Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
Liangfang Zhang's invention uses human cell membranes to cloak nanoparticles, making them deliver drugs and remove toxins more effectively. The approach has shown promise against bacterial toxins, including MRSA, and may potentially treat diseases without conventional drugs.
A blood test that compares two molecules in the blood can accurately distinguish between bacterial and viral infections in newborn babies with fever. The test showed a high sensitivity and specificity, and could potentially improve treatment and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers have trained an AI model to discover polymers with antimicrobial properties, evading bacterial resistance and promising a new class of antibiotics. The polymers use a physical pathway to attack bacteria, making them more difficult for microbes to evolve resistance to.
A new study found that air pollution exposure can increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia and meningitis, with certain bacterial strains responding differently to pollution exposure. The study suggests that improving air quality could lower disease risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults and young children.
Enterovirus infections in children can lead to severe diseases, and current vaccines only cover certain serotypes. The review highlights the need for further research to expand preventive and therapeutic options. Rapid viral evolution complicates disease diagnosis and treatment.
A study by Goethe University and Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt has found that seminal fluid can facilitate infection of skin cells with the monkeypox virus. The researchers discovered that protein fragments in seminal fluid form fibers that promote attachment of the virus to human cells, increasing the risk of transmission through sexu...
Researchers have identified a subset of B cells known as atypical memory cells as the primary precursors of autoantibody-producing cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cells adopt a markedly different biological program, leading to increased autoantibody production. The study provides new insight into how viral infections can trigg...
A new study found that bladder infections after brain injury worsen cognitive problems, with post-injury UTIs altering brain immune cells. This research suggests that bladder infections may exacerbate TBI outcomes, highlighting the need for infection prevention strategies to improve long-term recovery.
A new strategy remodels the cell membrane to convert ordinary macrophages into pathogen-targeting immune cells. Engineered macrophages successfully overcame limitations of conventional antimicrobial therapies, demonstrating improved bacterial recognition and elimination.
A new study found that 5% of hospitalized adults with firearm injuries developed bacterial infections, with the majority occurring during initial hospitalization. Patients undergoing surgeries involving the head, neck, spine, liver, or lower abdomen faced the highest risk of developing bacterial infections.
A novel treatment approach combining phage therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation has shown promise in treating recurring urinary tract infections. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that the treatment reduced UTI episodes and improved quality of life for patients.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new family of antifungal agents that are more potent and less toxic than existing treatments. The compounds, which were discovered through genome mining, showed increased antifungal activity and improved solubility compared to existing drugs.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers at UT San Antonio develop non-toxic biologic to prevent Lyme disease transmission. The treatment targets small mammals and birds, reducing bacterial loads in ticks, and may soon be available for residential use.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
Researchers identified a shared biological feature of these pathogens that targets the mucus layer, allowing for a potential combination vaccine against all three biomolecules. The discovery could lead to significant progress in developing an effective vaccine against severe diarrhea.
Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.
Researchers have developed an alternative infection model using wax moth larvae to study bacterial pathogens, enabling efficient and ethically acceptable high-throughput testing. The model allows for broad screening of bacterial variants or potential new active compounds in a living organism.
Researchers developed a manufacturing platform for producing targeted mixtures of beneficial gut bacteria, demonstrating comparable safety and efficacy with fecal microbiota transplants. The new approach uses defined bacterial strains isolated from donor stool and grown under controlled conditions.
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 pre-Columbian Bolivian mummy has been found to harbor the ancient Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, a pathogen responsible for scarlet fever. The genome of this centuries-old bacterium was reconstructed from its DNA, revealing genetic variants that may no longer exist today.
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.
Researchers found that Vibrio cholerae can efficiently acquire new sedentary chromosomal integron (SCI) gene cassettes from extracellular DNA. This process allows the bacteria to diversify its antiviral defenses and potentially expand its protection against viruses in different environments.
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 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 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...
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new inhalable form of tuberculosis (TB) treatment that delivers rifampin directly to the lungs, reducing liver damage and improving immune activity. The study found that inhaled nanoparticle treatment kept higher levels of the drug in the lungs for up to a week after a single dose.
A Dartmouth study found that plasmids can form tight clusters within bacterial communities, making them resistant to antibiotics and clinical treatments. This phenomenon introduces a new avenue for bacterial infections to become more difficult to treat.
A recent study found significant changes in post-COVID respiratory infections among children, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae experiencing a surge after restrictions were lifted. The study also revealed strong interactions between pathogens, including negative correlations and pathogen interference.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found that a common bacterium produces reactive oxygen species that impairs wound healing. Neutralizing this process with an antioxidant enzyme restores skin cells' ability to migrate and heal, offering a potential solution to tackle antibiotic-resistant strains.
A comprehensive genomic characterisation of E. coli strains isolated from diabetic foot ulcers reveals high diversity and antibiotic resistance. The study provides valuable insights into the specific pathogens involved in diabetic foot disease and suggests potential targets for improved treatment strategies.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria swim upstream to cause infections, pointing to new designs for biomedical devices that can prevent contamination. The study found that wider channels with faster counterflows are more prone to invasion, but sharp corner designs can inhibit bacterial growth.
Researchers developed a lab-grown model of the prostate gland to study bacterial infections. They found that E. coli targets specific cells and uses a 'lock and key' principle to invade. A sugar molecule called D-mannose blocks this interaction, offering a potential new strategy to prevent and treat prostate infections.
Researchers developed a new method to measure how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria, crucial for treating complex infections. The 'antimicrobial single-cell testing' method predicts treatment success by observing individual bacteria under different conditions.
A high-protein diet rich in casein and wheat gluten can significantly reduce the amount of cholera bacteria able to infect the gut. The study found that these dietary components can suppress a key structure on the surface of cholera bacteria, making it difficult for the pathogen to colonize and cause harm.
Researchers discovered that certain antibodies employ unusual tactics to block bacterial adhesion, including creating molecular wedges and conformational traps. These mechanisms could lead to the development of immune therapies targeting glycan-binding cell-attachment proteins produced by bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed the first vaccine able to protect nonhuman primates from melioidosis, a long-neglected and deadly tropical disease on the rise. The vaccine uses outer membrane vesicles to trigger a powerful immune response.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A team of researchers has identified two proteins critical to the destruction of red blood cells by the Oroya fever pathogen. This discovery paves the way for a potential novel therapy against this deadly neglected tropical disease.
Cholera-causing bacteria show substantial genetic diversity and widespread multi-drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Africa. A new study analyzed genomic data from 104 isolates across Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa, highlighting the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship.
The new guideline recommends full-time infection prevention staff, comprehensive training, and support for all staff, as well as partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies. This guidance aims to reduce the risk of infections in nursing homes, saving lives and money.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
Researchers have developed a new molecular test to identify Lyme disease earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. The test can detect as few as five bacterial cells and has an estimated sensitivity of 90.9%, making it a potential new avenue for testing Lyme disease.
The Phase 3 study demonstrated the safety and non-inferiority of EuTYPH-C Inj.® Multi-dose compared to a World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified comparator TCV, Typbar TCV®. The vaccine was shown to be well-tolerated across all age groups with no serious adverse events.
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.
A team led by Professor Jay Hinton will explore how the gut microbiota prevents Salmonella infection in healthy individuals. By analyzing data from a previous human challenge trial, they aim to reveal the microbial mechanisms that confer colonisation resistance.
Researchers at Mount Sinai developed a new technology to track beneficial bacteria after fecal microbiota transplants, providing insights into how donor microbes adapt and persist in the gut. This approach may guide the design of safer and more effective microbiome-based therapies.
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 new study projects that US funding cuts will result in a catastrophic effect on pediatric TB, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia experiencing a significant spike in preventable cases and deaths over the next decade. The loss of US bilateral health aid is projected to result in an additional 2.5 million pediatric T...
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 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.
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 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 University of Leicester-led study reveals that around one in three hospital infections involve antimicrobial resistance, independently associated with a higher risk of death. The study found patients with resistant infections had a 58% increased risk of mortality compared to those with susceptible infections.
A new review article highlights the need for effective control and prevention strategies for sexually transmitted gut infections, which can persist longer and be harder to treat. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community-level education and testing.
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.