Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
A new study examines the role of diet in promoting cooperation or conflict between gut microbes and human cells. The research proposes a framework for understanding the subtle interplay of diet and health, with potential implications for the management of inflammatory and metabolic disease.
Research found that crows on a university campus carried high rates of Campylobacter jejuni, suggesting they could play a role in transmitting the bacteria to humans. The study tracked crow movements and behavior, revealing that their foraging habits often bring them into close proximity with livestock and humans.
A recent study reveals differences in gut bacteria between children with and without multiple sclerosis. Key findings include an association between MS and increased inflammatory bacteria, as well as decreased anti-inflammatory bacteria. The discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches by identifying novel drug targets.
Recent CMGH articles suggest that targeting gut microbial populations may help prevent or treat Crohn's disease. A new study also identifies a potential therapy for chronic pancreatitis by reducing fibrosis and damage to the pancreas.
A new study tracks bacteria strains in stool transplants, suggesting donor-patient compatibility is crucial for success. The research could improve treatment options for conditions like ulcerative colitis and metabolic syndrome.
The pandemic E. coli strain H30 causes persistent and deadly infections, often undetected until severe complications arise. Researchers found that patients with underlying conditions and those in healthcare facilities are at higher risk for infection.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils can internalize C. neoformans in the brain vasculature and circulate them back into the bloodstream for removal. This process enables the prevention of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a deadly brain infection.
Researchers found that sub-clinical gut microbiota imbalances occur before T2D symptoms develop, suggesting a potential new way to diagnose the condition early. The study's findings also highlighted the importance of tracking changes in gut microbiota over time and across different stages of disease development.
Researchers found that mice and humans produce microRNAs to control bacterial gene activity and shape the gut microbiome. These microRNAs can protect against intestinal diseases by regulating the composition of gut microbes.
A £2M BBSRC-Newton Fund project aims to develop and apply new molecular biology techniques to reduce the impact of major aquaculture diseases. The project will help early warning systems for disease outbreaks in low-income countries, improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
Activated dendritic cells use phagocytosis to process and present antigens, promoting immune responses. Researchers discovered that a delay in lysosome fusion after phagocytosis prevents excessive antigen degradation and promotes cross-presentation.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that habitat characteristics explain differences in immune defense traits of frogs between populations. Microbiome differences and altered natural peptide secretions may alter the amphibian's immune defense capabilities. The study suggests that land use changes can influence animal t...
Scientists have developed a human-gut-on-a-chip model that allows them to analyze the interactions between normal gut microbes and pathogenic bacteria, providing new insights into inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology has revealed four small proteins that stimulate inflammation, opening up a potential therapeutic pathway for trea...
A study found that coconut oil consumption reduced gastrointestinal colonization by C. albicans in mice, suggesting a potential way to prevent invasive infections. The researchers plan to launch a clinical trial testing coconut oil in hospitalized infants at high-risk for developing systemic candidiasis.
A team of chemists led by Yan-Yeung Luk has created synthetic disaccharide derivatives (DSDs) that mimic and dominate the functions of rhamnolipid molecules produced by bacteria. The new molecules have been shown to control various activities, including biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion.
Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.
A recent study found that diet-based and anti-inflammatory therapies alter different components of the microbial community without fully restoring the normal balance of gut bacteria and fungi in children with Crohn's disease. The treatment did not restore the normal balance of gut microbes, despite reducing inflammation.
Researchers from UNC and NC State create fully functioning human gut models on a chip, using primary cells derived from human biopsies and sophisticated architecture to mimic the gut's structure and function. This breakthrough enables personalized exploration of gut behavior during healthy and diseased states.
Researchers found that patients with lower baseline microbial diversity are more likely to develop infections during chemotherapy. Monitoring the microbiome could help doctors predict infection risk and reduce antibiotic overuse.
A new comprehensive guide, MAGIC, offers a framework for clinicians to pick the right device for each adult patient, reducing complications and improving safety. The guide provides color-coded charts and algorithms to indicate appropriate or inappropriate use of IV devices.
A newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease has been discovered in diverse frog populations across the globe. The study reveals a previously unidentified microbial group that infects tadpole livers, contributing to the decline of amphibian populations.
Research suggests that a lack of dietary diversity contributes to health issues like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Diversifying the diet can optimize the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in metabolic and GI regulatory systems.
Researchers found a rare genetic variant in the A2ML1 gene associated with an increased risk of middle ear infections. The study, led by Dr. Regie Santos-Cortez, identified the variant in 37 Filipinos and two European-Americans with otitis media, suggesting it may be the result of a founder effect from Spain.
The Plant & Microbial Genomics Group at TGAC has been awarded £100k to investigate the sources of sugar beet infection by Erysiphe betae. The research aims to design genetic markers for a rapid detection technology and develop diagnostic tests to inform disease management strategy.
A study in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying disease dynamics, predicting pathogen spillover based on species relatedness. The results show that closely related species are more vulnerable to disease, while introducing rare species can create openings for less common species.
Researchers propose two novel gas-sensing systems to measure intestinal gases, which may contribute to gastrointestinal diseases. These non-invasive methods could provide medical devices that reduce medical costs and improve healthcare system efficiency.
A new study from Florida Institute of Technology finds that ocean warming has played a significant role in the decline of iconic elkhorn and staghorn corals. The research suggests that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could support the recovery of these critical reef-building corals.
Scientists at EMBL and Heidelberg University Clinic have discovered a new way to starve pathogens of iron, using the immune system's TLR2 and TLR6 molecules. This finding offers an alternative approach to treatments for anaemia of chronic disease, which affects chronically ill patients.
A large-scale analysis of the gut microbiome has identified significant variations in gene copy numbers across different strains of the same microbe species. These strain-level variations can affect the microbes' capabilities, lifestyle, and impact on human health, including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discuss the role of Malassezia yeasts as pathogens, highlighting common skin diseases such as dandruff and atopic eczema. The study also explores the potential link between Malassezia and skin cancer, as well as bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations.
Researchers investigate whether human microbiome has played a role in shaping human population structure, particularly lifespan. Their findings suggest that microbes like H. pylori may have evolved to target the aging process, benefiting the species at individual cost.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to show that commensal bacteria played a key role in stabilizing early human populations. The study found that these beneficial microbes helped keep the community healthy until reproductive age, but their impact became detrimental with increased longevity.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi causing pneumonia by analyzing patients' breath samples. The test identified 94% of patients with invasive aspergillosis, making it a potential tool for earlier and more targeted treatment.
Sick mice produce specialized sugars to feed their gut microbiota and resist infection. Healthy recovery requires both L-fucose production and intact gut microbiota. The study suggests a potential role for L-fucose in preventing or tolerating Crohn's disease.
A GW researcher has received a grant to develop genetic tools to study parasitic nematode (PN) infections, which affect one-third of all deaths worldwide. The goal is to better understand the infective process and host immune response.
Researchers used shotgun metagenomics to sequence DNA from a calcified nodule in a 700-year-old skeleton, recovering the genome of Brucella melitensis, a disease causing fevers and arthritis. The ancient strain was closely related to recent strains found in Italy, providing insights into medieval infections.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine have identified a key component of the immune system that is essential for preventing deadly inflammation. Mice lacking this component are completely resistant to sepsis, a potentially fatal complication of infection.
A new study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation identifies a specific gene expression profile and microbial community associated with Crohn's disease. Pediatric Crohn's disease patients exhibit altered expression of genes DUOX2 and APOA1, as well as a distinct microbial community.
The AGA Institute published a special issue on the intestinal microbiome, exploring its role in maintaining human health and developing certain diseases. The research focuses on basic concepts, gut microbiome and disease interactions, and modification of the microbiome to maintain health or treat disease.
Researchers found that circumcised men were 45% less at risk of developing prostate cancer than uncircumcised men. The protective effect was strongest among black men, who were 60% less likely to develop the disease if circumcised after age 35.
Scientists have found a novel way in which plants perceive pathogens to activate immunity, opening the door to improving crop disease resistance. The discovery reveals that phosphorylation of an amino acid called tyrosine is key for activating plant immune receptors.
Researchers have identified specific bacteria that are abnormally increased or decreased when Crohn's disease develops, suggesting potential targets for treatment. The study used biopsies from over 1,700 patients to uncover how microbes contribute to the inflammatory cascade of Crohn's disease.
A multi-institutional study found that newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients have an imbalance in their intestinal microbial population, with increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance is associated with the development of symptoms and may be exacerbated by antibiotic use.
Researchers at LA BioMed are developing novel anti-infectives designed to disarm methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), reducing its resistance to antibiotics and promoting effective treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a new strategy for controlling brown rot disease, a major problem for the UK's stone fruit producers. Biological control agents derived from UK cherries and plums show promise in preventing the disease in controlled conditions.
Researchers discovered tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment, also kills Cryptococcus, a fungus causing deadly brain infections. The combination of tamoxifen and fluconazole was synergistic, showing improved activity against the fungus. This finding offers a new approach to treating cryptococcal meningitis.
A recent review suggests that chlamydia can persist in the gut even after treatment, leading to potential reinfections. The source of these reinfections is likely the GI tract, which produces a strong immune response but cannot be cured.
The lung microbiome is a new frontier in pulmonary medicine, with research exploring the role of microorganisms in health and disease. The emerging field is leading to new ways of thinking about the lung and its diseases.
African sleeping sickness is caused by single-celled parasites that mate and swap genes through a process known as sexual reproduction. This study reveals sex to be a regular part of the trypanosome life cycle, enabling new combinations of genes that could lead to disease-causing strains.
Researchers identified a fungal surface protein that promotes invasion of host cells in mucormycosis. The loss of this protein decreases infection and virulence in Mucorales fungi.
Investments in aging biology research are expected to yield significant benefits for human longevity. The Gerontological Society of America and American Federation for Aging Research have partnered on a new report highlighting the potential of geroscience to extend healthy life.
Researchers found that patients with primary immunodeficiencies had altered skin microbiomes, with specific sites showing reduced microbial diversity. The study suggests that correcting the diversity of microbes on the skin may aid in disease treatment.
Canadian researchers identified key contributors to understanding verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) and its associated illnesses, including Dr. Jack Konowalchuk and Mohamed Karmali's association of VTEC with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The study highlights the significant burden and impact of E. coli-associated infections worldwide.
The FDA's current regulatory framework for probiotics may discourage research on new products with therapeutic benefits. To address this, researchers recommend the FDA modify its characterization of probiotics and introduce an 'abbreviated' process for certain types of probiotic products, such as probiotic foods and dietary supplements.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that interactive farm hygiene lessons improved students' knowledge of germ spread and prevention, especially among girls. The lesson increased post-lesson scores by 21% for girls and 14% for boys, with a total increase of 13% in hand-to-mouth behavior awareness.
Researchers have found a new compound that targets the fungus without harming humans, offering hope for safer treatment options for life-threatening fungal lung infections. The discovery has potential to combat histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms and severe complications.
New research reveals that Toxoplasma infection can permanently alter brain function in mice, making them fearless of cats. The parasite's effect persists for months even after recovery from flu-like symptoms.
Researchers have discovered that fungal sex can generate genetic diversity in organisms like Cryptococcus neoformans, enabling the creation of drug-resistant and virulent strains. This discovery sheds light on how pathogenic microbes evolve to cause diseases.
Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have discovered a novel protein called Butyrophilin 3A1 that activates human gamma delta cells, which then coordinate an immune response to clear infections. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new treatments for cancer therapy and infectious diseases.
Scientists have discovered a molecular signalling pathway that helps oral epithelial cells resist Candida infection. The PI3 Kinase pathway is activated within minutes of fungal encounter, protecting against future damage. Boosting this pathway may lead to novel therapies against Candida infections.