Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
The gut microbiota's complex relationships with different microorganisms contribute to both health and disease, according to recent advances in DNA sequencing technology. Non-bacterial microbes like viruses and meiofauna also play a crucial role in shaping the gut ecosystem.
A new study found that more than 80% of raw chicken used in hospitals was contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant risk to patients and staff. However, robust food safety measures taken by hospital kitchen staff were able to prevent the spread of these pathogens.
Research reveals that seminal plasma enhances bacterial movement, promoting infection; increased bacterial density on human epithelial cells also facilitate infection. More than 100 million new gonorrhea cases annually worldwide.
A team of French investigators discovered viruses containing antibiotic resistance genes in a fossilized fecal sample from 14th century Belgium. The findings suggest that the viral community plays a fundamental role in maintaining human health, unchanged over centuries.
Researchers found that byproducts of two bacteria causing gum disease promote the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma-related lesions and tumors in the mouth. High levels of these bacteria are associated with periodontal disease, while healthy gums show lower levels.
Tc toxin complexes, used by bacteria like Yersinia pestis and Photorhabdus luminescens, have been imaged with atomic detail. The complexes use an elastic band-like protein chain to penetrate cell membranes, depositing toxic enzymes. This mechanism has potential applications in medicine, including selectively targeting cancer cells.
A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that flowers are ideal venues for the transmission of microbes among plants and animals. The authors identified eight major groups of animal pathogens potentially transmitted at flowers, including fungi, bacteria, and RNA viruses.
A new hypothesis suggests that leprosy has existed for millions of years, with roots dating back to around 10 million years ago. The disease is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor of two known leprosy bacteria, which underwent reductive evolution resulting in a lean genome and loss of free-living ability.
Researchers find new type of P. acnes bacterium adapting to grapevines, with evidence suggesting human origin and loss of DNA repair function. The emergence of P. Zappae around 7,000 years ago is linked to human intensive practices in grape domestication.
Researchers discovered that slimmer, more traditionally attractive men tend to have fewer potentially pathogenic species of bacteria in their noses compared to heavier men. This link between body mass index (BMI) and bacterial colonization has significant implications for reproductive health.
Researchers found that sweet taste receptors on solitary chemosensory cells control the release of AMPs, which kill bacteria and viruses. This discovery may lead to new treatments for chronic sinusitis and other respiratory infections.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have characterized two novel proteins from the tularemia bacteria Francisella tularensis that may contribute to its virulence. These proteins, REP24 and REP34, are responsible for induction of rapid encystment in amoebae, which allows the bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Tannerella BU063, a bacterium found in healthy human mouths. The study reveals potential targets for treating gum disease periodontitis and sheds light on the genetic differences between this bacterium and its disease-causing relative.
Researchers at TUM have developed two new mechanisms of action that can permanently deactivate ClpP proteases, essential for bacterial survival. The newly discovered inhibitors target the protein's structure and function, potentially leading to more effective treatment options.
Researchers found that Wolbachia reduced malaria parasite infection and oocyst intensity at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its effect varied across different temperatures, with increased oocyst intensity at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers discovered how gut bacteria produce an enzyme that modifies signaling in cells lining the gut and breaks down phytate, a crucial nutrient. The enzyme is packaged in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) which allow for cross-kingdom communication with human cells, influencing calcium signaling and potentially improving health.
Researchers used live ticks to detect Lyme disease bacteria in people with persistent symptoms after antibiotic treatment, but found only two positive results. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism controlling the production of a large spike-like protein on staph bacteria that prevents clumping and reduces disease-causing ability. The study suggests targeting clumping behavior for therapy, potentially reducing staph infections.
A new study reveals a previously undefined immune pathway in humans that provides vital information for designing vaccines and medicines to combat bacterial infections. The research found that T-cells can respond defensively to bacterial attacks without specific antigens, leading to a maximal response and improved survival.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that interleukin-22 enhances the growth of dangerous bacteria like Salmonella while curbing the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This unexpected finding suggests that a protective immune response can actually aid the growth of harmful pathogens.
A new study examines Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and finds that bacterial fibers, such as common pilus, play a crucial role in its ability to cause infection and form biofilms. The research also highlights the importance of understanding the virulence traits shared between APEC and human ExPEC strains.
The study reveals that the internal bacterial diversity of the red postman butterfly is halved during pupal stage and doubles after emergence as an adult. This discovery highlights the importance of the microbiome in insect health and behavior, with potential implications for pest control and understanding the evolution of unique traits.
Scientists have developed a faster and more specific method to detect bacteria-tainted food, using nanomechanical cantilevers that can identify eight different types of Salmonella. The technique has the potential to prevent food poisoning and save thousands of lives annually.
A team of biologists and architects found that building design influences microbial communities, with variations depending on architectural choices. The study analyzed DNA from over 30,000 types of bacteria, revealing distinct communities in different rooms, such as bathrooms and offices.
Researchers at VIB have identified a chemical substance that can disarm pathogenic bacteria, allowing them to treat urinary tract infections without destroying beneficial bacteria. This approach could provide a lower risk of resistance development and spread.
Researchers uncover that two devastating plagues were caused by distinct strains of the same pathogen, which may lead to a better understanding of modern infectious disease dynamics. The study also raises questions about why a highly deadly pathogen died out and could potentially inform responses to future pandemics.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel biosensor that can detect multiple strains of salmonella pathogens in food quickly and easily. The sensor uses microcantilevers decorated with peptides to identify the presence of specific bacteria, delivering results within minutes and outperforming existing standard tests.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered how Salmonella bacteria outsmart the host's immune cells, allowing them to survive and spread infection. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for typhoid fever, a life-threatening disease affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers discovered how Group A streptococcus turns deadly and found a potential new treatment using asparaginase, a protein that digests asparagine. This study opens the way to possible new treatments for bacterial infections.
Researchers found that ants inhibit pathogen growth on leaves by inhibiting symbiotic bacteria colonization. Mutualistic ant species reduced leaf damage from herbivores and microbial pathogens compared to parasitic ant species.
Researchers found that inhibiting STAT1 chain formation can block detrimental type-II interferon responses while preserving anti-viral protection, providing a new target for improving current treatments.
A new study found that the human body louse can transmit bacterial infections to humans, while the human head louse does not. The researchers discovered that several immune genes were regulated differently in head and body lice after infection with the bacteria, and the infection progressed further in body lice over time.
Researchers have identified a group of bacteria from the genus Burkholderia that can be used to fertilize crops without harming humans. These beneficial strains fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which helps plants thrive. The discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture in less productive areas.
Researchers at McMaster University have mapped the entire genome of a nearly 200-year-old sample of preserved intestine, tracing the bacterium behind a global cholera pandemic. The findings reveal that the classical strain was likely responsible for five devastating outbreaks in the 1800s and may have been more virulent.
A study published in Infection and Immunity found that Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria persist on surfaces for far longer than previously thought, posing a risk of infection to individuals in settings like schools and healthcare facilities.
The agriculture and aquaculture industries' overuse of antibiotics is creating a global health crisis by promoting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A new proposal suggests implementing user fees to reduce non-human use of antibiotics, encouraging more efficient farming practices.
Researchers found that HrpA is essential for Lyme disease transmission and tick survival, enabling the bacterium to regulate its RNA and survive in mammalian hosts. The discovery provides significant insights into the complex life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi and potential targets for future treatments.
TB-causing bacteria mask their molecular patterns using cell surface lipids, evading immune detection. The presence of lipid molecule PGL promotes the recruitment of permissive macrophages that allow TB to establish an infection in deeper lung tissue.
Scientists at the University of Houston are studying E. coli evolution to understand how bacteria adapt to changing conditions. By analyzing genetic changes over 7,000 generations, they aim to predict which bacterial strains will become resistant to antibiotics, ultimately leading to better vaccines and treatments.
Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring how E. coli proteins block the host's innate immune system, which is critical for infection prevention. Understanding this mechanism may lead to new therapeutics for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers followed the evolution of E. coli bacteria in the presence of macrophages, observing the rapid emergence of pathogenic traits. The study reveals that the movement of small DNA fragments drives bacterial adaptation to evade immune defenses.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that benign E. coli bacteria can evolve to become pathogenic within 500 generations or 30 days when confronted with macrophages. The bacteria adapted by developing resistance to being killed by immune cells and acquiring traits similar to those of deadly pathogens.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella protein tyrosine phosphatase (SptP) shuts down mast cell ability to release chemical signals without impacting other cellular functions. This leads to the failure of immune cells being recruited to the infection site, allowing Salmonella to multiply and spread unchecked.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella Typhimurium obtains energy for its attack by stealing hydrogen from the microbiota. This 'theft-based hydrogen economy' allows the pathogen to find an energy source in any new animal host.
Researchers have identified phosphatases in human cells that are involved in bacterial survival and found small molecules that can stop them from working. This approach jams the host cell machinery rather than directly attacking the bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development.
A team of researchers at Indiana University has successfully detected peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall of Chlamydiae, a common target for antibiotics. The discovery could lead to new strategies for developing drugs against this leading cause of STD and other diseases.
Scientists from the University of Ottawa and University of Calgary have shown that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa has genetically evolved to survive in CF-infected lungs and evade antibiotic treatments. The study provides new insights into the evolution of the pathogen, which is a major driver of cystic fibrosis mortality.
The study reveals how lymphotoxins control the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the gut, maintaining immunological balance. Lacking lymphotoxins can lead to reduced or halted IgA production and changes in intestinal flora.
Scientists will analyze river samples using DNA sequencing to identify and count microbes, tracking changes over seven years. The study aims to improve understanding of microbial health and sources in Chicago-area waterways.
A new technique uses whole genome sequencing to identify pathogens in patient samples in just 18 hours, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. This approach also enables the detection of emerging infections and prevention of hospital-acquired diseases.
Researchers create handheld, battery-operated device that can rapidly identify harmful bacteria like E. coli O157:H7, which causes 2,000 hospitalizations and 60 deaths in the US each year. The device uses dielectrophoresis to sort microbes based on their unique electrical properties.
UC Irvine and Northwestern researchers develop inhibitor compounds that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase, enhancing the ability of antibiotics to treat bacterial diseases. The compounds demonstrate potential in combating diseases such as MRSA and anthrax by suppressing pathogenic bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
A new study by UCSB's Jamey Marth reveals a protective mechanism against lethal blood coagulation and thrombosis in sepsis. By pre-activating the Ashwell-Morell receptor, survival rates can be increased twofold.
The study shows that cyclophosphamide's effectiveness is enhanced by the immune response triggered by certain beneficial gut bacteria. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating the anticancer immune effects of chemotherapy.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has shed light on why some ear and respiratory infections become chronic. Researchers discovered that the bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae uses its host's immune response to its advantage, allowing it to evade detection and thrive.
New insights into how Lyme disease and syphilis spirochetes move through and into organs reveal a key mechanism driving their invasiveness. The findings provide a novel biophysical model that could form the basis for targeting these bacteria's invasion capabilities.
The University of Chicago researchers will investigate 102 hypothetical genes from plague and brucellosis bacteria using cross-disciplinary approaches. This research aims to assign functions to these genes, which could inform studies across species with similar genes.
Researchers used genomic sequences to reconstruct metabolic repertoire for each strain, predicting its environmental niche. The analysis could help develop ways to control deadly E. coli infections and identify new strains.
Researchers have characterised the coat of a potential poultry probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii, which consists of two exopolysaccharides that play important roles in colonisation and adhesion. The unique EPS structures may help the bacteria compete with pathogenic C. perfringens.
Researchers discovered a mechanism behind VapC20 toxin in M. tuberculosis, which destroys the bacteria's protein factory by cleaving a key location. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating pathogenic bacteria by impairing their cytotoxin use.