Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
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.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is collaborating with the Flatley Discovery Lab to investigate and supply marine microbial extracts as possible treatments for cystic fibrosis. The collaboration aims to stimulate the mutated CFTR gene to work normally, offering a new approach beyond traditional antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Ashraf Ibrahim, a leading researcher on infectious diseases at LA BioMed, has been recognized by the American Society for Microbiology for his groundbreaking work on Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly antibiotic-resistant bacterium. The honor acknowledges his contributions to understanding and combatting this threat to public health.
Researchers used computer models to simulate the dispersal of microorganisms in the Earth's atmosphere, finding that smaller microbes can easily travel thousands of kilometers over a year-long period. This study has significant implications for understanding microbial diversity and the potential for disease outbreaks.
A study on human bellybutton microbiomes found diverse bacterial communities, similar to those on the skin, but also stable over time and between family members. The research used citizen science to collect and analyze 391 samples, shedding light on human health and environmental interactions.
A new study reveals that only a small percentage of microbes in the colon are responsible for breaking down undigested food, with variations in abundance across different regions of the colon. The findings have implications for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and potential targets for treatment.
Climate change increases plant vulnerability to infectious disease, threatening crop yield and food security. Exploiting crop diversity is crucial for improving resilience to pathogens and stresses.
The Gulf Coast states and Washington D.C. are vulnerable to neglected infections of poverty due to extreme poverty and poor living conditions. Trichomoniasis and other vector-borne diseases are on the rise, highlighting the need for active surveillance programs and treatment/vaccination efforts.
Researchers at WashU Medicine successfully grew and manipulated human intestinal microbes, identifying new probiotics and exploring microbe transplants as a treatment for obesity and diseases. The study provides a pipeline for manipulating diverse microbial communities from people of different ages and cultures.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found a new test for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) to be more accurate, detecting 100% true positives with no false positives. The test was found to be prevalent in women aged 36-45 and 51-60, indicating the need for routine screening for this common sexually transmitted infection.
Scientists have discovered that lavender oil has a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The essential oil was found to be lethal to dermatophytes and various species of Candida, making it a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A new study published in the Annals of Surgery found that laparoscopic appendectomies may carry a higher risk of deep abdominal infections in certain patients, including those with diabetes, smoking history, and older age. The study suggests that open surgery may be a better option for these high-risk patients.
Researchers have discovered strikingly similar immune defense systems in plants and animals, including receptors that recognize and bind to specific molecules on invading organisms. This knowledge can lead to new drug targets for deadly bacteria with no effective treatments.
Researchers found that incorporating ultraviolet light into vacuuming can reduce surface microbes by 87 percent, nearly doubling the removal of potentially infectious microorganisms from carpets. Vacuuming alone reduced microbes by 78 percent.
University of Oregon researchers discovered that good bacteria modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, which is also associated with colorectal cancer. This finding suggests that microbial signals may play a significant role in cancer risk, and targeted therapy may be possible.
A University of Oklahoma research team has discovered a compound that can suppress the growth of pathogenic microbes and keep other oral microorganisms in check. This finding may lead to new treatments for thrush and related Candida infections.
A Stanford study found that repeated use of a benign antibiotic can alter the composition of beneficial microbes in the human gut. The research involved three healthy adult females who received two courses of ciprofloxacin, revealing persistent changes in their gut microbiomes.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $42 million to expand eight demonstration projects investigating the link between changes in the human microbiome and health, as part of the Human Microbiome Project. The expanded studies will also support technology development to improve microbiome identification and characterization.
Researchers examine how humans impact ecosystems through nanomaterials, green roofs, and airborne microbes in hospital settings. Findings reveal altered plant growth, changed microbial communities, and diverse insect species on green roofs.
A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered a fundamental entry mechanism for fungal microbes to infect plants and cause disease. Special disease-related proteins, known as effectors, bind to a specific lipid molecule found on the cell surface before entering the cell.
Scientists from the Helmholtz Centre in Braunschweig, Germany, have created a new and cheaper way to produce insulin. The new method uses yeast Pichia pastoris to increase the yield of an insulin precursor, reducing costs. This breakthrough could make insulin more affordable for people in developing countries.
Researchers found nearly 20% of cryptococcosis patients had mixed infections with multiple strains of C. neoformans, evolving during infection. This challenges the traditional concept of a single pathogen causing disease.
Recent advances in microbial genomics have enabled researchers to study the human microbiome, revealing its essential role in digestion and immune system development. The Human Microbiome Project aims to optimize the beneficial effects of microbiota for each individual, improving health outcomes.
Two studies published in Journal of Experimental Medicine reveal that patients with a rare autoimmune disease produce antibodies that bind and disarm cytokines, which fight airborne pathogens. These findings may help explain the recurring nature of these patients' yeast infections.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are mapping the gut microbiome to understand its impact on diseases like breast cancer. The study aims to identify microbes responsible for particular diseases and develop new diagnostic tests and treatments.
A new study reveals that pumpkin skin contains a powerful antifungal protein that can inhibit the growth of disease-causing microbes, including Candida albicans. The protein could be developed into a natural medicine to fight yeast infections in humans.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that iodine-based skin preparation solutions, such as 3M's DuraPrep Surgical Solution, may be superior to chlorhexidine in preventing surgical-site infections. The study of over 3,200 general surgery patients suggests a significant reduction in morbidity and ...
A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that social shame was more effective in building latrines than financial assistance in rural India. The study, led by Subhrendu Pattanayak at Duke University, used a 'social mobilization strategy' that included village walks of shame and defecation mapping ...
Researchers use insects like fruit flies and moths to test new drugs, reducing animal testing by up to 90% and speeding up results. The study finds that insect immune cells are structurally and functionally similar to those in mammals, offering a promising alternative for drug development.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Washington University School of Medicine four grants totaling $19 million to explore the human microbiome. The researchers aim to catalog microbes found in various body sites and determine their links to good health and disease.
Researchers found that people with periodontal disease have a higher percentage of TLR4-expressing B cells, which alter the immune response during inflammation. These cells activate monocytes but inactivate B cells, highlighting a new strategy for regulating systemic inflammation.
A novel compound called azelaic acid has been identified as a primer for the plant's immune system, leading to increased systemic plant immunity and disease resistance. The discovery was made by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Chicago.
A major study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation investigates whether gut microbes contribute to severe malnutrition in infants. Researchers at WashU Medicine will compare intestinal microbes of severely malnourished twins with healthy twins, exploring their role in malnutrition's complex interplay with diet and human genome.
A healthy diet is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer due to the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. The composition of diet directly influences the diversity of microbes in the gut, with complex carbohydrates supporting good bacterial populations.
A 6-part CMAJ series tackles antibiotic resistance in hospitals, clinics, and homes, providing practical treatment guidelines. Enhanced monitoring, hand washing, and infection control measures can help limit the spread of resistant microbes in Canada.
Scientists used a DNA array to catalog microbes in coral reefs, finding diverse microbial populations accompanying disease. The PhyloChip offers a powerful way to track change and shed light on pathogens plaguing coral reefs.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered that the protective capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans fungus grows by linking saccharides together, allowing it to evade the immune system. This finding could lead to new therapies or vaccines against fungal infections.
The MicroBiome Analysis Center is mapping the world of microorganisms living within humans to understand their influence on health and disease. Researchers will explore microbial imbalances in various systems, seeking correlations between microbes and diseases such as obesity and cancer.
A study in China has identified the first cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), a tick-borne infectious disease. The investigation found that transmission was likely from person to person through blood and respiratory secretion exposure, rather than tick bites.
A radical new software program developed by Tel Aviv University researchers has been adopted by top medical centers in America to fight hospital-borne infections. The system, which collects information from microbial lab cultures, sends real-time alerts and reminders to wards every day to identify potentially contagious patients.
Scientists have identified potential biomarkers in plasma samples from premature infants to detect infection and type of microbe. Eight proteins associated with immune responses were found to be consistently over-expressed in infected neonates.