Articles tagged with Meningitis
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Researchers have determined the entire DNA sequence of pneumococci isolated from patient blood, relating genetic variation to over twenty disease manifestations. The study identified specific bacterial genes linked to infection severity and mortality, providing new diagnostic tools.
A new study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal reveals substantial delays in diagnosing viral meningitis, leading to unnecessary treatments and longer hospital stays. Patients with viral meningitis often experience prolonged recovery periods, including memory and mental health problems.
A new study found that viruses are the most common cause of meningitis in adults and diagnosis is often delayed due to unnecessary brain scans. This can lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics and prolonged hospital stays. Prompt investigation with a lumbar puncture can help identify the specific virus or bacteria causing the illness.
A trial from Niger found that village-wide prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduced the spread of meningitis. The study showed a 60% lower number of new meningitis cases in villages with antibiotic distribution compared to those without, highlighting the effectiveness of mass prophylaxis as an epidemic response.
Researchers discovered a two-step invasion process mediated by the immune system, which paradoxically promotes infection and meningitis in Cryptococcus neoformans. Monocytes act as transport vehicles for the fungus to cross into the brain, causing tumor-like lesions and meningitis.
Since 2000, conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae have prevented a significant decline in child mortality from these bacterial infections, with estimated reductions of 90% and 51%, respectively. The introduction of these vaccines has been instrumental in reducing the global burden o...
A new study reveals that diarrheal diseases are becoming a major public health concern in the US, with rates increasing substantially between 1980 and 2014. Diarrheal disease deaths were ranked as the second-leading cause of all infectious disease mortality, behind lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The ACTA trial found that a 1-week induction treatment of amphotericin B and flucytosine significantly reduced mortality in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis. This new therapeutic regimen could save over 80,000 lives per year.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that opioid users have a 1.62 times higher risk of invasive pneumococcal diseases, which can cause meningitis and other severe infections. The study suggests that high-dose opioids, particularly those with long-acting properties, carry the greatest infection risk.
Large populations of deadly Cryptococcus fungi have been found in two public areas in Cape Town and the Northern Cape, threatening HIV/AIDS patients. The research aims to understand the ecology of these pathogens to curb their spread.
An international team of researchers has identified two receptors on blood vessel cells in the brain that can be blocked to prevent pneumococci from entering. Blocking these receptors with antibodies may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for pneumococcal meningitis.
A recent cluster of sexually transmitted infections in the US has revealed that meningitis bacteria are adapting to a urogenital environment, gaining enzymes to grow in low-oxygen conditions. The capsule-less organism is less likely to cause invasive diseases, but may still be susceptible to existing vaccines.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has published guidelines for diagnosing and treating complex neurological infections, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach. The guidelines provide parameters for identifying and managing ventriculitis and meningitis, as well as prevention strategies.
A campus-based vaccination campaign successfully immunised nearly three-quarters of university students against meningitis. The approach is now being highlighted as best practice by Public Health England. Researchers recommend offering the MenACWY vaccine to first-year university students to prevent cases of meningitis.
Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have established a new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis. The model mimics the progression of the disease from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, providing a new tool for investigating this potentially life-threatening illness.
A team of researchers has uncovered the detailed structure of a Type IV pilus, revealing how it binds to and disrupts endothelial cell junctions to breach the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating meningococcal infection and potentially even therapies that deliberately open the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at UAB found that the biomarker detected 14 of 15 bacterial infections in cerebrospinal fluid, outperforming the current diagnostic gold standard. The test showed excellent diagnostic capability with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 86%. This breakthrough could improve patient care and reduce healthcare expenses by d...
Scientists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that glucose transporters are inhibited by E. coli K1 during meningitis, leaving insufficient fuel for immune cells to fight off infection. The study suggests modulation of PPAR-γ and GLUT-1 levels may boost the immune system to fight infection.
A new study by the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health found that exposure to airborne dust and high temperatures significantly increase the risk of bacterial meningitis. Climate surveillance alongside simple control measures could predict and minimize future outbreaks in Africa's meningitis belt.
Global experts celebrate a major public health achievement with the introduction of MenAfriVac®, a vaccine designed for Africa that has nearly eliminated serogroup A meningococcal disease. Over 235 million children and young adults have been immunized, reducing cases from 250,000 in 1996 to just 80 in 2015.
A vaccine developed for African meningitis A has led to the control and near elimination of deadly disease in 26 countries. However, scientists warn that unless countries maintain high levels of protection through routine immunization schedules, the disease could rebound in 15 years.
Researchers found strong associations between bacterial lineages and age groups, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve vaccine effectiveness. Genome analysis revealed 20 families of Neisseria meningitidis, with three dominant lineages causing 59% of cases over a 20-year period.
A portable ultrasound device has been developed to diagnose bacterial meningitis in babies, replacing painful and time-consuming lumbar punctures. The device uses high-resolution imaging and algorithms to detect cellularity in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating infection within seconds.
A new study reveals Group B Streptococcus induces a protein that disrupts junctions between brain cells, increasing permeability and allowing the bacteria to breach the blood-brain barrier. Inhibition of this protein increases survival in zebrafish infected with GBS.
Researchers in Tanzania and Zambia found that a low-cost intervention combining community support and screening for cryptococcal meningitis reduced HIV-related deaths by 28%. The trial suggests that this approach could close the gap in HIV deaths between Africa and wealthier regions.
Two new vaccines have been shown to prevent the transmission of meningitis bacteria from person to person, reducing carriage rates by up to 39% and 20-30%. This discovery could provide a degree of herd protection against meningitis if implemented in a campaign.
University of York scientists have discovered a novel metabolic pathway in Neisseria meningitidis that explains why this age group is particularly at risk of infection. The bacteria can supplement its growth via metabolism of propionic acid, generated by anaerobic bacteria becoming more prevalent in adolescents.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed an artificial version of a naturally occurring protein, properdin, which successfully combats bacterial pneumonia and meningitis in mice. The treatment offers significant protection against life-threatening infections.
A study by World Health Organization found that keeping vaccines at ambient temperatures during campaigns could cut storage and transportation costs in half. The approach significantly reduces the workloads of health workers and extends vaccines to remote areas without access to electricity.
The article discusses the use of unlicensed vaccine Bexsero to combat meningitis outbreaks in the US, as well as new guidelines for BRCA mutation screening in high-risk women. The American College of Physicians also explains how Medicaid expansion will benefit poor citizens and their physicians by increasing access to healthcare.
A study published in JAMA found that induced hypothermia does not improve outcomes for patients with severe bacterial meningitis. In fact, it may even be harmful. The trial stopped early due to concerns over excess mortality in the hypothermia group.
A new DNA test, Xpert MTB/RIF, has shown high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in HIV-infected individuals. The test was compared to smear microscopy and demonstrated improved performance, especially after centrifuging the sample. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that hypothermia treatment did not improve outcomes for adults with severe bacterial meningitis. In fact, the study suggests that moderate hypothermia may be harmful. The trial stopped early due to concerns over excess mortality in the hypothermia group.
A clinical trial found that a booster dose of the new meningitis B vaccine at 40 months of age can overcome waning immunity induced by infant vaccination, showing high antibody levels in 89%–100% of children against most strains.
The PsA-TT vaccine has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and eliminate serogroup A meningococcal meningitis in vaccinated regions. Carriage of the disease-causing bacteria was also significantly reduced.
A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and carriage prevalence of the epidemic strain by 98%, according to a recent study. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in vaccinated regions, with no cases of serogroup A meningitis identified.
Researchers identified fungal meningitis cases with ischemic stroke after contaminated methylprednisolone injections. The condition presents with varying incubation periods, requiring better recognition of clinical characteristics for efficient care.
A study found that MRI screening at the injection site can detect fungal spinal and paraspinal infections earlier, allowing for timely medical and surgical treatment. The researchers recommend obtaining contrast-enhanced MRI of the injection site in patients with persistent back pain.
A study of nearly 3,000 Danish adults found that childhood bacterial meningitis was associated with lower educational achievement and economic self-sufficiency in adulthood. The study also found that siblings of meningitis patients had similar lower educational achievements.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a potential new target for meningitis B vaccination, offering hope for universal protection. The discovery focuses on the Adhesin Complex Protein (ACP), which stimulates the production of antibodies that kill bacteria, providing protection against multiple MenB strains.
A pair of commentaries highlight a public health debate surrounding CDC treatment guidelines for exposed individuals during the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak. The American Society for Microbiology has published two commentaries questioning and defending the CDC's recommendations.
The MenAfriVac meningitis A vaccine has been approved for use outside the cold chain for up to four days, enabling expanded access to vaccination programs. The vaccine's heat stability has been validated through a rigorous review and pilot use in Benin, with promising results showing reduced disease burden and herd immunity.
A hospital in Roanoke, VA established a treatment protocol for dozens of patients with suspected fungal meningitis, using IV voriconazole and amphotericin-B. The clinical course and long-term neurological consequences are still being studied.
Physicians are facing the challenge of providing early treatment for fungal meningitis as cases continue to rise. The University of Michigan Health System physician authors recommend a high dose of voriconazole, but note the risk of visual disturbances, confusion, and liver test abnormalities. To avoid these effects, reducing the drug'...
The 2002 Exophiala dermatitidis meningitis outbreak highlights the dangers of contaminated injectable corticosteroids. Without proper sterility, fungus can grow aggressively and cause invasive mycosis with a potentially long incubation period.
A recent fungal meningitis outbreak has highlighted the aggressive nature of this condition, particularly after joint or bone injections. The researchers report on a clinical observation involving a patient who died due to severe brain and spinal cord damage.
Researchers found a short (7-day) course of amphotericin along with high-dose fluconazole for at least 2 weeks is the most cost-effective and least toxic treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. This regimen is significantly cheaper and less toxic than the current WHO-recommended treatment, which results in more deaths.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that the antidepressant sertraline hydrochloride (ZOLOFT) exhibits potent mechanisms against Cryptococcus neoformans, the major causative agent of fungal meningitis. The study suggests that ZOLOFT could be repurposed as a treatment option for this deadly infection.
A new study finds that nearly half of infants who survive GBS meningitis experience developmental delays, with 56% having age-appropriate development and 19% having severe impairment. Long-term follow-up evaluations are crucial to identify subtle developmental delays and address them early.
Researchers identified glycerophosphate oxidase as a critical protein for bacterial progression to the brain. A vaccine against this protein protected mice from invasive pneumococcal disease, offering a new approach to immunizing against S. pneumoniae.
A study on mice shows that reducing IRS2 signaling can slow the progression of Huntington disease. Meanwhile, research also finds that circulating glucose levels can modulate neural control of desire for high-calorie foods in humans. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets and new insights into the biology of obesity.
New opportunities exist to overcome remaining vaccine challenges and save 6.4 million lives over the next decade, Health Affairs reports. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $10 billion to make life-saving vaccines available to millions of children.
The introduction of a new vaccine, MenAfriVac, has led to a dramatic fall in cases of meningitis A in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The vaccine, which costs less than $0.50 per dose, is highly effective and protects children as young as one.
A new rapid blood test could lead to early diagnosis and save lives from fungal meningitis, a leading cause of AIDS-related deaths. The test uses a drop of blood or urine sample to identify the presence of cryptococcal antigen.
Researchers at Inserm discovered that Neisseria meningitidis uses a strategy called 'scouting' to disperse from the throat into the bloodstream. This process involves the modification of pilin proteins with phosphoglycerol, which triggers dissemination and allows bacteria to colonize other areas of the throat and cross cell walls.
Researchers found that patients who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting HIV therapy had specific biomarker patterns in their blood. The study suggests that prediction of IRIS or death may be possible with measurement of pre-antiretroviral therapy serum biomarkers.
Early evaluation and intervention are critical for vaccinated children with hearing loss due to pneumococcal meningitis. Successful treatment involves simultaneous cochlear implantation in both ears, often within 36.8 days of diagnosis, to preserve potential for binaural hearing.
A recent study published in Neurology found that intravenous treatment with dexamethasone can significantly reduce the mortality rate of patients with bacterial meningitis. The study revealed a 10% lower death rate among those treated with dexamethasone, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic option.
A large-scale genetic study identified key genetic markers linked to developing meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The research suggests innate differences in natural defences leave individuals vulnerable to the bacteria.
Three unusual cases of patients with listerial meningitis were presented, highlighting that Listeriosis in developing countries does not follow the usual pattern. The cases did not match the typical profile of newborns or elderly individuals, suggesting a different risk factor profile in these regions.