Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
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.
Researchers from Penn Medicine discovered that the immune system governs the skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining diverse microbes and healthy skin. The complement system, an ancient branch of the immune response, influences the skin microbiome.
A study reveals that sex hormones cooperate with certain gut microbes to protect males against type 1 diabetes, while females are more susceptible. The findings provide an important framework for developing new treatments.
The article reveals that antibiotic resistance among hospital-acquired infections is much greater than prior CDC estimates, with resistance rates ranging from 11% to over 50%. The FDA's promise to reboot antibiotic development rules has fallen short, and the authors conclude that more than an FDA 'reboot' is needed to combat this crisis.
Researchers found that COPD increases the risk of developing cerebral microbleeds in deep or infratentorial brain regions. The study also showed that COPD is associated with both large and small vessel disease, indicating a potential impact on overall vascular health.
A new study provides direct evidence that microbes can contribute to the origin of new species by reducing the viability of hybrids. The researchers used jewel wasp species with similar microbiomes but differing genetic backgrounds to demonstrate this effect.
A recent study found that environmental conditions play a stronger role in shaping the human microbiome than competition between species. The researchers used computer models to predict nutrient and energy metabolism and estimated interactions between microbes, revealing that species tend to co-exist with those they strongly compete for.
Researchers suggest a more flexible understanding of the immune system's interaction with microbes, considering both pathogens and beneficial bacteria. The human body hosts ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, which play crucial roles in improving body functions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the surface bacteria on fresh produce vary depending on the type of produce and cultivation practices. Different types of fruits and veggies have distinct bacterial communities, which may impact food spoilage rates.
Pit latrines pose a risk to global health due to potential contamination of groundwater, particularly in areas with high population densities. A new study emphasizes the need for improved designs and technologies to mitigate this risk, ensuring safer drinking water for millions worldwide.
The Human Microbiome Project is a major scientific effort to study the microbial communities within humans, with potential insights into diseases and disorders. The study, published in The FASEB Journal, provides a comprehensive reference set of microbiome specimens and lays a foundation for future research.
The University of Colorado Boulder's American Gut project has raised over $340,000 through crowdfunding to sequence the gut bacteria of thousands of people worldwide. The initiative aims to understand how diet and lifestyle affect human health and disease, with potential implications for autoimmune diseases and food allergies.
Research shows that normal gut microbes protect against autoimmune diseases in mice, supporting the 'hygiene hypothesis.' Altering gut microbes also affects sex hormones, which regulate immune responses. The study may uncover reasons why females are at greater risk of autoimmune diseases.
Most pregnancy-related infections are caused by four types of treatable conditions: genital tract, urinary tract, soft tissues, and abortion-related infections. Integrating targeted interventions into antenatal care services can help reduce maternal mortality.
UCI researchers found that chronic kidney disease changes the composition of intestinal bacterial microbes, leading to uremic toxins and nutritional abnormalities. Study leader Dr. N.D. Vaziri suggests improving gut microbes through diet and dialysis may improve patient well-being.
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release DNA-made traps that break down amyloid fibrils into smaller toxic pieces. This process is linked to the aggravation of amyloidosis, a group of clinical syndromes characterized by deposits of amyloid fibrils throughout the body.
A new report from the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene confirms that microbial exposure is crucial for regulating the immune system. Losing touch with these 'old friends' may be behind rises in allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A study found that concentrated milk fats alter the composition of gut bacteria, disrupting the balance between the immune system and beneficial microbes. This can lead to an unregulated immune response, increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease in genetically prone individuals.
A Northwestern University study found that early exposure to microbes reduces the risk of chronic inflammation related to diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Adults in Ecuador showed no signs of chronic inflammation, unlike many US adults with chronically elevated C-reactive protein levels.
Researchers discovered that giant cells called titan cells protect the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans during infection, shielding it from the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for infections caused by Cryptococcus, a deadly concern for immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that early-life exposure to microbes prevents asthma and colitis in mice. The study suggests that the hygiene hypothesis may be supported by a potential mechanism involving unique T cells.
A study at Nationwide Children's Hospital has identified proteins in the blood that may indicate whether a mother's urinary tract infection affects fetal growth. The researchers found that infected mothers had higher levels of inflammatory protein IL-6, which correlated with lower birth weights and increased risk for prematurity.
Scientists discovered that silver nanoparticles effectively kill hard-to-treat yeast infections, including oral thrush and dental stomatitis. The nanoparticles' stability in liquid medium makes them a potential strategy for developing alternative treatments.
A University of Alberta research team discovered that ozone-treated water can eradicate infectious proteins from cattle brain matter, providing a potential solution for decontaminating wastewater and sterilizing neurosurgical equipment. This breakthrough technique offers improved prion removal methods in meat processing plants and surg...
A new backboard cover, Board Armor, has been developed to reduce infection rates in patients and save valuable emergency response time. The synthetic material disposable cover prevents bodily fluids from contaminating the backboard and eliminates the need for cleaning between uses.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that CKD causes depletion of adhesive proteins in the intestines, leading to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular complications. The findings could lead to novel treatments to curb this inflammation and its adverse consequences.
Researchers developed a new TB vaccine H56 that reduces clinical disease and prevents reactivation of latent infection when combined with BCG, a current but ineffective vaccine. This breakthrough could lead to improved protection against TB.
Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can repair spinal cord injuries in rats, promoting hind limb function and nerve regeneration. A new vaccine combination boosted BCG's effectiveness against tuberculosis by reducing clinical disease and preventing reactivation of latent infection.