Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Researchers at Georgia State University developed novel antimicrobials targeting SecA, a key disease-causing component of bacteria. The study found that these inhibitors can overcome drug resistance and reduce toxin secretion, offering a promising alternative to existing antibiotics for treating MRSA infections.
Researchers have discovered a new strain of Candidatus Neoehrlichia in an Austrian red fox, sparking concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. The bacterium is genetically intermediate between two previously recognized forms and has been linked to flu-like symptoms in humans and pets.
Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and MIT will develop pathogen-specific bacteriophages to disarm Shigella flexneri, a cause of millions of infections worldwide. The project aims to create an innovative therapy to protect beneficial bacteria affected by antibiotic treatment.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute researchers are using a $1.3 million NIH award to model the use of copper in bacteria to gain advantages in the arms race between bacterial infections and antibiotic drugs.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed genetically modified citrus trees that exhibit enhanced resistance to greening, reducing disease severity and even remaining disease-free after 36 months. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a gene isolated from Arabidopsis to create the new trees.
Researchers at U of T discovered genetic mutations in Candida albicans that allow it to defend itself against neighboring bacteria. The fungus has evolved to ignore bacterial signals, potentially becoming a more significant threat to patients with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a pathogen-sensing molecule called Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) that plays a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. AIM2 detects DNA of harmful microorganisms and regulates inflammation in the gut, which could lead to targeted therapies for inflammatory bowel dise...
A new study reveals helpful bacteria living inside the Asian citrus psyllid affect its ability to spread the citrus greening disease pathogen. The infection alters the insect's metabolism and triggers an immune response, potentially increasing the pathogen's transmission.
Researchers discovered that knives and graters can transfer pathogens to produce items, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene. The study found that contamination occurred when utensils were not cleaned between uses, putting consumers at risk of foodborne illnesses.
A recent study published in Microbiome found that controlling the levels of specific gut bacteria, such as Escherichia, may help prevent severe diarrhea. The research, led by Michigan State University, discovered that patients with certain microbial community profiles had more severe disease.
The University of Leicester has been awarded £1.5 million to advance knowledge in three key areas that impact on health. Three groups have won awards led by Professor David Lambert, Professor Marco Rinaldo Oggioni, and Dr Shaun Cowley, investigating sepsis, infection spread, and cancer mechanisms.
A mathematical model reveals that competition between beneficial bacteria helps maintain the stability necessary for a healthy gut. By suppressing overabundant bacteria and keeping different species apart, hosts can intervene to maintain this natural balance.
Research found that composting is most reliable to kill bacteria with resistance genes in cow manure. Composting speeds up decomposition and reduces volume of manure. Manure management practices like composting and stockpiling can make it difficult for resistant bacteria to travel from farm to environment.
Researchers have determined the structure of a key enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could lead to new drugs for the disease. The discovery provides a potential starting point for developing treatments that target this enzyme.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a strain of E. coli bacteria in mice capable of improving tolerance to infections by preventing muscle wasting. The bacteria activate the IGF-1 pathway in fat tissues, maintaining normal levels and preserving muscle mass during pathogenic infections.
A study published in Microbiome found that Actinobacteria, a type of bacteria associated with human skin, made up a larger proportion of the microbial community in the ISS than in Earth cleanrooms. Opportunistic pathogens were also present in the ISS dust samples, but the risk of infection to astronauts remains unknown.
A new phage treatment has shown strong anti-microbial activity against Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that can kill up to 40% of infected infants. The treatment, CR5, killed the bacteria quickly and effectively, without producing toxins or virulence factors.
Researchers found that tamoxifen enhances clearance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogen MRSA and reduces mortality in mice. The study suggests that tamoxifen's immune-boosting effect could aid the immune system in cases where traditional antibiotics have failed.
New Danish research reveals that wastewater treatment plants contain a vast pool of genes providing bacteria with antimicrobial resistance, but these genes are rarely found in hazardous bacteria. The study challenges the common perception that wastewater treatment plants are hotbeds for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes.
Researchers detected an average of 104-105 viable microbial aerosol particles per cubic meter in the air, with Bacillus dominating the bacterial community. The team found striking differences in size distribution patterns across different climate zones, which may serve as a fingerprint for a particular region.
Researchers believe ancient bacteria found in 20 million-year-old fossil may be related to Yersinia pestis, the bubonic plague. The discovery suggests plague may have been around for millions of years before humans existed.
Scientists have discovered a potential ecological route to control plant disease by harnessing the power of soil microbial communities. The study found that increasing competition between resident bacteria and invading pathogens can constrain the spread of bacterial wilt, reducing its devastating impact on global food production.
Researchers have developed a drug that disables C. difficile toxins, preventing intestinal damage and allowing the gut to repopulate with healthy bacteria. The breakthrough could lead to rapid human trials for treating deadly C. difficile infections.
Researchers have engineered viruses to target specific bacteria, offering a new approach to combatting human disease. The customizable viruses could be used to treat various infections, including those caused by E. coli, Yersinia, and Klebsiella bacteria.
A biofilm with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties has been developed to prevent or control post-operative infections on medical devices. The film reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial and fungal infections, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics.
A study published in PeerJ found that people can be identified by their airborne bacterial emissions, which are distinct from those of others. The researchers detected individual signatures within 4 hours using high-throughput sequencing and analyzed settled particles.
A phase 2 clinical study shows finafloxacin was more effective than ciprofloxacin in treating complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis. Finafloxacin demonstrated rapid antimicrobial activity against resistant pathogens, including ESBL-producing bacteria.
Researchers found that co-culturing pathogenic E. coli with nonpathogenic strains in mice increased sickness and severity of symptoms. The study suggests that analyzing gut flora may help predict disease outcome and treatment effectiveness.
A new study estimates that leptospirosis affects over 1 million people each year, resulting in nearly 60,000 deaths, primarily in resource-poor settings. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and has the potential to grow further due to climate change and urbanization.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million new cases of leptospirosis occur each year, resulting in nearly 59,000 deaths. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and is particularly prevalent in urban slums.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and NIHR SRMRC investigated the antibacterial activity of acetic acid against key burn wound colonising organisms. They demonstrated that low concentrations of acetic acid can kill bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers found that individuals with distinct skin microbiomes can effectively clear chancroid-causing bacteria. The study suggests that specific bacteria in the skin microbiome may help the immune system clear pathogens, paving the way for potential probiotic therapies.
Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully used bacteriophage to decontaminate human MRSA bacteria from surfaces and fabrics, showing promise in treating the deadly superbug. The findings offer hope in combating antibiotic-resistant MRSA, which can cause serious disease and death.
Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method for identifying pathogens using spectroscopy and protein hydrogels. This technique allows for rapid detection and identification of specific pathogens, enabling targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. The broader implications of this wo...
Researchers at the University of Bonn successfully eliminated multi-resistant bacteria from a pig stable using radical hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing and quarantine. While MRSA was not eradicated, overall health improvement led to reduced antibiotic use, highlighting potential applications for hospitals
A Umeå University research group has identified two bacterial enzymes that can be used to modify proteins for use in medical drugs. The AnkX-Lem3 system allows for the addition and removal of a phosphocholine moiety, enabling fine-tuned control over protein function.
A study by American Society for Microbiology found that decontamination protocols effectively eliminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria from a pig farm. The protocol involved high-pressure cleaning, disinfection, and treatment with complex solutions.
Researchers found that two common antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut, occupying distinct niches that satisfy their metabolic needs. Fecal transplants from healthy donors effectively cleared one pathogen, but not the other, highlighting potential for targeted therapies to eradicate specific superbugs.
A recent study by American Chemical Society found that wild blueberry extract has antibacterial properties against Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria associated with periodontitis. The extract successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum and its ability to form biofilms, blocking a molecular pathway involved in inflammation.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered a mechanism by which gram-negative bacteria deliver protein toxins to their neighbors, killing them. This finding could lead to the development of targeted antibiotics that leave beneficial bacteria in the gut intact.
Researchers found that a protective mix of root bacteria can prevent sudden wilt disease in wild tobacco plants. The right combination of soil microbiota is crucial for plant survival, and crop rotation plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
Researchers found that humans carried more antibiotic-resistant staphylococci than farm animals they worked with. The study suggests a low health risk to close contact workers and milk consumers through exposure to resistant bacteria originating from milk.
Scientists have discovered that an infection caused by the Burkholderia bacteria transforms non-farming social amoebae into farmers. These farmer amoebae gather bacteria, carry them to new sites and seed the soil with them, showcasing a complex symbiotic relationship between all three partners.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University investigate the role of hydrolytic enzymes and metalloproteinases in making enterobacteria resistant to antibiotics. They find that these pathogens can cause severe diseases like meningitis, septicemia, and endocarditis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Researchers have discovered a chestnut leaf extract that blocks Staphlococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. The extract, rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, shuts down the ability of the bacteria to create toxins by taking away its weapons.
Researchers from the University of Basel's Biozentrum have discovered a mechanism by which FIC proteins send bacteria into a state of dormancy, protecting them from antibiotics. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of pathogens and their tools, offering new avenues for understanding bacterial evolution.
Researchers at TSRI found that Staphylococcus aureus develops resistance to arylomycin by switching on a previously uncharacterized set of genes, bypassing the essential protein Type I signal peptidase. This discovery highlights the built-in redundancies that help bacteria survive in many environments.
The Wyss Institute has developed an improved blood-cleansing device that can treat sepsis by removing pathogens and toxins from the bloodstream. The new device uses a genetically engineered pathogen-capturing protein to bind all types of live and dead infectious microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins.
Researchers have identified a protein called sigma54 that controls bacterial defenses, including the production of resistant outer coats and defensive structures. Understanding how sigma54 works could lead to the development of new compounds that can kill bacteria, providing a potential solution to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-implement method to eliminate or reduce cross-contamination in commercial processing facilities that prepare leafy greens for the market. The new approach uses a photocatalyst to kill bacteria, particularly E. coli, which is responsible for many outbreaks.
Researchers have discovered how an emerging class of antibiotics targets bacterial membranes, showing promise in combating superbugs. The study reveals that these antimicrobial lipopeptides form micelles that stick to the bacterial membrane, selectively killing cells while sparing mammalian host cells.
Researchers identified the molecular mechanism behind H. pylori's adhesion protein using powerful x-rays, revealing a specific 'groove' that enables attachment to stomach sugars. This discovery could lead to the development of novel strategies to clear H. pylori from the stomach.
Researchers at U-M have identified a key link between stress signals and bacterial growth in the lungs, which may lead to better prevention and treatment of pneumonia. The study found that certain bacteria thrive in response to catecholamines, a type of distress signal produced by the body's immune cells.
When fruit flies get sick, their offspring become more diverse due to increased genetic variability. This adaptation may help the offspring survive future threats from the same pathogens. The findings demonstrate that parents can alter the genotypes of their offspring, a strategy that could be beneficial for survival.
Researchers analyzed 80 studies to identify best cleaning practices, but found a lack of evidence on most effective methods. Studies showed mixed results, with some agents and methods reducing hospital-acquired infections like C. difficile.
Researchers have discovered that cathelicidins, antimicrobial peptides produced by gut bacteria, play a crucial role in preventing the development of type 1 diabetes. By re-establishing a normal level of cathelicidin in diabetic mice, scientists were able to suppress autoimmune disease.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have discovered a natural cocktail of four bacteriophages that can prevent and treat Pierce's disease in wine grapes. The phage treatment offers an alternative to pesticides for disease control, with promising results in both greenhouse experiments and field testing.
Researchers developed an animal model that replicates the imbalance of gut bacteria associated with malnutrition, a disease responsible for one-fifth of child deaths worldwide. The model will enable testing of treatments and understanding how malnutrition impacts cognitive development and growth.