Articles tagged with Tuberculosis
Researchers at NIAID identified a specific protein involved in resistance to the TB drug PA-824. By pinpointing this protein, scientists can develop improved versions of PA-824 and accelerate TB drug development.
Researchers found that badgers in areas with culling had larger home ranges and travelled more widely, increasing their contact rates with cattle. This suggests that culling is ineffective in controlling cattle TB and highlights the importance of ecological research in policy-making.
Widespread badger culling may reduce TB incidence, but could also lead to increased movement and transmission. Culling's impact on TB rates is mixed, with some areas experiencing increases despite population reductions.
A new report by UC Davis expert reveals that widespread culling of badgers disrupts their territorial organization and increases cattle TB infection. Culling localized areas has little effect, with badger numbers falling only slightly while TB incidence rises.
A recent scientific study found that a specific gene variation on chromosome 17 is associated with an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis. The MCP-1 protein, which attracts immune cells to sites of infection, was found to play a crucial role in the early immune response to TB-causing bacteria.
The University of Pittsburgh has established an Immune Modeling Center to study immune responses to infectious diseases using mathematical modeling. The center will focus on understanding innate and adaptive immune responses to influenza A virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Francisella tularensis.
Researchers discovered that GroEL1 oversees production of fatty acids necessary for biofilm growth, which are absent in bacteria lacking the chaperone protein. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways to develop effective drugs to fight TB and other mycobacterial infections.
Researchers found that macrophages from TB patients have high levels of DC-SIGN, a protein that helps Mycobacterium tuberculosis infect lung cells. Infection with TB causes nearby uninfected cells to also express DC-SIGN, making them more susceptible to infection.
Researchers found that HAART can reduce the risk of tuberculosis in HIV patients, but not eliminate it. Patients who are immunodeficient or exposed to TB in a hospital setting are at increased risk of developing active TB.
A new study identifies genetic susceptibility as a significant risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis. The condition, which can be triggered by smoking and other factors, causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Researchers also explored a more accurate blood test to detect latent tuberculosis infection.
George Orwell's struggles with tuberculosis and possible infertility contributed to the dark tone of 1984, but also gave him a unique perspective on human suffering. His writing became more universal as he drew from his own experiences with illness.
Moxifloxacin could be the first new treatment for TB in over 40 years, shortening treatment period by nearly two months. Researchers aim to assess ability of antibiotic to cure disease more effectively and with better patient tolerance.
Researchers investigated risk factors for TB infection in 979 children from Istanbul, Turkey. They found that the absence of a BCG scar was a strong, independent risk factor for infection, while its presence reduced the risk by 24%. The study suggests that BCG vaccination also protects against TB infection, opening new avenues for deve...
A study suggests that the evolutionary history of tuberculosis is linked to historical patterns of human migration. The researchers found that the genetic signatures of over 300 strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reflect the dispersal and evolution of the pathogen according to human migration patterns, with a strong gender bias obse...
A three-year study found that people with knowledge of TB had better experiences with the disease, suggesting a need for community awareness efforts. Employing recovered patients, family members, and lay health communicators could help foster awareness and improve prevention.
The UN's Deputy Secretary General orders delay on measurement of life-saving goals, citing concerns over 'distracting' from desired results. This decision diverts attention from a key problem: concrete trends toward helping people in extreme poverty often lack verification.
A new study suggests that investing in tuberculosis control programs in high-incidence countries like Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic can reduce TB cases and deaths in the US. The research predicts that $35 million in funding would result in net savings of $108 million over 20 years.
A K-State professor is researching a new strategy to treat tuberculosis by targeting the channel proteins called porins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. His goal is to develop supramolecular model systems that can block these channels, permanently deactivating TB and allowing the human immune system to deal with it.
Researchers at Max Planck have developed a new vaccine that effectively protects against pulmonary tuberculosis, a major killer of adults worldwide. The genetically engineered BCG vaccine stimulates stronger protection by dendritic cells and offers protection against drug-resistant Beijing family isolates.
A new BCG vaccine strain protects against tuberculosis with high efficacy, while a novel TWEAK pathway induces liver cell proliferation in response to injury. These findings may lead to specific therapies for liver diseases and improved TB protection.
A new study in PLOS Pathogens suggests that Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its close relatives recently emerged from a much more ancient bacterial species, possibly as old as 3 million years. This discovery may have significant implications for improving diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Researchers engineer a BCG strain to secrete listeriolysin, enhancing T cell-mediated immunity. The new vaccine strain offers superior protection against tuberculosis, including the highly drug-resistant Beijing/W family.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a gene, NRAMP1, that controls the speed of tuberculosis development. The study found that variants of this gene affect the time frame between initial infection and disease progression.
A recent survey in Botswana has found a significant increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis, with 10% of new patients showing resistance to at least one anti-TB drug. The study suggests that enhanced interventions are needed to contain the burden of tuberculosis in Botswana and prevent further drug resistance.
A Dartmouth study found that traditional TB screening methods can miss active tuberculosis cases in HIV-positive individuals in developing countries. The study recommends using more sensitive and accurate TB culture tests, such as the one used in Tanzania.
A study found that disease reinfection rates for TB were four times higher than new cases in South Africa. Additionally, researchers discovered that low-dose spiral computer-based tomography (CT) screening can lead to an early diagnosis of lung cancer in a high proportion of cases.
A promising new TB drug, PA-824, has entered human clinical trials, showing activity against both actively dividing and slow-growing M. tb stages. The drug may significantly reduce the time needed to cure TB, offering hope for shorter treatment regimens.
A study in South Africa found that a new treatment approach, including isoniazid and cotrimoxazole, reduced tuberculosis incidence among HIV-infected employees by 32%. The intervention was part of a clinic established in 1999 to provide specialist care for HIV-infected employees.
A 1994-2003 study analyzed TB cases among homeless and non-homeless persons to identify overlapping risk factors. The study found a higher proportion of TB cases associated with homelessness in western and southern states, with most affected males aged 30-59.
The study found that global new TB cases increased by 1% in 2003, but detection rates improved to 45% by 2003, reaching 60% by 2005. Treatment success rates were over 80% since 1998, with variation among regions.
A blood-based TB test, QuantiFERON-TB-Gold, has been shown to match the results of the traditional tuberculin skin test among Indian healthcare workers. The study found a high level of agreement between the two tests, with only minor impact from previous TB vaccination.
California continues to experience cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which requires prolonged treatment and poses significant public health risks. The majority of MDR-TB cases are foreign-born, highlighting the need for international TB control measures.
A study of 546 patients found that chest x-rays are not effective in determining when tuberculosis (TB) was acquired. The researchers discovered that the most significant independent predictor of radiographic appearance is HIV status, indicating altered immunity rather than recent infection.
The US needs more effective treatments for active TB and latent TB infection, with a focus on improving diagnostic tools and directly observed therapy. Effective treatment of active TB requires at least six months of multi-drug therapy, while improved diagnostics and treatments are needed for latent TB infection.
TB is a serious global health issue that affects vulnerable populations, requiring improved screening, treatment, and quality of care. The JAMA editorial highlights the need for better funding and initiatives to combat TB and ultimately eradicate it worldwide.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy used by TB bacteria to resist fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which are often ineffective against multi-drug-resistant TB. The discovery also reveals that other disease-causing bacteria, such as Shigella and E. coli, have developed similar resistance mechanisms.
MacMicking studies immune-related GTPases in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection to understand biological relationship between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The award will support his research program on novel host defense pathways to infection.
Aeras and UCLA announce a license deal for rBCG30, a live recombinant vaccine technology developed at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. The vaccine has shown promising results in initial clinical studies and holds potential to reduce TB disease burden globally.
Researchers discovered a gene, Ipr1, on mouse chromosome 1 that influences innate immunity to tuberculosis and another intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. The study suggests that the human equivalent of Ipr1, SP110, may play a significant role in determining tuberculosis susceptibility.
A study of 752 French patients found that shorter graft ischemic times were associated with improved long-term survival after single or double lung transplantation. The median ischemic time was 240 minutes, and a cutoff time of 330 minutes was identified as best discriminating between survivors and non-survivors.
A study in Southern Mexico found that implementing DOTS (short-course chemotherapy) significantly reduced the incidence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, from 9.4 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 people between 1996 and 2000. The strategy also improved treatment outcomes for patients with drug-resistant TB.
A five-year study in Mexico found that the Directly Observed Therapy (DOTS) strategy significantly reduced drug-resistant TB transmission. The results showed a decline from 22% to 7.8% of new patients carrying drug-resistant strains, with no cases of multiple-drug resistance.
Researchers have identified a missing enzyme in M. tuberculosis that plays a crucial role in the bacterium's ability to acquire iron through mycobactin synthesis. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the iron scavenging pathway in TB and provides new avenues for developing effective anti-TB drugs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a biochemical target that could lead to a new class of antibiotics to fight TB. They found that inhibiting an enzyme in a common biochemical pathway can stop the bacteria from multiplying and eventually kill them.
Countries like Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand have adopted stringent policies for compulsory screening of new entrants for TB and HIV. However, UK public inquiry concluded that such a policy would not be effective at protecting public health.
Researchers have developed an efficient new strategy to synthesize a natural marine product with promising anti-tuberculosis activity, overcoming challenges of conventional chemistry. The breakthrough enables the production of gram quantities in just days, paving the way for developing potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.
A collaborative study found evidence of TB and leprosy co-infection in ancient bones across Europe, suggesting that TB overtook leprosy as a more aggressive disease. The findings imply that the decline of leprosy may have been linked to the rise of TB, which brought a speedier death due to opportunistic co-infection.
A simple sputum test has been developed to confirm childhood tuberculosis diagnosis in infants and young children. The test uses sputum induction, which was found to be effective even in young infants, with almost 40% of children under one year of age having a positive culture.
A recent study found that patients with previously untreated HIV-1 infection, especially those co-infected with pulmonary TB or KS, showed rapid responses to triple-drug therapy. After three months, nearly all patients achieved undetectable HIV RNA levels and experienced significant increases in CD4 cell counts.
A large retrospective study found that tuberculosis incidence doubled within the first year of HIV infection and increased four-fold after two years. The study's unique setting, including a high incidence of tuberculosis among miners and access to free healthcare, facilitated the research.
R207910, a novel diarylquinoline compound, has demonstrated effectiveness in clearing infection from lungs of mice and reducing bacterial load by 50%. The drug's unique mechanism of action targeting ATP synthase makes it active against drug-resistant strains of TB.
A new antibiotic shows promise in treating tuberculosis by shortening treatment time and fighting drug-resistant strains. The drug, called R207910, operates differently than other antibiotics and appears to inhibit the bacteria's energy supply.
A clinical study found that roughly half the population produces more than 98% of potentially pathogenic bioaerosols. Administration of nebulized saline can reduce droplet exhalation in high-producers for up to six hours.
Researchers found that thrice weekly versus daily drug therapy regimens were associated with a higher risk of disease relapse in tuberculosis patients. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 patients who completed treatment between 1998 and 2000.
The Oregon Health & Science University will focus on tuberculosis research, using cells from TB patients with successful immune responses to create vaccines. The goal is to provide protection to others while over 2 million people die worldwide each year of TB.
Researchers have discovered a way to disable TB protein when it binds to certain molecules, making bacteria more sensitive to treatment by ethionamide. This finding suggests that combining ethionamide with benzylacetone could reduce the dosage of potent antibacterial compounds and improve TB treatment.
A US study found a significant link between exposure to traffic pollutants and an increased risk of bronchitis or physician-diagnosed asthma in children. In contrast, directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients showed a significantly higher cure rate compared to self-administered therapy.
A study found prednisolone to be ineffective in treating HIV-associated pleural tuberculosis, increasing the risk of life-threatening cancer. The drug improved symptoms but showed no long-term benefits for patients without HIV infection.
Researchers found that a high-fiber diet from fruits and soy foods reduces the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms, particularly cough with phlegm production. Additionally, brief exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can lead to infection, as detected by rapid molecular testing in hospital contacts.
A survey in 2000 showed a decrease in tuberculosis prevalence of around a third compared to the original survey in 1990. China aims to reach the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving TB prevalence between 2000 and 2015 with its expansion plans.