Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Researchers found that bacteria, such as E. coli, use CRISPR-Cas immunity to transfer and incorporate DNA, accelerating genetic reshuffling under starvation stress. This process may help bacterial populations adapt to changing conditions, resembling a primitive form of sexual reproduction.
Researchers identified a mechanism to kill the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, which causes severe respiratory infections with high mortality rates. The study found that a genetic modification allowed the echinocandin drug to kill the fungus, paving the way for more targeted attacks.
Scientists at Monash University have discovered a new gene that gives Clostridioides difficile bacteria the ability to survive even hospital-grade disinfectants. The research highlights the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which is estimated to contribute to millions of deaths worldwide.
The guideline establishes a framework for personalized phage therapy, including standardized procedures for selecting and testing phages, infrastructure development, and quality control. Clinical research indicates a favorable safety profile, but efficacy has yet to be fully demonstrated.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...
A long-term study on Lyme disease ecology has revealed surprising findings on the role of deer and mouse populations in shaping tick-borne disease risk. Researchers found that mouse abundance was strongly linked to nymphal tick density, while deer abundance was not statistically associated with Lyme disease risk.
Arkansas researchers used a machine-learning approach to study the organization of neighboring genes in bacteria. The novel method distinguished disease-causing strains of Enterococcus cecorum from nonpathogenic ones by analyzing how neighboring genes are organized within the bacterial genome. This new approach may provide valuable clu...
A multidisciplinary study has identified a novel biofilm regulatory protein called Biofilm Architecture Regulator (BatR) and its role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The discovery may lead to new targets for anti-infective treatments, including those for people with cystic fibrosis.
A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine discovered that environmental bacteria can acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance genes to disease-causing bacteria in human lungs. This mechanism, previously unknown, could lead to rapid development of extreme antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the potential f...
A clinical case study demonstrates that heterovirulence, a simultaneous presence of subpopulations with different levels of virulence, can lead to the emergence of increasingly virulent subpopulations. This process can occur in seemingly harmless reservoirs, such as urinary tract infections, and contribute to the spread of infection wi...
Researchers explored how AI and metabolic modeling can inform effective biocontrol strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in built environments. Microbial biocontrol using 'good' microbes has shown promise, but inconsistent outcomes are due to various factors, including genetic differences and environmental stressors.
A case study in eastern Ontario highlights the importance of considering tick-borne diseases as part of the infectious workup. Anaplasmosis, a growing public health concern in Canada, can cause symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, and gastrointestinal distress.
Researchers propose a voluntary labelling scheme using 'STABILISED' to indicate products with minimal risk of Listeria infection. The scheme aims to help consumers choose safe products and reduce the number of people falling ill with Listeria infections.
Researchers uncovered the genetic history of Acinetobacter baumannii, tracing its evolution over decades to identify key resistance traits and global spread. The study provides valuable insights for guiding policies on antibiotic use and combating this serious healthcare threat.
A new study reveals that ancient bacterial genomes from teeth of human remains found at four hunter-gatherer cemeteries in East Siberia reconstructed the earliest forms of plague. The findings suggest that these early strains were highly lethal and carried a unique superantigen, increasing the severity of infection.
A study analyzing nearly 2,000 human infections with Shiga-producing E. coli found increasing resistance to antibiotics, particularly for tetracycline and sulfisoxazole. The researchers propose a 'One Health' approach to address the issue, focusing on antibiotic stewardship in agriculture, food safety, and environmental controls.
Dr. Renee Fleeman's research found a bioengineered peptide weakens the defenses of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria and destroys it, potentially treating patients with severe infections. The findings show the peptide can kill biofilm-embedded bacteria in animal models.
Researchers have discovered how wall teichoic acids control bacterial growth, providing insights into the nature of Earth's earliest life forms. The study reveals that eliminating these acids rapidly arrests cell wall synthesis and activates enzymes that promote rod-shaped growth.
The CCRE survey provides the most comprehensive genomic picture to date of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales across European hospitals. The results reveal heterogeneous yet increasingly concerning epidemiological patterns, suggesting a high risk that carbapenem-resistant E. coli could become endemic in Europe.
A University of Florida study reveals that bacterial blotch in white button mushrooms is caused by a complex of multiple bacteria, not a single pathogen. The discovery could support better diagnostics and more effective, sustainable treatments, helping strengthen mushroom production nationwide.
Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre discovered a three-gene control hub that enables bacteria to share genes linked to antibiotic resistance. The study found that this mechanism is controlled by a bacterial immune system, which has been repurposed to release gene transfer agents.
Researchers discovered highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife samples, including foxes and birds, indicating potential early warning system for AMR spread. The study highlights the need for environmental interventions to prevent resistance from reaching clinical settings.
A new study by University of Maryland researcher Meredith Gore and colleagues found that traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans than species not involved in trade. The risk is higher for animals traded illegally or sold live, which fuels the demand for exotic pets.
Researchers developed an AI tool called PathogenFinder2 that can detect harmful bacteria before they infect humans. The tool uses protein language models and has been shown to significantly improve the detection of bacterial threats.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
Scientists have added millions of protein complex structures to the AlphaFold Database, shedding light on how proteins interact. The dataset prioritizes human health and disease research, enabling researchers to test, refine, and build upon it.
A recent study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a concerning trend of ticks carrying multiple pathogens in the US Northeast. More than 1 in 10 nymphal ticks tested positive for at least two disease-causing pathogens, with co-infection rates approaching 11% for Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increase in co-infection...
Researchers discovered a mechanism that enables bacterial pathogens to assemble antibiotic-resistant 3D biofilms, which protect them from antibiotics and the immune system. The team found that adhesive pili form flat sheets linking bacteria together and shield them from hostile environments.
Researchers found that silencing bacteria can worsen heart infections by promoting aggressive biofilm growth and reducing antibiotic effectiveness. The study highlights the need for targeted therapeutic strategies against infectious endocarditis.
Researchers will use state-of-the-art imaging techniques and genome editing to study the mechanisms of Xanthomonas oryzae bacterial blight in rice. The goal is to gain a fundamental understanding of the infection process, which may lead to developing resistant rice varieties.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a deep learning-based model for rapid bacterial contamination detection, eliminating misclassifications of food debris. The enhanced model can reliably detect bacteria in three hours and has the potential to prevent outbreaks and protect consumer health.
Researchers have designed antibodies that recognize a unique sugar found on bacterial cells, providing a potential new treatment for multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. The target of the antibody is pseudaminic acid, a sugar molecule produced exclusively by bacteria and used to evade immune responses.
Scientists have recovered a genome of Treponema pallidum from 5,500-year-old human remains in Colombia, pushing back the genetic record of this pathogenic species by over 3,000 years. The discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary history of treponemal pathogens and their occurrence in human populations.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a light-sensitive signaling cascade in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that suppresses biofilm formation and virulence. The study, published in Nature Communications, identifies a small protein called DimA as the key trigger for this process.
The study provides direct evidence of large-scale human mortality during the Plague of Justinian and offers insight into how people moved, lived, and became vulnerable within ancient cities. The mass grave at Jerash, Jordan, helps resolve a long-standing puzzle about ancient community dynamics.
Researchers discovered that GBS interacts with C. albicans, increasing the risk of severe and fatal infections in newborns and making standard treatments less effective. The co-infection can also reduce the effectiveness of existing GBS treatments.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
A SickKids-led study reveals how bile acids can bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin, leading to the development of a new compound that neutralizes the toxin directly in the gut. This approach preserves gut health and targets the toxin with precision, offering hope for safer treatments.
The new guideline recommends full-time infection prevention staff, comprehensive training, and support for all staff, as well as partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies. This guidance aims to reduce the risk of infections in nursing homes, saving lives and money.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy using biomaterial scaffold vaccines to protect against Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopedic device implants. The vaccines, made with immune cell-attaching molecules and S. aureus-specific antigens, create a beneficial immune response that significantly lowers bacterial burden.
Researchers have discovered a promising new antibiotic, pre-methylenomycin C lactone, which is over 100 times more active than the current antibiotic methylenomycin A. This finding provides hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which affects millions of people worldwide.
Researchers extracted DNA from Napoleon soldiers' teeth and identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis as causes of enteric fever and relapsing fever. The discovery sheds new light on the factors contributing to the army's downfall.
The Global Pathogen Analysis Platform (GPAP) will enable low- and middle-income countries to conduct research and surveillance of infectious diseases independently. The platform aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics by detecting genetic sequences of potential pathogens.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University have identified key proteins produced by Helicobacter pylori that can trigger a strong immune response. By analyzing these proteins using immunoinformatics, the team has pinpointed potential vaccine targets to prevent stomach ulcers and cancer.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht discovered that converting monoclonal antibodies from IgG to IgM isotype can significantly broaden their ability to recognize and bind multiple human-relevant bacterial pathogens. This finding could guide the future design of antibody therapies against bacterial infections.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that T. phoenicis can enter dormancy to evade detection, highlighting the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes and raising concerns about planetary protection. The findings may lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies in various industries.
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
Researchers at DTU have discovered a way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by nourishing special bifidobacteria that is naturally occurring in the gut. Special lactic acids produced by bifidobacteria play a key role in keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.
The IMPACT-CETR aims to develop preventive strategies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The project seeks to harness immunity in these bacteria to prevent infections and reduce the emergence of resistance.
A rat discovered on a flight from Miami to Berlin revealed hidden global health risks, including the presence of a methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain nearly identical to human variants. The study highlights the importance of standardized pathogen screening for animal stowaways and rats as indicators of ecosystem health.
Marcos de Moraes will study the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary roles of bacterial deaminase toxins, which can alter genetic material. He aims to develop tools for genome engineering and biotechnology while creating a lab environment accessible to students with disabilities.
Diphtheria is still being reported in Europe, with cases higher than before 2020, affecting vulnerable populations like homeless individuals, migrants, and those who use or inject drugs. ECDC recommends tailored public health response measures to protect these groups.
Researchers identified two natural products, pandorabactin A and B, produced by Pandoraea bacteria to complex iron. These molecules may play a role in the survival of these pathogens in iron-poor environments.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute and University of Georgia discover how Cryptococcus neoformans thrives, identifying over 300 potential targets for novel antifungal drugs. The study provides an atlas for developing new therapies to combat this lethal fungus.
Researchers have discovered that a bacterial probiotic helps slow the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) in already infected wild corals in Florida. Applying the probiotic treatment across entire coral colonies helped prevent tissue loss, providing a more lasting protection than traditional antibiotics.
A recent study reveals the diphtheria epidemic in Western Europe is primarily caused by contamination during migratory travel or in destination countries, not in the countries of origin. The researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining high levels of vigilance and public health support among vulnerable populations.
Scientists have discovered that leprosy, caused by bacteria Mycobacterium lepromatosis, has been infecting humans in the Americas for at least 1,000 years. The study analyzed DNA from ancient human remains and recent clinical cases, confirming that the disease was already widespread in North and South America before European colonization.