Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
A Dartmouth study reveals that the way human fungal pathogens form colonies can significantly impact their ability to cause disease. The researchers identified a specific mutation that causes key changes in gene function, leading to improved virulence and host damage. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for developing effect...
A study published in Nature suggests that certain strains of gut microbes, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice. The researchers found that supplementing ALS-prone mice with this strain significantly improved their survival and reduced disease symptoms.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System are creating a new industry of microbe 'microbreweries' to produce customized probiotics. By optimizing gut microbiome growth and resource sharing, researchers aim to create tailored blends for various diseases, including autism, cancer, and depression.
A new study has identified 40 crucial genes in Cryptococcus that impact human disease outcomes, offering a potential breakthrough in treatment. The findings could lead to personalized medicine approaches and reduced reliance on toxic antifungals.
Researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra and S-Biomedic demonstrated the use of living bacteria to temporarily modulate skin microbiome composition. The study, published in Microbiome, found that probiotic solutions from donor microbiomes can be applied to recipients, leading to a shift towards a healthier microbiome state.
Research reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance among E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae species in Ghana, posing a significant threat to the healthcare system. The spread of these resistant bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces and person-to-person contact is a major public health concern.
A new hypothesis, the Coevolution Effect, proposes that habitat loss facilitates the emergence of infectious diseases in humans by increasing diversity of disease-causing microbes. This research could provide a new perspective on the association between habitat fragmentation and disease spillover.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified novel combinations of antifungal and antibacterial drugs that demonstrate activity against multidrug resistant Candida auris. The study used a modified inkjet printer to test multiple combinations, finding three effective treatments in under two hours.
A Montreal-based research team has found a correlation between gut bacteria and chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia. Variations in the microbiome composition of approximately 20 different species of bacteria were observed in individuals with fibromyalgia compared to healthy control subjects.
Experts warn that leaving microbes out of the climate conversation has major consequences. Microbes are crucial in regulating climate change, supporting animal and human health, agriculture, and the global food web. Climate change impacts microbial populations, exacerbating disease spread and threatening global food supplies.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine Letters reveals that specific microbiome organisms are linked to the early stages of colorectal cancer development. The researchers found increases in these microorganisms in fecal samples from patients, which could potentially provide vital diagnostic clues.
Researchers have made an important advance in understanding the role of gut bacteria in human health, including diagnostic methods and therapies. The study found that patients with certain diseases had a smaller number of protein families in their microbiome compared to healthy individuals.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that changes in the gut microbiome during IBD trigger an unhealthy inflammatory reaction. The research, part of the Human Microbiome Project, identified specific chemicals and microbial shifts that contribute to disease activity.
A new study found FMT safe and effective in treating children with C. difficile, with success rates of 87% and predictors including fresh stool, colonoscopy, and recent treatment. The procedure was associated with fewer complications compared to adults, paving the way for future research.
Researchers have identified a drug that can reverse hyperactivity induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection, reducing inflammation rather than parasite reduction. The study suggests the immune system plays a key role in behavioral changes caused by the parasite.
A new study found no major differences in gut microbiomes of people infected with roundworms or hookworms and uninfected peers. However, curing hookworm infections resulted in specific changes to the microbiome, while deworming had minimal effects.
A new diagnostic classification technique enables stratification of pediatric patients with IBS, allowing for tailored nutritional and targeted therapies. Researchers identified correlations between certain microbes and metabolites with abdominal pain, providing insights into novel treatment approaches.
Women may be at greater risk of developing surgical site infections after coronary bypass surgery, re-vascularization of arterial occlusion, and hernia repair. Men are more likely to develop infections after orthopaedic and trauma procedures.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen and EMBL found consistent changes in gut bacteria across seven countries, providing a universal signature for colorectal cancer. These microbiome changes may play a role in developing the cancer and could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets.
Replanting urban environments with native flora could help address chronic health problems by promoting healthy microbial diversity. Restoration of urban biodiversity is estimated to have generational health benefits and huge savings for healthcare sectors.
Researchers found that TB drugs alter gut microbiota, compromising immunity and increasing susceptibility to Mtb infection. Transplanting healthy feces restored immunity in treated mice.
Researchers from UC Davis found that the majority of microbes growing in sugar water from hummingbird feeders are unlikely to cause disease in hummingbirds. Regular cleaning of feeders is encouraged to minimize potential risks.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to declines of underwater kelp forests, impacting fisheries and potentially affecting food security. The research found that ocean warming and acidification can cause disease-like symptoms in kelp, leading to degradation and photosynthesis impairment.
Research found differences in gut microbiota between patients with and without dementia, with higher levels of ammonia and indole associated with increased dementia risk. Lower levels of beneficial Bacteroides organisms were also observed in dementia patients.
Researchers found that Candida albicans exploits lack of oxygen to cause disease by evading immune cells and thriving in deep-seeded body sites. The fungus uses low oxygen environments to become more virulent and causes life-threatening, systemic disease.
Research suggests that infant mice need a higher dose of bacterial LPS to prevent asthma, while adult mice can tolerate lower doses. This mechanism supports the hygiene hypothesis, which proposes that decreased exposure to microorganisms in childhood leads to increased allergies.
This special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and specific digestive diseases. Key findings include the role of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal diseases, colorectal cancer prevention, and pancreatic disease.
A new study from the University of Kent has found that a common gut parasite, Blastocystis, can survive under conditions with increased oxygen levels, contrary to previous thinking. This discovery could provide insights into its role in intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
A research study shows that the microbiomes of sea stars play a critical role in the progression of the disease. The study found that an imbalance of beneficial and disease-causing bacteria contributes to the severity of the illness, with healthy animals hosting more helpful microbes.
Infants born at home have more diverse bacteria in their guts and feces, which may influence their developing immunity and metabolism. The study suggests that revamping hospital environments for non-high risk births could be beneficial.
Researchers found that infants with higher levels of Bifidobacterium had reduced antimicrobial resistance genes and lower frequency of resistant bacteria. This suggests that colonization by the microbe can help guard the infant intestine.
A new study found all ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from US retail meat were resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes, carrying various types of CTX-M type ESBL genes. The presence in food-producing animals and retail meat supplies may contribute to a greater incidence of infections.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a system that harnesses the power of bubbles to destroy microbial biofilms. The system uses diatoms loaded with an oxygen-generating chemical, which creates microbubbles that propel tiny particles through the surfaces of tough films and deliver an antiseptic deathblow to...
New research shows that the timing and order of introduction of gut bacteria after birth significantly impact the development of the microbiome. This discovery could eventually allow doctors to establish beneficial gut bacteria in infants right after birth, potentially warding off serious chronic diseases.
Research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that probiotics increased the severity of cryptosporidiosis in mice, defying initial hypotheses. The study suggests that manipulating gut microbiota may hold potential for developing probiotics to mitigate the disease.
The US Department of Energy has awarded a $1.1 million grant to the University of Illinois for sorghum disease resistance research. The project aims to develop host resistance in sorghum, a key trait for lignocellulosic bioenergy production, by leveraging knowledge from corn.
Researchers identified a compound called phenylacetic acid (PAA) produced by gut bacteria linked to the early onset of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The study suggests PAA could be used as a biological marker in the clinic to identify patients at increased risk of disease.
An OSU biologist argues that chronic diseases require a restoration ecology approach, similar to natural habitats. By removing unhealthy diets and promoting symbiotic gut microbes, patients can improve their health. The study's findings highlight the importance of personalized medicine and active interventions in treating chronic disease.
Tsetse flies transmit Nagana disease to livestock by injecting trypanosomes into the skin, which then invade the bloodstream and cause severe illness. Understanding how these microbes develop inside the fly may lead to new methods of controlling the spread of the disease.
Researchers found that gorillas' and chimpanzees' gut microbes fluctuate seasonally in response to diet changes, similar to those observed in human hunter-gatherers. This study highlights the importance of dietary fiber on microbiome diversity and may have implications for intestinal health and disease.
Scientists have found a way to target specific gut bacteria using chemical compounds, potentially regulating diseases such as type I diabetes. The research suggests that this approach could lead to the development of drugs that permanently alter the composition of the microbiome.
Researchers found that liverworts can be infected by Phytophthora palmivora and respond with proteins similar to those in flowering plants. The discovery reveals early land plants were genetically equipped to respond to microbial infections, indicating an ancient relationship between plants and microbes.
Researchers isolated a novel oral microbe, Desulfobulbus oralis, in adults with periodontitis, shedding light on its adaptations and evolution. Meanwhile, scientists at ORNL also developed a new cast aluminum alloy for engine cylinder heads, aiming to boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
A new study found that antibiotics used to treat Chlamydia in koalas can alter the balance of gut microbes necessary for digestion, according to researchers at UC Davis. The study suggests a need to develop antibiotic-free treatments, such as a vaccine, to address this issue.
Researchers found oral pathogens in colon specimens of polybacterial-infected mice, affecting the microbiome and NO synthesis. The study suggests a link between periodontitis and colon health, potentially impacting motility and antioxidant defenses.
A new study proposes using AI algorithms to diagnose and treat diseases related to gut microbiota in cancer patients. The technology has the potential to identify new associations and improve understanding of the human microbiota.
Researchers successfully transplanted beneficial microbes from a healthy, related species to a critically endangered Hawaiian plant, Phyllostegia kaalaensis. The treatment provided significant protection against powdery mildew disease, allowing the plants to thrive in the wild for the first time.
Studies show that gut-derived metabolites may prevent neurodegeneration, while probiotic treatment corrects memory problems in an Alzheimer's mouse model. The research suggests targeting the gut could be a promising angle to tackle brain disorders across the lifespan.
A novel transdisciplinary study has uncovered microbes that may one day deter major grape disease, Pierce's disease. The researchers used next-generation sequencing and modern bioinformatics tools to analyze microbial communities in grapevines, finding a link between beneficial bacteria and reduced disease severity.
Researchers developed a 3D spatial visualization tool to understand the effects of chemicals on diseased organs in context of microbes. The tool helps advance targeted drug delivery for cystic fibrosis and other conditions where medications struggle to penetrate, revealing new insights into microbial anatomy.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified an enzyme that disrupts vital cell processes in intestinal worms, potentially leading to new vaccine or drug development. The discovery could also help combat emerging drug-resistant worm infections.
A new study suggests that diet may be a crucial factor in the development of liver injuries in mice bred to consume high amounts of alcohol. The research found that mice on a diet of alcohol and water consumed less alcohol than those on an artificial sugar diet, resulting in greater liver injury.
A recent study has uncovered millions of previously unknown genes from microbial communities in the human gut, skin, mouth, and vaginal microbiome. The research triples the amount of data previously analyzed and provides new insights into the role these microbes play in human health and disease.
A new study analyzes thousands of new measurements of microbial communities from various sites in the body, providing insights into how microbes work together to maintain human health. The research identifies differences unique to an individual's microbes and tracks them across the body over time.
A team of 106 Concordia undergraduate students co-authored a review article on human gut microbiota and its interactions with the host. The project, led by affiliate assistant professor Chiara Gamberi, aimed to improve students' writing and editing skills.
Researchers identified specific gut microbes associated with multiple sclerosis, suggesting they play a role in regulating immune responses and potentially contributing to disease progression. The study found that certain bacteria can trigger pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses in the immune system.
Scientists have identified an early predictor of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) through a groundbreaking collaboration. By analyzing the microbiome, researchers found parallel changes in gut bacteria that may indicate disease onset.
Researchers suggest that plant hormones produced by plants can be synthesized by gut microbes, influencing inflammatory diseases. Consuming ABA-rich fruits and vegetables may help alleviate aspects of diabetes.
Scientists found caterpillars have only 50,000 times fewer microbes than human guts, suggesting most are ingested from surroundings. Caterpillars can grow and develop without microbes, challenging the idea of a universal microbiome among animals
Children with low gut microbiome diversity are more susceptible to severe Entamoeba histolytica infection. The study found that antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome in mice led to decreased white blood cell activity and increased severity of colon inflammation.