Articles tagged with Tuberculosis
A study published in Cellular Immunology reveals that type 1 interferons impair the metabolic response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making patients with chronic TB more susceptible to infections. The research identifies these cytokines as a potential target for developing new treatments.
A new study found consistently high TB case rates among incarcerated people, but low detection rates. Nearly half of TB cases were not detected, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reduce TB spread in prisons.
Researchers discovered how two new compounds attack TB-causing bacteria, providing insights into future therapies. The study found that one compound binds better to ATP synthase than existing treatment, while another targets a previously unknown site.
Researchers at KIT have developed nanoparticles that can carry antibiotics directly to the lungs, increasing drug concentration and reducing resistance. The nanocarriers, containing Bedaquilin or BTZ-043, overcome biological barriers and show effectiveness in treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
A new device using dielectrophoresis selectively isolates Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum samples, providing a purified sample for molecular confirmation. The technology has shown promising results in detecting TB in underserved areas, with high concordance rates compared to culture diagnosis.
The June issue of CHEST features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma, COPD, and critical care. The journal offers web and multimedia resources to expand the reach of its research.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have developed a new cell culture model to generate human alveolar macrophages, the most critical immune cells in the lungs. This model allows for easier and inexpensive investigation of lung inflammatory diseases and testing of new therapies.
The BCG vaccine, primarily developed to prevent tuberculosis, was found ineffective against COVID-19 in a large international trial involving nearly 4,000 healthcare workers. Researchers discovered that vaccination increased the risk of symptomatic disease during the first six months following enrolment.
The Medicines for All Institute will work on 14 new global health projects, reducing costs of medicines for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and neglected tropical diseases. With the $18.7 million grant, Medicines for All aims to improve access to low-cost medications for people living with these diseases.
Research from Boston Medical Center found that pulmonary tuberculosis enhances HIV antibody responses and increases the prevalence of antibody-resistant strains. This study has significant implications for HIV vaccines and antibody-based therapies, highlighting the need for novel strategies to generate broad and potent antibodies.
A new study by UCL researchers hints at the possibility of detecting conditions such as coeliac disease and Parkinson's disease in principle up to 10 years before diagnosis. The review of existing evidence indicates a 'diagnostic window' – the point at which diagnosis may be possible for some patients.
The USPSTF recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in populations at increased risk, including those born in or former residents of high-prevalence countries and congregate settings. Estimated prevalence is about 5.0% in the US, with up to 13 million persons affected.
A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.
A pandemic cohort study found that nearly one-third of adults aged 45 and older with both TB and COVID-19 died between March 2020 and June 2022. The study highlights the severity of co-infection in this vulnerable population.
A new study reveals that young children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis are at an increased risk of subsequent wheezing, poor lung function, and reduced height and weight. The study found that children who developed PTB before six months old had more than double the risk of wheezing after 6 months.
Researchers at UMass Amherst microbiologists have identified an enzyme involved in TB pathogen's survival and growth. The discovery offers a potential target for drug therapies for the deadly disease, which has few effective treatments and caused over 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2021.
A study at ECCMID shows AI software can detect TB from chest X-rays with sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of trained radiologists. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis in low-resource settings where radiologists are scarce.
A multidisciplinary group of experts has reached a consensus on key issues related to molecular prediction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibiotic sensitivity or resistance. The document provides guidance for therapeutic regimen design and treatment optimization, aiming to improve clinicians' management of TB patients.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified a potential host-directed therapy targeting the immune system to bolster the body's ability to control TB infection. Blocking IDO enzyme helped nonhuman primates completely eliminate active TB infection, improving health metrics compared to antibiotics alone.
Scientists discovered that B cells play a crucial role in controlling tuberculosis (TB) infections by directing helper T cells, known as T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells, to granuloma tissue in the lungs where they can activate macrophages. This finding holds promise for developing better treatments and vaccines for TB.
Researchers at the University of Surrey used a new technology called fluxomics to reveal how cells process nitrogen in TB-causing bacteria. The study identified glutamate as a crucial amino acid in the nitrogen metabolism, providing a target for new drug development.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered a key role for autophagy in controlling intracellular infections like TB. By boosting this natural process, they hope to create new treatments that can combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The European Union and European Economic Area will likely fall short of the Sustainable Development Goals target for eliminating tuberculosis by 2030. To meet the goal, an annual decline of 11.7% is needed in TB incidence, whereas the current decline rate of 6.8% is insufficient.
A systematic review of 33 randomized controlled trials found that yoga improved gait speed and lower extremity strength in inactive older people. However, it did not offer a benefit for frailty markers compared to exercise or tai chi.
Researchers at Wayne State University have developed a novel non-sputum-based technology to differentiate between active TB and latent TB infection. The technology uses IgG antibodies against transketolase, an essential enzyme required for the intracellular growth of TB bacteria.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of AAHI's thermostable, freeze-dried single-vial ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine candidate showed higher levels of antibodies and favorable cellular immune responses compared to the two-vial presentation. The results represent significant progress in global efforts to combat TB.
A Phase 1 trial of a thermostable tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate found it to be safe and stimulated both antibodies and cellular responses. The vaccine, ID93+GLA-SE, was well-tolerated and produced higher levels of antibodies in recipients compared to a non-thermostable formulation.
A Chinese Medical Journal study found that smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of work-related injury insurance are significant risk factors for developing pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis. The study also identified rural birth, household exposure to patients with PTB, and hospitalization history as relevant ri...
A groundbreaking study found that a new TB treatment strategy can shorten treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness. The TRUNCATE-TB trial showed that an initial 8-week treatment period followed by retreatment for those not cured was as effective as the standard 6-month treatment but halved the average total time on treatment.
A new genomic study found signs of TB adaptation in ancient Andean populations, thousands of years before European contact. The study suggests that Indigenous people in present-day Ecuador developed an immune response to tuberculosis around 3,000 years ago, when agriculture began proliferating in the region.
Despite over 100 years of TB vaccine research, only one vaccine has been widely used, and a second is urgently needed to combat the ongoing pandemic. Promising new candidates are now in phase 3 trials, including an adjuvanted subunit vaccine that demonstrated 50% protection against TB infection in a phase II trial.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) will present 29 presentations at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2023. The studies focus on COVID-19, HIV cure, pathogenesis, treatment, long-term complications, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and contraception.
Researchers have discovered that over-the-counter heartburn drugs can shorten the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and reduce the chances of drug-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may mean TB can be cured with shorter treatments.
Research by University of Cambridge scientists reveals that a rare genetic disorder, Gaucher disease, provides protection against TB due to an unusual fatty chemical that acts as a microbicide. The study suggests that Ashkenazi Jews, who are more susceptible to Gaucher disease, may be less likely to contract TB infection.
A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.
Researchers investigated TB screening effectiveness in Germany and globally, finding mandatory programs may increase participation but don't deliver better results. Voluntary programs are considered more effective, ethically and legally justifiable.
Research suggests that a new combination of drugs is needed to find an effective treatment for TB meningitis due to multidrug-resistant strains. The FDA-approved BPaL regimen is not effective in treating TB meningitis because bedaquiline and linezolid cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
A new study suggests TB vaccination could be overall cost-effective in 73 of 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with potential economic benefits of US $474 billion by 2050. The modeling study, published in PLOS Medicine, found that vaccination could save billions of dollars annually.
The January issue of the CHEST journal features a range of clinically relevant research on COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal's education portal offers continuing medical education (CME) credit for select articles.
Researchers found that vitamin D strengthens immune cells' ability to fight tuberculosis by producing cathelicidin toxin. Vitamin D treatment can prevent and treat the disease, particularly in populations exposed to high risk of infection. However, supplements do not protect against infection with tuberculosis.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a link between latent tuberculosis infection and increased inflammation in monocytes, a type of white blood cell. This connection may contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with LTBI.
A UMass Amherst microbiologist is working to develop new treatments for tuberculosis by targeting the bacteria's surface structure. The goal is to create a drug that can disrupt the cell envelope, making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a novel genome assembly tool called Bact-Builder that creates an improved genome map of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This breakthrough enables the identification of new genes and gene fragments missing in current reference sequences, which could lead to better treatments and vaccines.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that severe undernutrition before and during TB treatment significantly increases the risk of death, treatment failure, and relapse. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine followed nearly 3,000 persons with TB disease for two years and recorded data on demograph...
Researchers used microCT to create a 3D atlas of lung lesions in TB and COVID-19, revealing complex shapes and hidden pathological structures. The study provides new insights into the microscopic anatomy of these deadly diseases.
A new study found that vulnerable populations, including children, older individuals, and men, faced significant challenges in accessing TB diagnoses due to COVID-19 disruptions. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to TB care.
Researchers identify unique chemical signal allowing ancient TB bacteria to evade immune system and spread beyond lungs. The 'mobile factor', called EsxM, allows the bacteria to infect macrophages more easily, leading to bone infections in six people.
A new AI technology has been developed to automatically diagnose lung diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, freeing up radiographers and reducing waiting times for test results. The system, which uses X-ray imaging and deep learning algorithms, achieved a 98% accuracy rate during extensive testing.
Researchers developed a fast and cost-effective method to detect amphiphiles, a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds used in disease diagnosis and toxin detection. The new test uses rolling droplets on microstructured surfaces to detect levels of pathogenic endotoxins in water at ultralow concentrations.
Researchers have discovered that mutations in mitochondrial-related genes can trigger hyperinflammation, leading to diseases such as Crohn's disease and tuberculosis. The study found that these mutations lead to a new type of cell death called necroptosis, which causes an aggressive inflammatory immune response.
Two nonprofit research organizations partner to create new TB vaccine candidates with diverse adjuvant technologies and genetically diverse mouse models. The team aims to develop thermostable vaccines that can last for several months at room temperature or years in standard refrigerators.
Researchers identified PtpB as a key effector that inhibits inflammasome-pyroptosis pathways in Mtb. The phosphatase activity of PtpB targets and dephosphorylates host membrane phospholipids, preventing GSDMD-mediated immune responses and promoting pathogen survival.
A new testing method for tuberculosis may make diagnosis easier by using saliva instead of sputum, which can be unpleasant and impractical. The method has shown high sensitivity in detecting the bacteria that causes TB, but its effectiveness in people with HIV is less clear.
People living with HIV are at high risk of tuberculosis infection and disease, yet many questions remain unanswered about developing an effective TB vaccine. The NIH/DAIDS Cross-Network calls for their inclusion in clinical trials to prioritize access to safe and effective TB vaccines.
Researchers have discovered a novel antimicrobial compound, evybactin, that selectively targets Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacteria that causes tuberculosis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for tuberculosis without contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a rare T cell defect tied to the risk of developing MAC disease. People with this defect have fewer specialized Th1* cells, which robs them of an effective immune response to MAC bacteria.
Using artificial intelligence, researchers from Tufts University have devised rules for faster and more effective identification of potential new drug cocktails against tuberculosis. The study developed a set of design principles to assemble drug combinations, reducing the amount of testing needed before moving to further study.
Researchers developed an AI system that can quickly and automatically evaluate chest X-rays for TB using deep learning. Analysis showed the system was comparable to radiologists for determining active TB on chest X-rays, with similar performance across different patient subgroups. The system has the potential to aid screening in areas ...
Researchers at Texas Biomed have developed a modified tuberculosis vaccine that can treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer without strong side effects. The delipidated vaccine triggers well-regulated immune responses and reduces inflammation, making it more effective than traditional treatments.