation and improve immune health.
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
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.
A University of Houston professor has received funding to develop effective treatments for Cryptosporidium infections, which cause severe diarrhea and have no existing cure. The team aims to design drugs that target the parasite's enzyme CDPK1 to minimize systemic exposure and maximize efficacy.
Researchers discovered that HIV embeds itself in unique DNA patterns across various tissues, including brain, blood, and digestive tract, explaining its ability to persist for decades. This knowledge can help identify targeted therapeutic approaches to eliminate infected cells or 'silence' the virus.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) affects nearly a third of patients with severe long COVID, with middle-aged women being the most common demographic. Researchers emphasize that POTS can be detected with simple tests and treated to alleviate symptoms.
A historic campaign in Argentina developed antivenom for black widow spider bites, leading to a model for pharmaceutical autonomy. This approach is crucial for fighting neglected tropical diseases globally.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
A new pediatric study found that young people infected with COVID twice are twice as likely to develop long COVID, with increased risks for heart disease, damaged kidneys, cognitive issues, and more. The study analyzed data from over 407,000 patients across 40 pediatric hospitals.
A new framework for US vaccine policy aims to rebuild trust by acknowledging shared blame, abandoning absolutist tactics, and promoting community-based education. The medical community must own its share of responsibility in addressing declining vaccination rates and rising outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
A comprehensive mapping study predicts India could experience the greatest long-term impact from chikungunya, with 14.4 million people at risk globally each year. Chronic health impacts will be a major concern, with around 50% of infected individuals left with long-term disability.
A large study found that children and adolescents are twice as likely to experience long COVID after catching COVID for the second time compared to their peers with a single previous infection. Long COVID in youth is associated with various conditions, including myocarditis, blood clots, and severe fatigue.
The NUS Medicine will receive a S$2 million grant from Novo Nordisk Foundation and Temasek Foundation to strengthen microbiology testing for severe bacterial infections across Asia. The DETECT-Asia programme aims to combat antimicrobial resistance, which is driving socio-economic inequity and claiming millions of lives globally.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific found that most newborn infections in Southeast Asia are caused by bacteria unlikely to respond to current treatments, highlighting the need for updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Locally relevant data is crucial for guiding routine medical decisions, and new a...
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
A cohort study investigated olfactory dysfunction in US adults with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a significant association between prior infection and persistent olfactory dysfunction. High variability was observed among individuals, highlighting the need for individualized assessment and treatment strategies.
Scientists introduce a new way to control when drugs are active or inactive in the body, potentially developing safer medicines. The technology was applied to create improved molecular sensors, including a rapid coronavirus sensor that responds about 70 times faster than previous protein-based tests.
Dr. Langlois and his team will support large-scale scientific research, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen Canada's ability to face future health emergencies. The High-Throughput Facility infrastructure will rapidly detect and track new infectious disease threats while protecting people and communities.
Researchers discovered onnamides, a family of compounds from Okinawan marine sponges, showing remarkable potential against Leishmania major. These compounds demonstrate potency and safety exceeding current treatments, offering new approaches to overcome drug resistance.
Researchers used computer modeling and large datasets to understand how COVID-19 was transmitted in one community in South Africa. The study found that population density and household size significantly affected transmission patterns during lockdowns and government restrictions.
A new study from the University of Illinois shows that severe flu infection in pregnant mice leads to a breakdown in placental and brain barriers, allowing potentially harmful molecules to accumulate in the fetal brain. Fibrinogen accumulation has also been linked to neuroinflammatory conditions, and researchers found it accumulated in...
Researchers linked Foshan's epidemic to climate extremes, urban growth, and sanitation gaps, highlighting the need for a One Health approach. Long-term health security requires aligning urban planning, climate resilience, and public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.
A new international study found that 35% of respondents couldn't define cystitis correctly, highlighting the need for public education on UTIs amid rising antibiotic resistance. Women are significantly more affected by UTIs, but awareness is lower among men and younger adults.
Researchers conducted a survey of published studies on the transmission risk of 39 pathogens and diseases, finding that only 7.4% consider hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The study recommends integrating these components for reliable models and guiding public policies.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed an enhanced CRISPR-based tuberculosis test that works with a simple tongue swab, detecting TB in samples with very low levels of bacteria. The new test shows high sensitivity and accuracy, offering a significant step forward toward effective diagnoses via a variety of samples.
A new open-source AI tool, ProRNA3D-single, has significantly increased accuracy in predicting and visualizing protein-RNA complex structures. This method can generate finely detailed images of molecules in 3D, enabling drug developers to design treatments by analyzing where viruses attach to human proteins.
Researchers develop a framework for biologging-based surveillance to detect disease outbreaks in wildlife, providing insights into the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian flu and COVID-19. The approach aims to revolutionize public health interventions by enabling early detection and proactive prevention.
Researchers have found a way to use antibodies to direct T cells to kill Cytomegalovirus-infected cells, offering an alternative treatment for life-threatening infections without expensive and side-effect-prone drugs.
Researchers have identified a key immunoregulatory mechanism in aspergillosis, where the dendritic cell receptor limits the host's response to fungal infections. Neutrophils play a crucial role in clearing fungal hyphae, and Dcir regulates their degranulation activity, which is essential for killing pathogens.
Even modest reductions in PrEP coverage result in thousands of avoidable HIV infections. The study estimates billions of dollars in increases in net health care costs due to these reductions.
A new study finds that postpartum mothers with hepatitis C who received treatment while still in the hospital were twice as likely to be cured compared to those referred for outpatient follow-up appointments. The 'Meds to Beds' model dramatically improves cure rates by bringing treatment to bedside before discharge.
Researchers developed an unusual therapy using a cocktail of antibodies that protected mice from nearly every strain of influenza, including avian and swine variants. The therapy did not allow viral escape, even after repeated exposure in animals.
A rat discovered on a flight from Miami to Berlin revealed hidden global health risks, including the presence of a methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain nearly identical to human variants. The study highlights the importance of standardized pathogen screening for animal stowaways and rats as indicators of ecosystem health.
A study examined the interactive effects of meteorological factors and air pollution on influenza cases in Huaian, China. The main findings showed that increasing PM2.5 levels decreased risk at low concentrations but increased risk at high concentrations.
A comprehensive registry study in Sweden found that healthy, full-term babies under three months old are at risk of severe illness from RSV. The study highlights several risk factors, including birth weight and sibling age, which increase the risk of needing intensive care or dying.
A recent study provides insights into the true impact of chikungunya on pediatric health, revealing diagnostic challenges and limited public health responses. Infants are especially susceptible to severe complications, emphasizing the need for improved research, diagnostics, surveillance, and policy.
Researchers found that dengue infection can reprogram the body's immune system, leaving a lasting genetic imprint that influences future infections. This effect is not seen with vaccination, but rather with gene activity patterns in specific types of immune cells that the dengue virus infects.