Articles tagged with Tuberculosis
A recent UCLA study reveals that certain bacteria, including those causing tuberculosis, can pretend to be viruses when infecting humans. This allows them to hijack the immune response and hide out inside cells. The findings may also explain how viral infections like the flu make us more susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia.
Researchers have uncovered the atomic structure of dermcidin, a natural antibiotic that is highly efficient against tuberculosis germs and other dangerous bugs. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that control multi-resistant bacteria.
A new centre will focus on lead optimisation for diseases of the developing world, including TB. The centre will create 11 new posts and receive a £6.5 million investment over five years.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that whole genome sequencing is more effective at tracing TB outbreaks than standard genotyping tests. The new test revealed that first outbreak isolates were falsely clustered by classical genotyping, providing valuable insights into the evolution of M. tuberculosis.
TB infection rates are forecasted to surge as antibiotics become less effective against the disease. The lack of progress in combating TB is attributed to increasing drug resistance, reminiscent of the 1930s when dedicated sanitaria and invasive surgery were common treatments.
A new TB vaccine, MVA85A, did not offer extra protection against TB in South African infants who had already received the BCG vaccine. The vaccine induced modest immune responses, but these were insufficient to protect against the disease. Further research is needed to understand why this was the case.
A combined strategy of door-to-door visits and education campaigns is proposed to combat TB in Nunavut. The territory's TB rate is 66 times higher than the general Canadian population, but control can be achieved through a community approach combined with clear performance targets.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that tuberculosis bacteria can infiltrate and settle in mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow. This finding raises the possibility that other infectious agents may employ similar tactics, providing a new potential target for treatment. The research suggests that u...
Scientists at Forsyth Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery about latent tuberculosis, finding that the bacteria can lay dormant in bone marrow stem cells. This understanding has significant clinical implications, explaining why patients with TB remain sensitive to tests and treatment is so challenging.
A compound from the South African toothbrush tree has been shown to effectively treat tuberculosis by binding to a novel site on DNA gyrase, an enzyme essential for bacterial growth. This discovery offers hope for developing new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant strains of TB.
Weill Cornell and Tres Cantos Open Lab collaborate to investigate TB drug permeability into Mtb bacteria using metabolomics technology. The goal is to identify broader chemical principles for transforming potential potent compounds into active drugs.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can survive antibiotic exposure through random pulses of the enzyme KatG, which activates the drug isoniazid. This finding may aid in designing new antibacterial treatments, particularly for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
A Pitt-led team has identified a molecule that effectively polices tuberculosis (TB) lung infections and prevents the progression to active disease. The presence of CXCR5 enables the immune system to target infected cells and form protective granulomas, which keep TB under control.
Researchers have identified a new drug target, 4'-Phosphopantetheinyl Transferase PptT, which is essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) growth and survival. This discovery offers hope for the development of new TB treatments that can shorten treatment duration and combat drug-resistant strains.
Researchers found a compound called ebselen effectively inhibits the thioredoxin reductase system in Helicobacter pylori, which causes gastric ulcers, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis. Ebselen's mechanism targets bacteria lacking glutathione.
A systematic review of TB interventions in low-and-middle income countries found limited real-world evidence to support their effectiveness and financial value. The authors identified substantial gaps in published evidence for scale-up of these interventions, which may prevent program-wide implementation.
A four-year field study shows BCG vaccination reduces TB infection risk in unvaccinated badger cubs in vaccinated groups and social groups. Vaccination can indirectly protect cubs before they emerge from their setts.
A Phase 2a trial is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of AZD5847, a new test drug for patients with tuberculosis, including those with HIV co-infection. The study aims to improve treatment options for TB, a leading infectious cause of death among people with HIV/AIDS.
A clinical trial led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University will enroll 75 men and women with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis to test the investigational TB drug AZD5847. The study aims to determine whether the drug reduces TB bacteria counts in participants, with a focus on patients co-infected with HIV.
Arturo Casadevall, Ekaterina Dadachova, and Joan Berman received funding to develop novel vaccines for tuberculosis (TB) and an innovative HIV treatment. They will use radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to target and destroy HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system.
Researchers track TB transmission between cattle and badgers using whole genome DNA sequencing and mathematical modeling. The study reveals a close relationship between the two species' bacterial types, highlighting the potential for next-generation sequencing to inform disease control policies.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia have discovered that a well-established family of anti-parasite drugs can be repurposed to effectively treat tuberculosis, including drug-resistant forms. The study highlights the potential for investing in research to find new uses for approved drugs and synergistic combinations.
Avermectins, a well-established family of anti-parasitic drugs, have shown surprising potential in treating tuberculosis. In vitro tests have killed bacteria that cause TB, including drug-resistant forms, offering hope for new therapies against multi-drug resistant TB.
A rapid Xpert test for tuberculosis (TB) could reduce TB deaths and improve treatment outcomes in southern Africa. Implementing the test is expected to prevent an estimated 132,000 TB cases and 182,000 TB deaths over 10 years, but would increase health service costs by US$460 million.
A new rapid test for tuberculosis has been found to substantially reduce TB deaths and improve treatment in southern Africa. The study found that implementing the test would prevent an estimated 132,000 TB cases and 182,000 TB deaths over 10 years.
Researchers developed a new method to track TB outbreaks by analyzing the genetic information of infected individuals, enabling faster response times and more targeted efforts. The approach has the potential to identify
Researchers have discovered a unique defence mechanism of the tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which protects sulphur-containing proteins from oxidation. The protein mycoredoxin-1 plays a crucial role in this repair mechanism, and disabling it may offer new ways to combat the disease.
Scientists have discovered how antibiotics work inside tuberculosis bacteria cells using mass spectrometry. The study's findings suggest that current drugs can be improved by modifying their molecules to withstand bacterial degradation, paving the way for more effective treatments.
Researchers are exploring genetic differences to improve TB treatment outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study aims to identify genes that affect the effectiveness and reaction to anti-TB drugs, with potential benefits for patients with HIV/AIDS.
A study used next-generation sequencing to identify tuberculosis genes in a 19th-century skeleton, revealing a historic strain of the disease. The technology saved time and accurately identified DNA, paving the way for further research into the disease's evolution.
A study found that linezolid, an antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections, proved largely effective in treating extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) when added to ongoing treatment regimens. However, 82% of patients experienced significant adverse events that may have been related to the drug.
An observational study found that delamanid can improve outcomes and reduce mortality among MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients when taken for at least 6 months. The treatment resulted in a 74.5% favourable outcome rate, significantly higher than the 55% rate for shorter treatment periods.
Large donors are forcing the World Health Organization to re-evaluate its priorities and agenda-setting process. This shift towards 'multi-bi financing' has raised concerns about the control of international agencies by participating governments.
Research from the University of Copenhagen suggests that dividing campaigns into combating non-communicable or communicable diseases is ineffective and expensive. Integrated health programmes focusing on common risk factors like poor nutrition can effectively combat diseases such as diabetes and tuberculosis.
Researchers found pyridomycin selectively kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including strains resistant to front-line drug isoniazid. The natural antibiotic targets the InhA enzyme, which is essential for bacterial cell wall production.
Researchers have found that an off-patent anti-inflammatory drug, oxyphenbutazone, can kill both replicating and non-replicating drug-resistant tuberculosis in laboratory tests. The effective drug may offer a potential new therapy for the over 500,000 people worldwide whose TB has become resistant to standard drug treatments.
A provocative essay in NEJM calls for redoubling efforts to combat TB, highlighting global health inequity and inadequate treatment. The authors advocate for adopting a zero-TB death goal, rapid diagnosis, and infection control measures to stem the pandemic.
Researchers found that high doses of vitamin D, given with antibiotic treatment, accelerate recovery in TB patients by dampening down the body's inflammatory response. Vitamin D supplementation may also benefit patients recovering from pneumonia.
Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to track TB outbreak, identifying origin and movement of pathogens, key persons and behaviors that contributed to spread. The study found location-based transmission is crucial for outbreak management and informs public health policy and practice.
A new study reveals alarmingly high levels of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis worldwide, with nearly 44% of patients showing resistance to at least one second-line drug. The highest prevalence was seen in South Korea and Russia, with the risk of XDR disease quadrupled in previously treated patients.
A large study found that using certain drugs, four or more effective drugs, and a duration of 7-8.5 months can lead to successful patient outcomes in MDR-TB treatment. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to limitations in the methods and data.
Researchers propose a novel vaccine strategy using lipidated-promiscuous-peptide vaccines to overcome limitations of existing BCG vaccine, which fails to prevent disease in adults, especially in endemic regions. This new approach has shown promise in animal models and is being tested in human clinical trials.
Dartmouth medical research has made a breakthrough in developing a new tuberculosis vaccine, DAR-901. The vaccine, produced by growing bacteria related to TB on agar plates and then inactivating them with heat, has shown a statistically significant reduction of 39% in the rate of tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients.
David M. Tobin has made significant contributions to TB meningitis treatment and is developing new approaches to tackle drug-resistant TB. His work uses zebrafish models to probe host genetic determinants of susceptibility to mycobacterial infection.
The Iowa State researchers discovered the structure of a regulator that controls the expression of a multidrug efflux pump in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding is crucial for understanding how tuberculosis bacteria develop drug resistance, providing a starting point for developing new strategies to combat the disease.
High rates of HIV, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis have been found in homeless populations globally, with rates up to 46 times higher in the US than in the general population. Infections can lead to community spread, malnutrition, and increased healthcare use.
Resistant tuberculosis is a serious threat to world health, with 'multiresistant' cases now making up 1 in 3 new TB cases. A new approach using vital staining with fluorescein diacetate detects resistant bacilli early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing further spread.
A mobile HIV-testing clinic integrated with active tuberculosis case finding in underserviced areas of Cape Town demonstrated high feasibility, yield, and treatment success. The study found that the service was well-received by HIV-negative individuals with symptoms suggestive of TB, as well as all HIV-positive individuals.
A novel approach to discover the first new tuberculosis (TB) combination drug regimen has cleared a major hurdle with a Phase II clinical trial finding it could kill more than 99 percent of patients' TB bacteria within two weeks. The results add to a growing body of evidence that this regimen could reduce treatment by more than a year ...
A new analysis by UCSF/SFGH researchers suggests the recommended dose adjustment of efavirenz may not be necessary, especially in non-Caucasian populations. The study found no significant difference in efavirenz levels between patients weighing more than 50 kg and those weighing less than 50 kg.
A new combination of drugs to treat tuberculosis shows promise, killing over 99% of patients' TB bacteria within two weeks. The treatment could also be used for patients infected with drug-resistant forms of the disease.
Researchers found that inhibiting a key immune response early on can shorten TB treatment time and prevent relapse. In a study, mice treated with standard TB medication plus a TNF-alpha inhibitor had a significantly lower bacterial burden than those receiving only the standard treatment.
Seven pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi, have joined forces with four research institutions to accelerate the development of new tuberculosis (TB) drugs. The TB Drug Accelerator aims to shorten treatment regimens from six months to one month, reducing mortality rates and combating drug resistance.
Researchers developed a new swab technique that can spot tuberculosis in non-human primates with no outward signs of disease. The method has been successfully tested on Asian monkey populations, revealing a significant prevalence rate and potential for primate-to-primate transmission.
A nationwide survey in China reveals one in 10 newly diagnosed TB patients are infected with drug-resistant strains, with over 5,000 cases annually. Experts emphasize the need for rapid testing to determine drug resistance and developing new combination therapies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been awarded a $5.9 million NIH grant to develop a new TB vaccine against multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains. The approach is based on genetically altered Mycobacterium smegmatis, which can generate a robust immune response in animals.
Researchers found that reducing TB infections in geographic hotspots can significantly reduce citywide transmission rates by up to 29% over 50 years. Controlling these hotspots may have a similar impact on long-term, community-wide TB incidence as achieving the same targets in the remaining population.
A study of over 3,000 dairy herds in England and Wales found that liver fluke infection reduces the sensitivity of skin tests used to diagnose bovine TB. This means infected cattle may not be identified by current surveillance schemes, contributing to the disease's spread.
A parasitic flatworm called Fasciola hepatica hinders the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle by reducing the sensitivity of skin tests. This study found that liver fluke infection can create false negatives for TB, allowing infected cattle to continue transmitting the disease.
A microfluidic chip test has been developed to detect latent tuberculosis, promising to be cheaper and faster than current methods. The test uses a novel approach to detect interferon-gamma in blood samples, triggering an electrical signal for diagnosis.