Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Researchers investigate how bacteria modify host RNA using effector proteins to ensure their survival, a process previously unknown in eukaryotes. The team aims to decipher the mechanisms behind this process and its benefits for the bacteria.
A new study suggests that ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost could cause significant ecological damage, with up to 3% of invasive pathogens becoming dominant. The researchers found that these 'time-traveling' pathogens could lead to unpredictable results, including up to one-third of host species dying out.
A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.
Researchers discuss treatment refractory forms of chronic sinusitis, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary diagnostics and therapy. Fungal infections are a rare cause, yet crucial to consider when treating this condition.
Researchers found that antimicrobial resistance emerges from selection for pre-existing resistant clones, not new mutations. Infections with multiple pathogen clones show increased resistance to antibiotics, but also potential for faster loss of resistance when no antibiotics are present.
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that administering vaginal suppositories with Lactobacillus crispatus can restore a healthy balance of vaginal microbiota and prevent recurrent cystitis. The researchers discovered that postmenopausal women with RC had significantly different bacterial communities compared to those w...
A recent study confirmed which genes in the HiVir cluster are essential and which contribute partially to the disease. The toxin produced by Pantoea ananatis has broad-spectrum activity, potentially targeting conserved functions within plants.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a 'division-of-labor' strategy to colonize surfaces and spread through the body. This dual strategy allows the bacteria to increase its surface colonization success and resist antibiotic treatments.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that cholera-causing Vibrio cholerae forms an aggressive biofilm on immune cells, killing them. This novel strategy of attack can significantly affect the progression of cholera infection.
Scientists at McMaster University and MIT have used AI to discover a new antibiotic targeting Acinetobacter baumannii, a deadly drug-resistant pathogen. The new antibiotic, abaucin, targets only A. baumannii, reducing the risk of rapid resistance development.
Researchers identified genes for virulence and antimicrobial resistance in two bacteria that co-occur with C. difficile, posing a threat to human health. The study provides new insights into the development of antimicrobial resistance and offers potential treatment strategies.
A study by McGill University found that microplastic pollution alters the gut microbiomes of seabirds, increasing pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microbes. The research warns humans to be wary of microplastics in their environment and food, as they can also impact human health.
Pharmaceutical scientists from the National University of Singapore have developed multi-functional synthetic peptide nanonets for relieving inflammation caused by bacterial infection. These nanonets trap bacterial endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, achieving anti-inflammatory activity through selective binding.
Researchers have discovered that a previously unknown strategy is used by the foodborne bacterium Listeria monocytogenes to invade and infect humans and animals. A housekeeping enzyme called LAP plays a crucial role in this process, and its attachment to the bacterial surface is essential for pathogenesis.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
A new, rapid platform detects pathogens on produce in three to six hours, improving risk reduction strategies for the produce industry. The technology uses multi-spectral imaging and deep UV sensing to identify opportunistic human pathogens.
Researchers at Macquarie University have discovered how superbug A. baumannii survives harsh environments and resists antibiotics by exploiting its strong drug pumps to expel essential metals from the cell. Disrupting this master regulatory protein, DksA, breaks the pumping system and allows for control of the bug.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found an effective treatment for multi-drug resistant bacteria, a major concern in the fight against superbugs. The newly discovered antibiotic, streptothricin, has shown potency against several drug-resistant strains of bacteria and may deserve further exploration as a potential...
A neglected 80-year-old antibiotic, nourseothricin, has been found to be effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The improvement in purification of the streptothricins has overcome original toxicity concerns, making it a promising agent for treating difficult-to-treat infections.
Interactions between gut bacteria may limit antibiotics' effectiveness in treating C. difficile infections, a study suggests. Researchers found that certain bacterial species make the bacterium tolerant to metronidazole and increase its abundance.
Scientists from Forsyth Institute develop CRISPR-based diagnostic tool that can detect specific oral pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. The test can be performed in a dental office without technical expertise, providing comprehensive information on oral health and systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Scientists have engineered plants to produce peptides with antibiotic activity against drug-resistant pathogens, which also enhances stability and prolongs activity. The resulting plants yield potent drugs at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, making them an environmentally friendly option for pharmaceutical production.
Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.
Researchers found that agricultural antimicrobial peptide use can generate broad cross-resistance to the human innate immune response. This has major implications for the design and use of therapeutic antimicrobial peptides.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a drug that undercuts antibiotic resistance by blocking key toxins involved in the infection process. The treatment sequesters toxins and disrupts biofilms, making bacteria more vulnerable to antibiotics. Initial results show promising protection against bacterial infections.
Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on basement pathogens, moisture, and air quality in urban environments, focusing on Black Americans in Pittsburgh. The study aims to document conditions and understand the link between weather events and cumulative health impacts for residents across the adult lifespan.
A Portuguese study found that six pets in Portugal and one in the UK carried antibiotic-resistant bacteria similar to those found in their owners. The researchers emphasize the importance of including pet-owning households in programs to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Owners can reduce the spread by practicing good hygiene.
Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.
A recent study found that over 42% of healthy mothers carrying fecal transplant material tested positive for harmful pathogens, making the procedure risky. The research aims to assess whether postnatal FMT can safely restore normal microbiota in C-section babies.
Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have discovered a molecule naturally produced by the human host that targets and inhibits Fusobacteria, an opportunistic oral pathogen linked to colorectal cancer. The findings suggest a chemically modified version of this molecule could be used as a potential therapeutic to prevent colorectal cance...
Researchers discovered that fomepizole, an FDA-approved drug, can significantly reduce disease in mice infected with multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. The combination of fomepizole and erythromycin reduced bacterial burdens by 95% in the lungs and up to 700-fold in other organs.
A new computational technique analyzes bacterial genetic sequences to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance over time. The study found that resistance genes most likely to spread are those on conjugative plasmids and targeting specific antibiotics, with many coming from a single source.
A new study warns of a rise in potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the US coast, driven by global warming. The number of Vibrio vulnificus infections has increased from 10 to 80 per year over 30 years, with cases now found further north than ever before.
A study found that high winds increased Campylobacter prevalence in outdoor chicken farms, with 26% of individual chickens infected. Farmers are advised to consider windbreaks and monitor weather patterns to reduce exposure.
Researchers have discovered that Yersinia pseudotuberculosis triggers the formation of granulomas in the intestines to control bacterial infections. Monocytes play a crucial role in recruiting neutrophils and launching the formation of these immune cells, which help combat the infection.
Scientists have developed a high-throughput genetic screening approach to identify viral proteins that target bacterial cell walls, leading to potential new antibiotics. The method uses a coded library of DNA fragments to investigate unknown genes in environmental samples, sidestepping the need for culturing bacteria.
Researchers at Rice University aim to create genetically encoded antibiotics that selectively kill pathogenic bacteria while sparing beneficial microbes. The goal is to develop targeted, tailored RNA antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers develop a novel combination therapy using mitoxantrone and vancomycin to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) infections. The therapy stimulates the host immune system, accelerating wound healing and killing bacteria more effectively.
Researchers have created a simple and inexpensive method to disinfect drinking water using silver sulfide quantum dots encased in a peptide coat. When exposed to near-infrared light, these nanoparticles kill bacteria with high efficiency, making them a promising alternative to traditional methods.
A recent study found that bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk of death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. The study reviewed 13,781 COVID-19 inpatient encounters and identified laboratory trends associated with COVID-19 bacterial co-infection.
Researchers have characterised the mutually beneficial relationship between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, two pathogens responsible for severe infections. This relationship enables Klebsiella to survive in higher antibiotic concentrations, making it more deadly and resistant to treatment.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
Researchers have discovered licorice leaf extract as a potent bactericide and fungicide, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. The extract modulates plant immune responses to pathogens and acts against resistant oomycetes, making it a potential solution for naturally controlling plant diseases.
A team of researchers from MedUni Vienna has identified the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) as a key player in protecting against alcohol-induced liver damage. The study found that pIgR-mediated secretion of antibodies in the intestines helps to prevent bacterial translocation and inflammation in the liver.
A potent plant toxin called albicidin has emerged as a strong new antibiotic candidate, effective in small concentrations and highly potent against pathogenic bacteria. Its unique mechanism targets the bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase, which is essential for cell function.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a significant imbalance in the gut microbiome of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that over 30% of micro-organisms and bacterial genes tested had altered abundances, indicating a widespread imbalance in the microbiome.
A new Legionella species, Legionella bononiensis, has been identified in a hotel facility in northern Italy. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Bologna using genetic sequencing and mass spectroscopy techniques.
A UMass Amherst microbiologist is working to develop new treatments for tuberculosis by targeting the bacteria's surface structure. The goal is to create a drug that can disrupt the cell envelope, making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that treating cabbage leaves with multiple amino acids can prevent disease caused by Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis, a bacterium that causes blight in brassica crops. The amino acids trigger stomatal closure, reducing bacterial entry and disease symptoms.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of the structures and functions of Andhra gene products, paving the way for custom phages for therapeutic applications. The high-resolution knowledge of the virus structure is crucial for developing targeted treatments against Staphylococcus epidermidis infections.
MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.
A new study finds that areas with high levels of arsenic contamination in drinking water have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in both water and child stool samples. The study highlights the potential for environmental drivers like arsenic to contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers developed novel liquid-coated air filters that capture viable bacterial and viral samples for analysis. The filters show promise in improving early pathogen detection and aerosol sampling efforts.
A study found that 'harmless' Listeria innocua strains are developing resistance to temperature, pH, dehydration and other stresses, as well as hypervirulence similar to pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The strains were collected from raw, dried and processed meats at commercial food processing facilities in South Africa.
A new collaborative research centre, DECIDE, will investigate the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, aiming to improve treatment strategies. The centre combines research on various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and will involve numerous young researchers.
Researchers discovered antibiotic-resistant bacteria can travel from the gut to the lungs in a patient, highlighting the importance of preventing pathogenic bacteria from translocating to vital organs. The study's findings suggest eliminating resistant bacteria from the gut microbiome could help prevent serious infections.
A study characterizes secreted proteins from Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, a newly emerging pathogen of tomato and potato. The proteins, called effectors, offer clues into the manipulation tactics used by the bacterium to subdue its plant host.
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
A new study by CHOP researchers found that antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus enhances C. difficile virulence by modulating the gut environment, increasing toxin production and nutrient supply. This interaction supports increased colonization and persistence of C. difficile in the gut.
A new study on rhesus macaques reveals a strong link between social connections and the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria. Monkeys with more sociable behavior have a higher presence of microbes like Faecalibacterium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.