Articles tagged with Tuberculosis
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that 275,000 new TB diagnoses were made in 2017, with an estimated 77,000 cases being difficult to treat. New WHO recommendations aim to improve treatment for drug-resistant TB with safer and more effective drugs.
New research from the University of Notre Dame discovers that extracellular vesicles from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected cells can activate an immune response against the disease. This approach, when combined with antibiotics, shows promise in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new drug delivery system that allows patients to switch from daily to monthly doses of antibiotics, reducing the burden of tuberculosis treatment. The device slowly releases antibiotics over one month, eliminating the need for daily pills.
Scientists have developed a retrievable wire-like device that safely delivers large dosages of drugs over several weeks to treat tuberculosis (TB) in pigs. The device, tested successfully, could help patients adhere to treatment regimens more easily, particularly in remote areas where healthcare resources are limited.
A large Latin American cohort study found that TB diagnosis in people with HIV increases the risk of death within 10 years. The study, supported by NIH, analyzed clinical records of 15,999 people with HIV and found that those diagnosed with TB were twice as likely to die compared to those without a TB diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy for tuberculosis that protects against the disease by delivering a vaccine directly into the lungs through a spray. The new formulation shows promise in mice studies, with significantly reduced lung inflammation and tissue damage compared to current vaccines.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) presented 11 oral and 19 poster presentations on HIV and TB co-morbidities, treatment, and cure. Key findings include novel medications for MDR-TB and the impact of DMPA injections among women treated for HIV and TB.
Researchers have identified a toxin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that kills the bacteria if not neutralized by an antidote protein. This 'suicide' mechanism can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to combat tuberculosis, which is a major cause of death worldwide.
A new study reveals a promising therapeutic target for tuberculosis (TB) using the toxin-antitoxin system in M. tuberculosis bacteria. Activating this system can trigger cell death and slow down bacterial growth, offering hope for developing new treatments.
A large study found that multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can be cured in conflict-affected communities using molecular diagnostics, shorter treatment periods, and socioeconomic incentives. The new approach led to a 83% cure rate compared to 74% for conventional therapy.
A team of physicists from Immanuel Kant Baltic State University has developed a new method to quickly identify single antibiotic-resistant bacteria cells that are the agents of tuberculosis. The technique uses Raman scattering spectrography to analyze bacterial cells without damaging them.
Researchers have identified a new target protein that can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced cell death. Corticosteroids, already used in tuberculosis treatment, may support the healing process by inhibiting this pathway. This immunotherapy approach could reduce treatment duration and secondary complications associated with TB.
A new experimental antibiotic AN12855 has been shown to be more effective against tuberculosis than isoniazid, a decades-old drug. In mouse studies, the new drug demonstrated a much lower tendency to develop resistance and remained in tissues where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria reside for longer, killing them more effectively.
A recent study found that many cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis remain undetected due to inaccurate tests, leading to incorrect treatment and higher mortality rates. The researchers recommend developing new, comprehensive point-of-care molecular tests that can deliver results within hours or days.
A study of 1,850 patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis found that vitamin D supplementation accelerated TB clearance in those receiving antibiotic treatment. The findings suggest a potential host-directed therapy to improve outcomes for patients with drug-resistant bacterial infections.
A recent Rutgers University study reveals that South Asian immigrants who travel frequently to countries with widespread tuberculosis may have latent infection without symptoms, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment. Approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide, including 13.6 million in the US, have latent TB.
A Phase 1 human clinical trial has begun testing a freeze-dried, temperature-stable formulation of the experimental tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate ID93. The trial aims to determine if the single-vial formulation of ID93 and adjuvant GLA-SE is as effective as previously tested two-vial combination in inducing an immune response.
A study found that screening all hospitalized patients with HIV for tuberculosis using urine tests would improve life expectancy by 0.5 to 1.2 years and be cost-effective compared to sputum testing alone. Urine testing, such as LAM and Xpert tests, can detect cases of TB that would have otherwise been missed.
A new rapid blood test for tuberculosis (TB) has been found to be substantially more accurate than existing tests, enabling doctors to quickly detect or rule out TB infection. The test, developed at Imperial College London, could save the NHS over £2 million per year by stopping the use of existing, inadequate tests.
A team of RCSI researchers has developed a new treatment for tuberculosis (TB) that could be used to treat hundreds of thousands of patients. The treatment uses all-trans retinoic acid, which has shown promise in previous studies and can help reduce bacteria and lung damage.
A pilot program introducing safer mining practices reduced airborne lead levels by 95% and respirable silica dust by 80%, saving hundreds of children from lead poisoning. The project's success demonstrates the effectiveness of low-cost dust control measures in reducing hazardous exposures in artisanal small-scale mining communities.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that makes people vulnerable to tuberculosis, a condition affecting one in five people globally. The mutation, TYK2, increases the risk of developing TB by disrupting the immune system's ability to fight mycobacteria, making individuals more susceptible to infection.
High research intensity relative to published global disease burden was found for influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, while paratyphoid fever had low research intensity. Certain neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and leprosy also showed high research intensity.
A Johns Hopkins-led initiative screened over 5,000 Tibetan refugee children and staff for tuberculosis disease and infection. The study found nearly one in five children had TB infection, highlighting the need for population-level control measures.
A SLU researcher suggests focusing on high-risk tuberculosis patients to improve treatment completion rates and accelerate the US goal of eliminating the disease. By identifying latent patients at highest risk of active infection, doctors can better communicate the importance of completing treatment regimens.
A new test method using lung lavage has been developed to improve tuberculosis diagnosis in rhinoceros, with minimal stress for the animals. The study found that lung fluids revealed only harmless mycobacteria, reducing the risk of false positives and improving animal welfare.
Researchers used PET scans to track TB drug levels in a rabbit model and human patients, revealing that current treatments may not be effective due to poor penetration of the drug into infected brain lesions. The study aims to optimize treatment by tailoring doses for individual patients based on imaging results.
Researchers have identified an essential role for the protein heme oxygenase-1 in host defense against tuberculosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies using human lung tissue and mouse models showed that HO-1 production is critical in protecting against TB pathophysiology.
A genetic scan of 4,578 TB samples from China revealed just two dominant strains account for 99.4% of cases, with strain L2 spreading widely due to internal movement allowing its spread. The study also found that strain Lineage 4 was introduced via the silk trade between 1084 and 1336 A.D.
Researchers found that targeted therapies could be more effective in treating TB, which killed an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide last year. Patients with minimal disease showed high efficacy with four-month treatments, while those with moderate or severe disease required longer treatment durations.
A study reveals lymph nodes as reservoirs of persistent tuberculosis infection, where the bacteria can persist for extended periods. This finding has significant implications for tuberculosis treatment and patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a machine learning approach to identify and predict antibiotic resistance genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The approach identified 33 known and 24 new resistance genes, which could aid in personalized treatment for different strains of the bacteria.
A study found that patients with HIV are more likely to experience tuberculosis drug-related adverse events and have longer treatment durations. The researchers emphasized the importance of having resources and expertise to treat coinfected patients in areas with high HIV prevalence.
A study in South Africa found that certain strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are resistant to the two primary antibiotics prescribed for TB. The resistance is not detected by standard DNA tests, leading to unsuccessful treatments and increased mortality.
A recent study reveals that TB resistance mutations evolved independently in various regions multiple times, with little international dissemination. This finding has significant implications for tuberculosis management and treatment, suggesting localized efforts could be successful.
A recent outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in South Africa remains undetected for five years due to the failure of WHO-endorsed diagnostic tests. Researchers discovered two strains with a specific DNA mutation associated with resistance to Rifampicin, which were not detected by commercial tests.
A new study reveals that Lineage 4 TB emerged in Europe around 1,000 years ago and spread globally with European explorers and colonialists. The study found that drug-resistant strains of Lineage 4 TB have hardly spread beyond their country of origin, suggesting a regional challenge to control.
A study from University of California San Diego found that patients who recorded videos of themselves taking TB medications had better adherence to treatment than those observed in-person. VDOT (video directly observed therapy) was also cost-effective and preferred over traditional DOT.
A large-scale genome analysis of over 10,000 TB pathogen strains has shown that genome sequencing can improve treatment and potentially replace traditional resistance testing. This method enables precise prediction of drug resistance and individualized treatment plans, saving resources and time.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria in European badgers kill off M. bovis, potentially reducing TB spillover to cattle. The bacteria also stimulate the badger's immune system, improving vaccine effectiveness.
The NIAID Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Research prioritizes expanding fundamental knowledge of TB by using modern tools to better understand the disease. The plan also focuses on developing rapidly accurate inexpensive point-of-care tests for different forms of TB, as well as identifying host and microbial biomarkers.
Researchers found that private healthcare providers in urban India deliver inadequate TB care, with only 35% adhering to national and international standards. The study highlights the need for improved training and protocols to enhance TB management in the country's private sector.
The UN is calling for the establishment of prevention programs to reduce tuberculosis among miners and others exposed to silica dust. Implementing primary prevention in high-risk occupations can prevent 300,000 new cases annually with improved ventilation, water spray misting, and personal protective equipment.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a naturally occurring antibiotic called kanglemycin A that is effective against rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis. The compound was found to bind to the same groove as rifampicin but with extended structures, allowing it to maintain its affinity and inhibit the bacteria.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring antibiotic called kanglemycin A that is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including drug-resistant strains. The compound maintains its activity by binding to bacterial RNA polymerase and preventing RNA production.
Researchers found that a single mutation in TB bacteria makes them resistant to antibiotics and elicits a weaker immune response, leading to higher mortality rates. The study suggests that the same approach may not work for drug-resistant TB strains.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a groundbreaking new treatment for tuberculosis (TB), targeting the bacteria's defenses rather than killing it directly. The compound shows promise in animal studies, offering hope for a more effective and less toxic treatment option.
A new international collaborative study led by Dr. Dick Menzies found that new TB drugs achieve excellent results in treating MDR-TB, demonstrating consistently better cure rates and reduced mortality compared to currently used treatments. The study prompted a complete overhaul of worldwide guidelines for MDR-TB treatment.
A new analysis reveals that poor-quality care is responsible for an estimated 5 million deaths per year, surpassing deaths due to insufficient access to care. Global efforts to improve health systems will be futile if quality does not improve.
Researchers found that immune cells in lung tissue accumulate triglycerides, a type of fat, rather than cholesterol, and form through distinct mechanisms depending on the disease. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
The Lancet study estimates that one in three people drink alcohol, with 2.2% of women and 6.8% of men dying from alcohol-related health problems each year. The risk of death increases rapidly with higher levels of consumption, offsetting any potential protective effects against cancer, injuries, and infectious diseases.
A large international systematic review found that 78% of children with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis had successful treatment outcomes when treated with second-line MDR-TB drugs. The study highlights the need for HIV treatment in these children and the importance of aggressive solutions to address malnutrition.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center have developed a method to identify high-burden communities for drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa, tracking changes over five years. The study found that Cape Town townships and informal settlements saw the highest rates of drug-resistant TB.
A new technique links samples to individuals and locations, providing continuous national surveillance for eradicating tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis. The Western Cape Province in South Africa was used as a testing ground for this method, revealing spatially heterogeneous rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis rates.
Scientists have identified nearly 200 potential drug targets for tuberculosis, a complex disease caused by bacteria made up of 4,000 genes. The research found that specific human proteins, such as CBL, can limit bacterial infections and potentially provide a new approach to combat the disease.
Scientists have created a fluorescent probe that can tag single specimens of tuberculosis bacteria, which could lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatments. The probe works by detecting the presence of an enzyme called BlaC, allowing for the identification of live versus dead bacteria.
A recent study published in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics has uncovered changes in TB strains that make them vulnerable to other antibiotics. The research also reveals a potential target for developing new drugs against isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis.
Chronic alcohol consumption modulates host immune defense mechanisms, increasing susceptibility to Mtb and other infections. Young alcoholic individuals with latent TB infection are at a higher risk of developing active TB, according to the study published in PLOS Pathogens.
A new international collaborative research study has found that a four-month daily regimen of antibiotic rifampicin is as effective as a nine-month daily regimen of another antibiotic, isoniazid, in preventing people with latent tuberculosis infection from developing the full-blown disease. The study, published in the New England Journ...
A new study from McGill University Health Centre reveals that a four-month rifampin treatment is as effective as nine months of isoniazid in preventing tuberculosis, with significantly fewer side effects. The treatment was also more acceptable to patients, particularly those with liver toxicity.