Articles tagged with Bacteriophages
Researchers at the University of California San Diego discovered a complex process where viral components are transported along filaments within bacterial cells. This 'treadmill-like' structure allows for efficient movement of cargo, similar to human cell mechanisms, and has significant implications for understanding phage therapy.
A new study reveals that bacteriophages can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, causing a cascade of effects on other species and modulating metabolite levels. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic use and understanding the potential effects of other treatments.
Scientists at Indiana University found that bacteria can evolve new genes from phages, a discovery that could help advance research on bacterial resistance. The study shows bacteria's ability to transform an implement of war into a tool to create life.
A 15-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis was treated with genetically engineered bacteriophages to combat a life-threatening, drug-resistant infection. The treatment led to the clearance of skin nodules and improvement in liver function, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of phage therapy.
Researchers developed a peptide called FRW that binds specifically to endothelial cell junctions in the blood-brain barrier, paving the way for novel diagnostic imaging strategies and therapies. The new technique also reveals differences between the blood-retina and blood-brain barriers.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can distinguish themselves from closely related competitors through the use of a virus. A novel phage, SW1, controls formation of a demarcation line by utilizing one of the host's cryptic prophage proteins, providing conditional benefits to E. coli K-12.
Researchers discovered a link between filamentous phages and antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The viruses form biofilms that sequester antibiotics, allowing resistant bacteria to thrive.
Certain bacteriophages exacerbate bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients, particularly with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These phage-carrying bacteria are more resistant to standard antibiotics, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that bacteria can recognize themselves using phages, which helps them repel competitors and gain a fitness advantage.
Researchers studied viruses that infect pathogenic bacteria called bacteriophages to develop a vaccine against bacterial infection. They found that some bacteriophages induce an anti-viral response in humans, which can hinder the clearance of bacterial infections.
A Stanford study finds that a bacterial pathogen produces a virus that increases its ability to infect humans and causes the immune system to mount an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to new ways of preventing chronic infections by keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria from getting a foothold in wounds.
Researchers have identified a new group of massive viruses, known as megaphages, that target specific bacteria found in the guts of individuals eating non-Western, high-fiber diets. These phages, which are 10 times larger than average phages, can carry genes that exacerbate human illnesses and may move between humans and animals.
Researchers at University of Otago have discovered that bacteria can use 'slipped spacers' to boost their immunity against viruses, which may hold promise for biotechnology applications and alternative treatments for infectious diseases. This finding could also impact the dairy industry by preventing bacterial resistance to phages.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a virus that can listen in on bacterial conversations and kill diseases like E. coli and cholera. The virus, VP882, uses cross-kingdom communication to take the risk out of its decision-making process.
Researchers at NUS Medicine and University of Glasgow have discovered lateral transduction, a new mode of genetic transfer that enables the transfer of large sections of bacterial chromosomes between bacteria. This highly efficient mechanism could explain the rapid evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study reveals bacterial DNA is transferred to phages at frequencies 1,000 times higher than previously thought, allowing for rapid adaptation and gene dissemination. This discovery has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance and other survival factors among bacteria.
A mathematical model developed by international researchers predicts that temperature-dependent phages can affect the spread of melioidosis in Southeast Asia. The study reveals opportunities for disease control, including rescheduling work on rice fields and using protective gear during high-risk periods.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the spread of melioidosis in Southeast Asia, highlighting the impact of bacteriophages on bacterial populations. The study found that phage-free bacteria numbers are highest during cooler periods, and using fertilizers can kill off phages, posing a risk of more frequent infections.
Researchers discovered altered intestinal phage communities in mice with colitis, which overlapped with healthy human phages, suggesting a potential role in IBD. The study also found specific phages linked to disease-causing bacteria, highlighting the need for further investigation into viral contributions to inflammatory diseases.
A study reveals a connection between viruses and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Phages play an unidentified role in IBD, potentially leading to new treatments by targeting specific bacteria with viruses.
Researchers discovered that phages cooperate to rapidly infect bacteria, overcoming destruction by CRISPR. The cooperation allows the first phage to sacrifice itself and produce anti-CRISPR compounds to neutralize some CRISPs, helping subsequent phages. This new model proposes a tipping point between numbers and speed of CRISPR and ant...
Research reveals phages work together to overcome CRISPR-Cas, a key breakthrough for improving phage therapy to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. The study shows that a high number of viral particles can overwhelm bacterial defenses, leading to the establishment of an infection in bacterial populations.
A new delivery technique using dry, porous microparticles coated with phages successfully treated pneumonia in infected mice and reduced bacterial levels in cystic fibrosis models. The technique improves the distribution of phages in the lungs and could one day be used to deliver a dry-powder phage via an inhaler.
A new platform enables quick discovery of molecules that recognize specific strains of bacteria, overcoming challenges in developing targeted antibiotics. The approach uses phage display with chemically enhanced peptides, resulting in potent and selective probes against two antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Researchers use droplet-sized miniecosystems to simultaneously test antibody binding affinity and cell function, reducing the drug discovery process. The new method enables scientists to select functional antibodies directly with phage display.
Research reveals that lytic bacteriophages contribute to PD by reducing neurotransmitter-producing bacteria, and may be a diagnostic and treatment target.
A clinical study confirms the safety and tolerability of using bacteriophages to eliminate disease-causing bacteria in the gut, promoting beneficial bacteria growth. The treatment shows no apparent side effects and improves inflammatory markers and gut bacterial diversity.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have successfully targeted and killed E. coli using a cocktail of viruses, preserving the surrounding community of commensal bacteria in a simulated small intestinal microbiome. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment method for food-borne illnesses without the use of antibiotics.
Researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that viral infections can affect nutrient turnover, health, and disease in bacteria commonly found in the environment. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to improve environmental preservation and human health, potentially leading to new ways to ...
Research examines subgingival virome in periodontal health and disease, finding lower virus levels in healthy controls compared to diseased subjects. The dominant viruses were members of the Herpes Simplex family, with gram-negative phages predominating in diseases.
Researchers have found four bacteriophages effective in eliminating Yersinia enterocolitica from food and kitchenware. The study's results suggest phage treatment could become a routine method in food production to prevent foodborne infections.
Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.
Researchers found 457 novel phage sequences in bacterial genomes from the female urinary microbiome, suggesting a common set of phages that reside in the bladder. The study also indicates that phage may contribute to urinary health and offers potential alternative treatment for urinary tract infections.
Researchers are exploring phages as a solution to combat antibiotic resistance. Studies suggest that phages can alter microbial balances and have been proposed for use in faecal microbiota transplantations. Despite challenges, phage therapy may offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
A team of Norwegian researchers has developed a tool to monitor bacterial strains in cheese cultures, enabling prompt detection and countermeasures to maintain quality. The tool uses next-generation sequencing to analyze the epsD gene, which is involved in resisting phage and producing exopolysaccharide.
Scientists have developed an antibacterial coating that embeds viruses to destroy bacteria, with the coated films retaining their effectiveness for up to three months. The coating, made from a combination of pullulan and trehalose, has shown promise in preventing bacterial contamination of food.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a combination of antibacterial phages and magnetic nanoparticle clusters that infect and destroy bacteria protected by biofilms in water treatment systems. The innovative material, which uses bacteriophages combined with nanoparticles, c...
Scientists used bacteriophages to treat a patient with a deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The patient recovered well after the treatment, which could be an alternative to failing antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that inflammation triggers the transfer of phage genes to Salmonella bacteria, increasing their pathogenicity. Vaccination can prevent this process, alleviating the risk of phage release.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.
A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have found that viruses make decisions about their actions in host bacteria, similar to human decision-making. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective phage therapy for treating bacterial diseases.
A team of scientists from Tufts University has developed a virus cocktail that prevents cholera infection in animal models. The treatment, which uses bacteriophages to target the cholera bacteria, was found to be effective in eliminating the bacteria and reducing symptoms in over half of treated animals.
Researchers developed a new analytical procedure using bioconjugates to identify bacterial species in minutes, reducing waiting time and increasing measurement accuracy. The technique uses a flow cytometer and is easy to adapt and inexpensive.
Scientists have identified two bacteriophages, dubbed superspreaders, that promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial communities. These phages, SUSP1 and SUSP2, can efficiently release plasmid DNA intact upon phage lysis, which may drive bacterial evolution in natural environments.
A study published in PNAS details a mathematical model of the timing of phage-induced cell death, revealing high precision and counterintuitive insights into regulatory mechanisms. The research has implications for medicine and broader applications in chemical kinetics, ecological modeling, and statistical physics.
Researchers discovered that phages can invade bacteria by transferring attachment molecules via membrane vesicles, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and expansion of the phage host range. This mechanism enables phages to deliver DNA into new species, promoting attachment to non-host species and potentially transmitting antibiotic r...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, which can help prevent disease outbreaks and improve public safety. The study aims to establish a correlation between crAssphage presence and pathogens in irrigation water.
Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill bacteria, has shown no adverse effects in clinical trials and holds promise for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers plan to use phages against E. coli in the gut or MRSA on the skin, with a goal of establishing a central repository for phages.
Researchers found a phage carrying animal-like DNA related to the black widow spider toxin gene, which also shares DNA with animal genomes. This discovery may provide insights into genetic engineering Wolbachia to fight diseases.
The University of Copenhagen is receiving $1 million to research manipulating intestinal flora for obesity prevention. The project, PhageGut, aims to use lytic phages to shape the composition of the intestinal flora and prevent obesity.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have successfully reduced salmonella bacteria in ground poultry, pork, and beef by up to 90% using bacteriophages. The study's findings offer promising results for improving food safety in the meat industry.
Silva-Valenzuela will work in the laboratory of Andrew Camilli to determine which types of bacteriophages can effectively eliminate the cholera bacteria in water. The team aims to develop a novel approach to prevent cholera outbreaks.
EPFL scientists have described the atomic-level mechanism of bacteriophage infection using state-of-the-art tools. The breakthrough reveals how the baseplate coordinates attachment and contraction of the viral tail, shedding light on a complex process that has major implications for medicine and research.
A new study found that nonpathogenic viruses can be transferred during fecal transplants, but these viruses appear to be harmless to humans. The researchers analyzed fecal transplants from a single donor to three children with chronic ulcerative colitis and found mostly temperate bacteriophages were transmitted.
Researchers have identified 122 new types of RNA bacteriophages in diverse ecological niches, providing an opportunity to define their contributions to ecology and explore them as novel tools. The study suggests that RNA bacteriophages likely play a much larger role in shaping the bacterial makeup of worldwide habitats than previously ...
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals a vast diversity of RNA viruses that infect bacteria, with over 122 new types identified. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological dynamics between bacteriophages and bacteria, and potentially developing new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Scientists are exploring the potential of bacteriophages, which target specific bacteria, to prevent and treat intestinal illnesses like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli in children. The research aims to develop a new approach for treating food poisoning in developing countries.
Researchers at San Diego State University discovered that bacteriophages employ subdiffusive motion to find and kill bacteria in mucosal surfaces. This novel hunting strategy is more effective when bacterial concentrations are high, making it a unique approach among predators on Earth.