Articles tagged with Opportunistic Infections
A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) affects half a million Americans annually, causing severe diarrhea and life-threatening inflammation of the colon. Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have developed a new imaging approach to track individual C. diff cells, revealing unexpected findings, such as toxin production not dep...
Researchers found that farming practices, unsafe sanitation, and domestic animals linked to infection risk. Household-level interventions are essential for accelerating elimination, especially when community-wide strategies fail near elimination.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...
A Dartmouth study found that plasmids can form tight clusters within bacterial communities, making them resistant to antibiotics and clinical treatments. This phenomenon introduces a new avenue for bacterial infections to become more difficult to treat.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combining country-level information with individual-level variables can improve the identification of soil-transmitted helminth infections among migrant populations. Researchers found that country-level indicators are stronger predictors than individual-level variable...
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed in Elsevier's Scopus database. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality research published in these journals, which provide open access content in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
A major clinical trial has identified ensitrelvir as an effective medication to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 in people exposed within households. The trial showed a 67% reduction in risk of illness among participants taking the antiviral compared to those given a placebo.
The Study of Tecovirimat for Mpox (STOMP) trial found that tecovirimat did not reduce the time to clinical resolution of clade II mpox lesions or improve pain control. The antiviral drug was shown to be safe but ineffective in treating clade II mpox.
A new study by researchers at UCSF has found that long-acting injectable treatments can be transformative for patients who struggle to take daily HIV pills, resulting in undetectable viral loads and improved health outcomes. The treatment approach could help stop the spread of HIV by keeping more patients from being infectious.
Researchers identified a protein that inhibits human defense mechanisms and allows fungal growth. The study suggests that the lack of this enzyme makes the fungus more prone to elimination by the immune system.
A new study found that zinc deficiency promotes lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Blocking IL-13 prevented infection-associated death in an animal model, suggesting anti-IL-13 antibodies may protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.
A multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae has been detected in Northeast Brazil, with the bacterium being resistant to all available antibiotics. The strain had previously been detected in the US and can potentially spread globally.
The study describes the full molecular structure of the phage DEV, which infects and lysates Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The researchers discovered a genome ejection motor that pulls the DNA out of its head after infection, with conserved design principles across all Schitoviridae phages.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A new study reveals how three species of bacteria coexist in biofilms by playing a game of 'nice' and then moving out when the surface becomes too crowded. The dominant species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disperses to allow other species to thrive.
A team of researchers at UMC Utrecht has identified 29 novel antibodies against the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important cause of drug-resistant infections. The antibodies were found to interact with antigens on the bacterial surface and some act synergistically to neutralize the pathogen.
Scientists at ADA Forsyth Institute found that nutrient-deprived polymicrobial community conditions in hospitals favor the growth of Klebsiella, a multidrug-resistant pathogen. The bacteria can thrive for over 120 days after being deprived of nutrition.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI deciphered the function of Candidalysin's unusual protein structure, which reduces pathogenicity and opens up new treatment options. Nanobodies neutralize the toxin, blocking its activity and inhibiting tissue damage.
Research from UCSF found COVID antigens lingering in blood up to 14 months and tissue samples for over two years after infection. The persistence of these fragments may drive long COVID symptoms and associated risks.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
A team from IRB Barcelona identifies Candida orthopsilosis, a hybrid fungus, as a potential pathogen that could infect humans and cause disease. The study suggests that climate change may have facilitated the emergence of this new microorganism, which has already been linked to several outbreaks and fatalities.
Candida albicans requires proline metabolism to mount virulent infections, according to a new study. Proline is an important source of energy for the fungus, and its breakdown in the mitochondria generates chemical energy similar to glucose.
A study led by the University of Sydney found that many antibiotics for childhood infections have less than 50% effectiveness, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths globally. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance a top public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for updated guidelines.
Researchers discovered that female mice were more susceptible to opportunistic infections when progesterone levels were high, but this vulnerability was reversed by progesterone blockers. This study's findings suggest a sex-based difference in immune training and may have implications for human immune function.
Researchers used phage PASA16 to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, achieving an impressive 86.6% success rate. The study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of phage therapy as a valuable alternative to conventional antibiotics in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers found that antimicrobial resistance emerges from selection for pre-existing resistant clones, not new mutations. Infections with multiple pathogen clones show increased resistance to antibiotics, but also potential for faster loss of resistance when no antibiotics are present.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
Two review articles explore the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) in treating recurrent infections with C. difficile and chronic noncommunicable diseases like ulcerative colitis and metabolic syndrome. While FMTs have shown promise, researchers agree that more research is needed to understand factors such as patient ...
Scientists have identified a compound that prevents C. difficile infection caused by multiple strains of the bacterium, including those causing serious illness. Researchers are now developing new drug candidates to prevent serious C. diff infections in people. The research also explores how diet and sex affect C. diff infection severity.
A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.
Researchers discovered that urinary tract infections can arise after sterile tubes are inserted into the urinary tract, even when no bacteria are detectable beforehand. This study suggests that screening patients for hidden reservoirs of dangerous bacteria could supplement infection-control efforts and help prevent deadly infections. B...
Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.
A new study by CHOP researchers found that antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus enhances C. difficile virulence by modulating the gut environment, increasing toxin production and nutrient supply. This interaction supports increased colonization and persistence of C. difficile in the gut.
A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.
Chromobacterium violaceum uses zinc ion transporter ZnuABC to overcome host constraints on metal availability, increasing its virulence. The discovery offers a route for novel therapies against bacterial infections.
A new study from Aston University reveals that over 9 in 10 make-up products are contaminated with potentially life-threatening superbugs like E.coli and Staphylococci. Beauty blender products, particularly, are found to have high levels of harmful bacteria, highlighting the need for consumers to wash them regularly.
A study found that perinatally HIV-infected youth on integrase inhibitors have a higher risk of dental caries. The study also showed that initiating protease inhibitors at age six or older is associated with less gingival inflammation and lower DMFT scores.
A novel enzyme with GNA1 function has been identified as a key player in the survival and infectivity of Apicomplexan parasites. The discovery paves the way for the development of targeted therapies against malaria and other parasitic diseases.
The Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) is partnering with Merck to develop a comprehensive plan to bring a promising antifungal agent from the laboratory to clinical practice. The compound has potential to reduce the burden of opportunistic infections in people living with HIV in developing countries.
Researchers found that Candida-specific CD4 T cells are more susceptible to HIV infection and preferentially depleted earlier than CMV-specific cells. This sequential dysfunction may lead to the early loss of immune control over mucosal candidiasis in HIV-infected individuals.
Over 30 years of data from San Francisco shows improved survival rates for AIDS patients, but a third still die within five years after initial opportunistic infection. Better prevention and treatment strategies are crucial to address lingering mortality risks.
A clinical study found that an antibody against interferon-gamma compromised the immune systems of HIV-negative people, making them vulnerable to infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria. The study identified autoantibodies as a possible cause of adult-onset immunodeficiency in Southeast Asia.
The new guidelines outline advances in diagnostic tests, treatments, and preventive care for HIV-infected individuals. Effective antiretroviral therapy is crucial in preventing and managing opportunistic infections.
Researchers discovered that serious gram-negative bacterial infections increase by up to 46% in summer compared to winter. The study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most affected bacteria.
A French study suggests modifying therapeutic treatment for individuals with cryptococcosis based on patient sex, serotype, and fungal load. The study found that patients with a high fungal load should receive initial therapy combining two antifungals.
Combination anti-retroviral therapies have significantly reduced the incidence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children, including bacterial pneumonia, herpes zoster, and tuberculosis. The study found a substantial decrease in infection rates compared to the pre-HAART era.
The American Thoracic Society's first issue for August 2002 discusses significant reductions in fatal cardiovascular disease among smokers who quit, with a 50-70% higher hazard rate compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the study reveals improved HIV survival rates, with a marked increase in patients receiving HAART and surviving to h...
Researchers describe a medical paradox where some AIDS patients develop opportunistic infections after regaining immune strength from HAART therapy. The 'immune reconstitution disease syndrome' occurs when the strengthened immune system reacts to bacteria or viruses already present in the patient.
A team of researchers has completed the genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the largest bacterium sequenced so far. The findings may lead to innovative therapies for patients with cystic fibrosis and those who develop severe infections.
Jay Levy, a professor at UCSF, debates that the innate immune system helps prevent HIV infection and progression to disease. He cites cases of HIV patients with few CD4 cells who remain healthy without opportunistic infections or cancer.
Researchers successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a new oral form of ganciclovir to treat CMV retinitis, a blinding disorder that affects AIDS patients. The experimental valganciclovir offers a simpler treatment option with fewer pills needed per day.
New research from UCSF reveals that HIV patients with high CD4+ counts are still at risk of opportunistic infections such as CMV retinitis. The studies found a relationship between the effectiveness of anti-CMV therapy and HAART, highlighting the need for careful consideration in treatment strategies.
Researchers identified HIV's key molecular site in the brain and colon as CCR5 co-receptor. This finding suggests a potential target for preventing virus entry into these tissues and possibly others.
Researchers found that HIV can infect cells lacking the CD4 receptor by forming a receptor complex with co-receptors like CCR5 or CXCR4. This expands the range of potential targets for drug therapies aimed at preventing HIV spread.
Researchers identified a subspecies of chimpanzees as the natural reservoir of HIV-1, leading to cross-species transmission events. Studying these animals may help protect humans from developing AIDS.
A new study suggests that crowded urban buses in Buenos Aires could be responsible for 30% of new tuberculosis cases. Researchers found that bus travel increases the risk of infection due to overcrowding and poor ventilation, posing a significant public health threat.