Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.
A study found that long-term cannabis smokers have increased levels of Actinomyces meyeri in their saliva, which correlates with the length of cannabis use. This bacterium was shown to decrease activity and increase beta-amyloid production in mice, suggesting a link between oral microbiome disruption and brain health.
Researchers have discovered that certain microbes can prevent Clostridioides difficile infection by consuming nutrients essential for its growth. This new understanding challenges existing approaches to probiotic treatment options, which focus on restoring secondary bile acids.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive Lyme disease dashboard to define hotspots and map the disease across the US and Canada. The dashboard provides valuable insights for public health awareness and research collaboration.
Researchers have identified specific bacterial interactions in disease-resistant children that protect against chronic middle ear infections. This discovery could lead to new treatments and preventative measures for Indigenous communities, which are disproportionately affected by the condition.
A recent University at Buffalo study found that patients using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn had smaller probing depths in their gums, indicating less severe gum disease. The researchers suggest that PPIs' side effects may be linked to reduced periodontitis severity.
Researchers at CRG and Pulmobiotics have created the first 'living medicine' to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria growing on medical implants. The experimental treatment successfully treated infections across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo testing methods.
Researchers found that complex mixtures of microbes isolated from closely related plant species increased the resistance of endangered Hawaiian plant Eugenia koolauensis to myrtle rust. This microbial treatment may be an important tool for combating disease-driven declines of endangered plants.
A study found that gut microbiome profiles in children from the Democratic Republic of Congo reveal high glucosidase and low rhodanese microbes, which could increase susceptibility to konzo. The researchers plan to further investigate sibling pairs to confirm their findings.
Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.
A new UCLA-led study reveals how gut microbes can worsen cognitive impairment in mice by targeting the hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory and learning. The researchers found that Bilophila wadsworthia bacteria increased in mice fed a ketogenic diet under conditions of oxygen deprivation.
A longitudinal study of infants at risk of developing celiac disease found increased microbial strains and metabolites associated with autoimmune conditions, while decreased protective effects were observed. These preclinical gut microbiome changes may serve as early markers of disease progression.
A longitudinal study of infants found substantial microbial changes in the intestines months before celiac disease onset. The study's findings suggest that these preclinical alterations could inform novel strategies for diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease through microbiome manipulation.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a probiotic yeast that can target inflammation, tissue scarring, and balance issues in the gut. The 'Y-bots' probiotic successfully suppressed intestinal inflammation and restored a balanced gut microbiome in mice.
A Rutgers-led study found that C-section babies can be restored to healthy bacteria through exposure to maternal vaginal fluids. The study's results suggest a normalization of microbiome development in the first year of life and may offer disease protection against obesity, asthma, and metabolic diseases.
A new nematode species, Cryptaphelenchus abietis, has been discovered inside bark beetles emerging from a dead log in Nagano, Japan. The species is cultivable and may become a useful model for studying the physiological and ecological evolution of nematodes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School analyze the genetic makeup of gut bacteria and find links to various diseases including coronary artery disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver cirrhosis. The study identifies groups of bacterial genes that can predict disease risk or identify presence, paving the way for developing tests.
Researchers found that a Western diet high in fat and sugar impairs intestinal immune cell function in mice, leading to increased gut permeability and chronic inflammation. Switching to a standard diet reverses the impairment.
Parasites produce gametes through a unique cell division process that differs from traditional biology. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sexual reproduction in microbes and its potential impact on disease-causing strains.
A recent study analyzed 124 dental biofilm metagenomes from various primate species, revealing 10 core bacterial genera that have been maintained throughout African hominid evolution. These microbial groups played a key role in oral biofilms for over 40 million years and adapted to starch-rich diets early in human evolution.
Experts warn that rewilding the modern gut microbiota without careful consideration of microbial evolution could lead to health problems. Restoring the preindustrialized microbiome may not necessarily improve health, but rather reflect adaptive responses to industrial society.
A two-week dietary intervention increased fiber intake, altering gut microbial composition and short-chain fatty acids production. Researchers found a significant increase in Bifidobacterium abundance despite no detectable shift in fatty acid levels.
Researchers have confirmed histoplasmosis, a fungal infection transmitted through bat and bird droppings, is now found in Alberta, extending its known range northwest from the central United States and southern Ontario. Locally-acquired cases were primarily found in rural areas in central Alberta.
Researchers found that Debaryomyces hansenii promotes chronic inflammation and impairs wound healing in Crohn's disease patients. The fungus preferentially colonizes inflamed intestinal tissues, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic agent.
Researchers found a type of yeast called Debaryomyces hansenii elevated in areas of unhealed wounds in Crohn's disease patients. The study suggests targeting this infection may be a viable approach to treat or prevent the disease, and further studies are needed.
Researchers found that gut microbes in anorexia patients are less diverse and more abundant in 'harmful' species. Transferring fecal samples from anorexia patients to mice resulted in similar symptoms, suggesting a link between gut bacteria and anorexia symptoms. Targeting the microbiome may be a viable treatment for anorexia.
A large-scale international study found strong associations between specific gut microbes, dietary habits, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Participants who consumed a healthy, plant-based diet had higher levels of beneficial gut microbes.
A new study suggests that sea star wasting disease is caused by a lack of oxygen, as elevated microbial activity depletes the water's oxygen levels. This creates a hypoxic environment that surrounds the starfish, leading to respiratory distress and ultimately, their death.
Scientists discovered that metabolites from a wild potato relative inhibit the production of enzymes and communication in the pathogenic bacteria, leading to increased disease resistance. The findings offer insights into how to improve crop yields by studying wild relatives of food plants.
A European study confirms that altered intestinal microbiota increases the production of imidazole propionate, a molecule that prevents insulin's blood sugar-lowering effects. Elevated levels of imidazole propionate are also found in prediabetes, suggesting it may contribute to disease progression.
Researchers aim to explore the link between gut microbes and metabolites in childhood celiac disease pathogenesis. The study will analyze pediatric celiac disease samples and compare them to healthy matched controls, shedding light on environmental triggers of the chronic disease.
A rapid and simple method for testing the efficacy of antibacterial drugs has been developed by Penn State researchers. The technique uses dynamic laser speckle imaging coupled with machine learning to predict whether bacteria are alive or dead, allowing for accurate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration values. This could ...
Researchers created an index that distinguishes between healthy and diseased gut microbiomes based on a biologically-interpretable mathematical formula. The Gut Microbiome Health Index predicts the likelihood of having a disease independent of clinical diagnosis, with high accuracy rates.
Fecal microbial transplant has been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol and improve psychosocial quality of life in patients with cirrhosis and AUD. Altering the gut-brain axis through microbiota manipulation may alleviate AUD symptoms, while changes in gut microbiota also affect hepatocarcinogenesis.
Researchers discovered a type of long-lived immune cell that can provoke chronic inflammation in IBD patients, leading to abdominal pain and damage. The inflammatory T RM cell subtype may also escape into the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body.
A recent study from Okayama University found that bacteria from families Prevotellaceae and Veillonellaceae, as well as genera Alloprevotella and Dialister, may contribute to dental caries. This suggests a shift in research focus away from mutans streptococci.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that antibiotic exposure soon after birth can disrupt gut bacteria, affecting immune system maturation and increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. This study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that disrupting early-life microbiome is a contributing factor to modern epidemics.
A new study found that children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes have a distinct gut microbiome composition associated with poorer blood sugar control. The researchers used machine learning analysis and genetic analysis to identify this link, highlighting the importance of gut health in disease development.
Researchers have found that an individual's gut microbiota can predict and treat type 2 diabetes, with altered gut bacteria linked to reduced butyrate production. The study suggests potential for personalized dietary changes or probiotics to prevent or treat the disease.
A novel microbiome-based diagnostic tool has been developed to quickly and inexpensively identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients. The non-invasive method analyzes patient stool samples and achieves an accuracy of over 90% in diagnosing cirrhosis, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.
A new study finds that e-cigarettes cause a proinflammatory response in the oral microbiome, coating commensal bacteria with slime and disrupting healthy colonization. The glycerol/glycol vehicle in e-cigarettes appears to drive these changes, according to researchers who analyzed bacterial genes in plaque samples from e-cigarette users.
A new study found that ketogenic diets significantly changed the proportions of common gut microbial phyla in human participants, with a particular decrease in Bifidobacteria. In mouse experiments, ketone bodies directly impacted the gut microbiome, reducing Th17 immune cells and promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
Researchers found that specific disease-severity scores, including the Denver and Marshall scores, can accurately predict susceptibility to multiple independent infections after trauma. Early prognosis could guide antibiotic administration and implement prophylactic measures to protect at-risk patients.
Researchers examined the oral mycobiome, discovering 139 species of fungi that live in human dental plaque, with nine strongly associated with healthy teeth. These beneficial fungi may produce compounds like xylitol, which inhibits cavity-causing bacteria.
Research from George Washington University and National Institute of Standards and Technology reveals that nutrition has a profound effect on the gut microbiome. The authors found that dietary fiber serves as fuel for gut microbiota, while protein can promote harmful byproducts that increase the risk of negative health outcomes.
Researchers developed a new method using Microbiome Search Engine to analyze health data, identifying disease-associated microbe outliers for quicker diagnoses. The approach outperforms traditional models, providing promising results for microbiome-based big data-based diagnosis.
A new article provides guidance on allocating stockpiled ventilators to healthcare facilities during a severe pandemic, considering factors such as need assessment and access to vulnerable populations. The strategies outlined are crucial for state and local planners to make informed decisions under difficult conditions.
Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.
Researchers have designed new quinazolinone derivatives that effectively kill brain-eating amoebae, including Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris. The compounds' low toxicity for human cells makes them promising candidates for drug development.
A new study has found that researchers can accurately predict a person's chronological age using machine learning algorithms and microbiome samples. The study analyzed data from over 4,400 participants across various body sites, including skin, saliva, and feces, and found significant gender-specific differences in gut microbiome results.
Researchers at University of Montreal found that human cells scramble their membrane fat to fix holes caused by microbes, preventing cell damage. The discovery identifies a molecule, TMEM16F, that can repair these holes and protect humans from certain diseases.
The study uses mathematical models to predict metabolites generated by microbial species within the gut, revealing a four-level trophic organization. The findings suggest that species composition changes along the gut, with bacteria near the end forming the lowest trophic level.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed new computational and experimental tools to identify microbial small molecules encoded in clinical samples. This allows scientists to explore microbial-host interactions and mine the human microbiome for drug discovery, revealing potential antibiotics and insights into human-microbe in...
Researchers found that probiotic yeasts derived from food can reduce the virulence of non-albicans Candida species by up to 53% and prevent biofilm formation. The study suggests that these food-derived yeasts could be a safe and cost-effective alternative to current antifungal medications.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found a significant link between increased use of antibiotics and an elevated risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that excessive antibiotic use can disrupt the gut microbial ecosystem, leading to pathological changes in the intestine years before typical symptoms appear.
Researchers led by Dr. Stanley Hazen will explore how gut microbes convert digested nutrients into chemical signals, affecting cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The team aims to identify specific microbial pathways linked to atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and obesity.
Researchers have gained insights into how nanoparticles can be used to identify invasive microbes and deliver targeted treatments, potentially preventing deadly diseases contracted on medical equipment. The study, conducted by Monash University researchers, found that nanoparticles bound to fungal cells but were non-toxic to them.
A study from Texas A&M University found that dogs with chronic enteropathy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have similar bacterial outputs, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. This discovery could lead to the development of more targeted treatments for both canine and human GI diseases.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel electrochemical therapy to treat metal-based implant infections, which are a persistent problem with five to 10 percent failure rates. The new approach damages the microbe cell membrane, increasing susceptibility to antibiotics and eradicating drug-resistant cells.
A study published in Mucosal Immunology reveals that ASC and NLRP3 are key players in maintaining innate immune homeostasis in the airway, independent of caspase-1. This alternative mechanism may provide a new understanding of different possible mechanisms involved in airway protection against microbial infections.