Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
Diane Santa Maria, dean of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Her innovative research program focuses on HIV prevention among youth experiencing homelessness.
A large UK trial found that adding procalcitonin (PCT) to routine care did not reduce IV antibiotic use in hospitalized children. The study, part of the BATCH trial, enrolled nearly 2,000 children and tested PCT's effectiveness in guiding treatment decisions.
Scientists at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical produced by plants that prevents bacterial biofilm formation. This breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare and industrial settings, where biofilms cause significant problems.
A new self-destructing vaccine provides improved safety and protection against TB in macaque monkeys, outperforming the standard BCG vaccine. The 'kill switch' mechanism eliminates the risk of accidental infection, offering a safer vaccination option for immunocompromised individuals.
A recent study reveals that psychological stress impairs macrophage function, leading to worsened skin allergy symptoms. Stress disrupts the ability of anti-inflammatory macrophages to clear dead cells, allowing eosinophils to infiltrate and exacerbate allergic responses.
A longitudinal cohort study reveals that early-life infection burden may continue throughout childhood, increasing the risk of future infections and antibiotics use. The findings suggest that high infection burdens in early life are independently associated with later antibiotic treatments.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that digital healthcare consultations are not reliable enough to assess tonsillitis due to limitations in criteria such as tonsil inspection and lymph node examination. Physical examinations remain crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers are discovering selenium nanoparticles' potential in cancer prevention, inflammation reduction, and tumor treatment through their ability to activate the immune system and reduce inflammation. SeNPs are also being explored as vaccine adjuvants to improve immune cell activation and boost cancer vaccine efficacy.
A study by the University of Surrey found that high-quality face masks reduce transmission risk by ninefold and doubling indoor air ventilation cuts it by nearly a third. Improving ventilation and physical distancing further minimizes the risk.
Researchers have discovered that climate change and tsetse fly control measures can drive molecular changes in African trypanosomes, enabling them to infect animals without flies. New strains with reduced life cycles have been detected in Asia, South America, and southern Europe.
A live-attenuated vaccine against Lassa virus has been developed and shown to be safe and 100% effective in protecting guinea pigs from the virus. The vaccine was created by modifying the genome of the virus to prevent it from causing disease, making it a promising candidate for future clinical trials.
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.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that adherence to national medical guidelines for using antiviral medications in young children with influenza is limited. Almost half of hospitalized children did not receive antiviral therapy, highlighting the need for improved clinical testing and treatment.
Cases of whooping cough are increasing in the US, with over 28,000 cases reported this year. A nationally representative survey found that many people lack knowledge about the disease's symptoms and vaccine effectiveness.
UC San Diego researchers identified the key reason for vaccine failures against Staphylococcus aureus: overabundance of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in B cells and helper T cells. Blocking IL-10 restores vaccine efficacy, suggesting a potential solution to combat this deadly bacterium.
Researchers discovered that serine inhibits the cell wall remodeling necessary for Clostridium perfringens to form spores, preventing food poisoning. The study provides insights into the underlying mechanism of spore formation and may lead to new strategies for preventing foodborne illnesses.
Researchers discovered a protein variant acting like a tuning dial to regulate interferon signaling, impacting immune function and disease susceptibility. The balance between this variant and the normal protein may vary from person to person, contributing to individual differences in immune responses.
Charles Shoemaker, a Tufts University professor, has been named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his work on developing immunotherapeutics. His research focuses on creating antibody-based agents that can prevent and cure diseases, including those caused by viruses and bacteria.
Researchers have identified a molecular strategy employed by worm parasites to evade host immune defenses, offering promising solutions for addressing major infectious diseases, allergies, and asthma. By analyzing the unique immune-regulatory properties of helminths, scientists pinpointed key features essential to their activity.
A UK study reveals a software tool increased child vaccinations by over 1,000; healthcare professionals praise digital tool's impact on timely vaccination. The 'APL-Imms' tool uses data to identify due vaccinations and helps reduce vaccine-preventable diseases.
Researchers developed a novel computational pipeline to identify protein biomarkers linked to Alzheimer's risk, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The pipeline, MR-SPI, can predict 3D structural changes in proteins, providing a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving disease.
Dartmouth researchers propose a new way of thinking about masking and social distancing rules using game theory, considering them as two distinct actions. The study finds that people respond differently to these measures based on their perception of the disease's severity, trending towards masking or no protective action over time.
A growing number of engineered stone countertop workers are developing silicosis, a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. The disease can lead to respiratory failure, increased risk of infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a DNA-made nanorobot called NanoGripper that can pick up COVID-19 viruses for rapid detection and block viral particles from entering cells. The device also has potential applications in cancer treatment and preventive medicine.
Researchers at USF Health have created the first ever peer-reviewed guide to audio podcasts dedicated to infectious diseases. The study highlights 38 popular infectious disease-oriented audio podcasts, including a new USF Health series called Contagion: An Infectious Diseases Podcast.
Two studies found that multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli ST131 and Providencia stuartii NDM-1, are spreading in healthcare and community settings across Europe. The emergence of these resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to carbapenem treatment effectiveness.
Researchers found that Florida panthers are not at increased risk for contracting chronic wasting disease from eating infected deer. The study provides relief to conservation efforts, as the disease has spread through North America's deer and elk populations.
A recent study using regression discontinuity found that COVID-19 rates were higher among school-eligible children compared to those not eligible during in-person semesters. However, the difference decreased with each semester, and transmission was lower among school-eligible children during summer breaks.
World health leaders outlined policy recommendations to tackle TB among refugee and migrant populations, leveraging successful experiences from regional countries. The report's ten strategies aim to guide stakeholders worldwide in achieving TB elimination for all.
A 30-year study reveals changes in incidence and mortality rates of 15 common neonatal infectious diseases across LMICs, identifying key trends and areas for targeted public health interventions. Higher socio-demographic index and universal health coverage are generally associated with reduced disease burden.
A new optical biosensor can detect the monkeypox virus within two minutes, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment. The technology has the potential to curb the spread of mpox and prepare for future pandemics, especially in countries with sparse healthcare resources.
The partnership aims to co-develop innovative technologies for enhanced health and economic outcomes. Key findings include the need for collaborative research to counter emerging challenges presented by tropical ID, and inform pandemic preparedness strategies.
The study analyzed antibody profiles from humans in three countries to reconstruct historical seasonal influenza patterns and individual lifetime infection histories. The findings revealed variation in incidence and antibody dynamics over the life course.
A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine found nearly half of opioid overdose patients tested positive for hepatitis C. The infection can cause chronic liver disease and even liver failure or cancer if left undiagnosed.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new strain of bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), linked to increasingly severe human infections. The study used integrative analysis to investigate the genome, transcriptome, and virulence of SDSE strains, shedding light on their molecular pathogenesis.
Aspiring physicians from underrepresented groups will receive travel grants and coursework in metagenomic sequencing and genomic epidemiology through new initiatives launched by CZ Biohub SF and The 15 White Coats. The partnership aims to diversify healthcare for marginalized communities.
Researchers found that TTA reverses meldonium-induced changes in fatty acid synthesis and elongation, alleviating liver fat accumulation. Alterations in delta-6 desaturase activity and plasma L-carnitine levels play a critical role in hepatic steatosis.
Researchers developed a new surveillance technique to track COVID-19 diversity using genomic data, predicting variant emergence with high accuracy. The software can forewarn public health officials of impending outbreaks, enabling timely responses and more effective disease monitoring.
A new study found that older macaques with smaller social networks suffer less from infectious disease. The research suggests a powerful reason for reduced social connections in aging animals, including humans.
A study found that 4.6% of Nigerian participants with COVID-19 experienced neurologic symptoms, with some still experiencing symptoms two years after their initial episode. Researchers plan to treat these patients using similar techniques used in the US, aiming to alleviate their suffering.
A study from Osaka University found a reliable wastewater surveillance method, tracking regional infection trends with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The research team concluded that at least three samples per week are required for accurate monitoring.
Providencia rustigianii carries a type III secretion system and cytolethal distending toxin virulence gene, increasing its pathogenicity, similar to Salmonella.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed the first mRNA vaccine against C. difficile, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colon damage. The vaccine induces a robust immune response, promotes clearance of existing bacteria from the gut, and overcomes deficits in host immunity to protect against infections.
Researchers created a single cell atlas of prenatal human skin, providing a molecular recipe for building skin. The study also led to the creation of a mini organ model that grows hair, offering insights into scarless skin repair and potential clinical applications in regenerative medicine.
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health recommends focusing on 15 priority health conditions to achieve a 50% reduction in premature deaths. Raising taxes on tobacco is key, with estimates suggesting it could reduce mortality rates by more than any other single policy.
A new study found that babesiosis rates rose 9% annually between 2015 and 2022, with 42% of cases linked to other tick-borne illnesses. Co-infection with Lyme disease did not increase mortality risk, but patients received doxycycline treatment more frequently.
The invasive tiger mosquito expands its host range as it spreads across regions, with a greater diversity of hosts in the invasive range. The mosquito's ability to adapt to new environments and act as a bridge vector for pathogens increases the risk of disease transmission.
A Canadian study finds that treatment for vulnerable people with endocarditis includes in-hospital addiction support and community care, with special attention to the needs of marginalized young women. Women who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by endocarditis and have higher long-term mortality rates than men.
A Spanish study found that the influenza vaccination campaign for children aged 6-59 months was effective in preventing acute respiratory infections and hospitalization. The study estimated the vaccine to be 70% effective against any influenza type and 77% effective against severe cases.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.
A cross-sectional study found significant increases in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in SUID rates was linked to off-season resurgences of infectious pathogens, with RSV rates closely approximating this shift.
Researchers have developed an antibody that can identify Campylobacter jejuni and inhibit its growth, reducing pathogenicity. The antibody targets a multiprotein complex essential for the bacteria's energy production, making it a potential target for therapy and vaccination.
A recent cohort study found that prenatal exposure to COVID-19 during pregnancy did not increase the risk of autism screening in toddlers. The research suggests that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-related exposure had no significant impact on autism positivity rates.
A cohort study found a significant association between maternal influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood seizures. The study suggests that maternal influenza may affect childhood neurological development, particularly for febrile seizures, but not epilepsy.
Researchers analyzed over 150,000 COVID-19 cases in Japan and found CAPA occurred in 0.4% to 2.7% of severe or critical patients, with higher risk seen in men, older adults, and those with respiratory diseases. Early detection and treatment with antifungal drugs are crucial for improved outcomes.
Researchers have conducted the largest genomic survey of the syphilis bacterium to date, correlating genetic data with clinical information to identify potential targets for a vaccine. The study found differences in bacterial strains between continents, but also similarities that suggest a global vaccine could be effective.
A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.
Researchers have discovered a new class of natural antimicrobials called microcins that can target specific strains of bacteria causing cholera, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microcins are highly selective and can potentially remove unwanted bacteria without disrupting the human gut microbiome.
A recent study by ISGlobal found a vast range of viable bacteria and fungi transported by air masses from northeast China to Japan, some potentially pathogenic to humans. The research team identified over 266 fungal and 305 bacterial genera in aerosol samples, including species resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
A study published by the European Respiratory Society found that hypertonic saline nasal drops reduced the length of the common cold in children by an average of two days. The treatment also reduced the need for medicines during illness and decreased family members catching a cold.