Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Michigan State University researchers discovered how bacteria flip a DNA switch to transform from harmless microbes to deadly insecticides. The bacteria, bioluminescent insect pathogens, reside in the intestines of worms and aid their survival, but can rapidly grow and produce toxins when the worms infest insects.
Researchers discovered that mice without NLRP6 receptor protein are better protected against bacterial infections and can more easily remove bacteria. This finding opens up a new therapeutic track for treating bacterial infections beyond antibiotics.
Biochemist Alejandro Heuck maps molecular structure of needle-like tool used by bacteria to drill holes in mammalian cell walls. Researchers aim to identify new targets for developing drugs and treatments against diseases caused by bubonic plague, dysentery, food poisoning, and sepsis.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism by which Bartonella bacteria manipulate host cell signaling, prolonging cell lifespan and contributing to chronic infection persistence. The study reveals the role of protein BepA in binding adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cAMP production and preventing host cell death.
A new test, RapidChek SELECTTM Salmonella, detects Salmonella Typhi shedding in stool with a 10-fold to 1000-fold improvement over traditional methods. This technology assesses the degree and duration of shedding after immunization, ensuring vaccine efficacy and community safety.
A team of scientists from Washington University in St. Louis has identified the eastern gray squirrel as a major animal reservoir for tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichioses and STARI. The study uses a new assay to detect species-level tick blood meals, confirming the presence of gray squirrel DNA in infected ticks.
A new study reports that human microbes have coevolved with humans, forming unique partnerships essential for our immune system. The findings suggest that modern hygiene and antibiotics may be contributing to the rise of autoimmune disorders by erasing these beneficial bacteria.
A team of researchers discovered that human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6) forms 'nanonets' around microbial surfaces to disable microbes, providing clues to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The study provides new insights into the body's innate defense system and its role in intestinal health.
Researchers discovered how bacteria release proteins to spread infections, providing a new target for antibiotic development. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism by which normal, non-pathogenic bacteria can release proteins through their membrane pores.
A new study published in Immunity reveals that commensal bacteria play a vital role in fighting off viral infections. The research found that signals from these beneficial microbes are essential for optimal immune responses to experimental viral infections, and their absence can lead to impaired antiviral immunity.
The study reveals STING protein's double wing-like crystal structure that captures secreted molecules from invading pathogens, activating the body's powerful immune response. This discovery provides insights into how STING activates an immune response by engaging with specific molecular patterns linked to microbial pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have identified three viruses that target the bacteria causing American Foulbrood Disease in honeybees. The discovery offers hope for a new treatment to replace current methods that involve burning infected hives and could help save millions of bees.
Researchers use JILA's frequency comb to measure concentrations of reactive molecules in air streams, capturing complex chemical reactions and optimizing sterilization techniques. The system achieves high-level disinfection without liquid chemicals or high temperatures.
The Human Microbiome Project's findings reveal a complex network of microbial diversity, with an estimated 10,000 bacterial species in the human microbiome. The study challenges traditional health concepts by showing that there is not just one way to be healthy, but rather a range of 'just fine' communities.
Researchers identified how Pseudomonas syringae uses coronatine to hijack a plant's defense system, keeping stomata open for bacterial invasion. The study provides insight into the full process of bacterial pathogenesis in plants.
Researchers have imaged the structure of the S-layer protein coat in bacteria down to individual atoms, revealing its role as a protective layer. The discovery provides insights into how bacteria interact with their environment and could lead to new nanomaterials and drug delivery methods.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that caspase-11 enables immune cells to fuse and degrade bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease. The enzyme's activation helps kill the bacteria by triggering a fusion event between phagosomes and lysosomes, preventing bacterial replication.
Researchers have imaged S-layer of Geobacillus stearothermophilus bacterium down to atomic scale, revealing chainmail-like structure that provides tough yet flexible protection and allows nutrients to diffuse in and out. This discovery holds promise for developing new vaccines by exploiting the ability of S-layers to self-assemble.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered a vulnerability in the glycoprotein production of Acinetobacter baumannii, reducing its virulence and ability to form biofilms. This finding could lead to the development of targeted antibiotics to combat the superbug.
Anthony R. Richardson has been honored with the Merck Irving S. Sigal Memorial Award for his pioneering work on the metabolic adaptations of Staphylococcus aureus to host immunity. His research has profound implications for understanding the evolution and emergence of highly virulent pathogens.
Dr. Richardson's research focuses on the role of basic bacterial physiology in the virulence of human pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus. His work has shown that certain compounds can be lethal to the pathogen, leading to new insights into the battle between host and bacterium.
Dr. E. Peter Greenberg, a renowned microbiologist, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on quorum sensing and biofilms. He is also celebrated for his exceptional mentoring skills, inspiring generations of scientists.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have uncovered the mechanism behind V. cholerae's resistance to human immune responses. The discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics that target the bacteria's defenses, rather than directly killing them.
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.
Researchers found that P. aeruginosa infection is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including more hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and exacerbations in COPD patients. The study suggests that addressing P. aeruginosa infections may be crucial in managing COPD.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of type III secretion system needles at atomic resolution, revealing similarities in their inner part while surface variability evades host recognition. This discovery enables new insights into pathogen immune evasion and prospects tailored antiinfectives to block needle assembly.
A new study found that breast-fed babies have a more diverse bacterial colonization than formula-fed babies, leading to changes in the expression of genes involved in their immune system. The study also showed a link between the expression of genes in the bacteria and genes of the immune system in the baby.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have proven a long-held theory about bacterial communication by showing that quorum sensing's effectiveness depends on bacterial population density. This discovery can inform research into disrupting QS and stopping toxin production in pathogenic organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the use of polymyxins and tigecycline, considered 'drugs of last resort', increased at US Veterans Affairs medical centers between 2005 and 2010. The findings suggest a growing epidemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new UV disinfection technology using LED lights that can kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in drinking-water treatment and sterilizing surgical tools.
A new University of Illinois study shows that human milk oligosaccharides produce short-chain fatty acids that feed a beneficial microbial population in the infant gut. The composition of bacteria changes over time, with different HMO components producing distinct patterns of short-chain fatty acids.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that male adolescents have bacteria in their urinary tracts, which are similar to those found in young women. The researchers discovered that the types of bacteria on the penis differ from those in the urethra and that circumcision status affects bacterial composition.
Native gut bacteria help fend off invaders, suggesting ways to prevent or treat deadly forms of E. coli by selectively removing nutrients and boosting others. The study also identifies potential targets for prevention and treatment using antibiotics.
A global team of scientists led by Virginia Tech and the University of Tuscia has successfully traced the origin of the devastating kiwifruit pathogen Psa back to its likely source in China. The research used DNA sequencing technology to compare bacteria samples from around the world, revealing that they were nearly identical except fo...
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a protein called calpain that allows Listeria bacteria to spread infection within human cells. By blocking this protein, new anti-infective drugs may be developed to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered that a garlic-derived compound is 100 times more effective at killing the Campylobacter bacterium than two popular antibiotics. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for raw and processed meats, as well as food preparation surfaces.
A new study published in Genome Biology reveals that breastfeeding leads to a wider range of beneficial microbes in the infant's gut compared to formula feeding. The research also shows that breastfed infants' immune systems have developed to cope with the differences, promoting intestinal stability and defense against pathogens.
Researchers found that Listeria uses nitric oxide to evade the immune system and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to multiply in its host. This strategy allows pathogens like Rickettsia and HIV to spread throughout the host in a similar manner.
Researchers have detailed the signaling pathway from nitric oxide to biofilm formation in bacteria, which may aid in developing new treatments targeting biofilms. The study reveals a complex system of response regulators controlling biofilm formation.
Salmonella causes food poisoning, killing around 400,000 people worldwide every year. Researchers have discovered multiple gene switches that control the bacteria's weapon systems, offering new ways to curb human infection. The discovery could lead to the development of antibiotics to reduce disease caused by Salmonella.
A recent discovery by UCSB researchers has identified 'hypervirulent' Salmonella bacteria, which pose a significant risk to human and animal health. The strains were found in livestock isolates and render current vaccines obsolete due to their ability to switch between virulence levels during infection.
Researchers have successfully decoded the atomic structure of the TM287/288 ABC transporter, a heterodimeric protein involved in antibiotic resistance and metabolic disorders. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments against multi-resistant bacteria and tumors.
Scientists have developed a rapid test to detect Salmonella in lettuce and water using popcorn-shaped gold particles. The test can identify the bacteria in just five minutes, making it a potential game-changer for food safety, particularly in remote areas or during outbreaks.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $2.3 million to explore chlamydia genomics and develop a potential vaccine for the bacterial infectious disease. The team plans to use genetic tools to understand how the bacteria circumvents host immune systems and targets preferred tissues.
Scientists found that Salmonella bacteria attach differently to ripe and unripe tomatoes, with filaments forming on ripe ones. This could affect how pathogens are maintained on surfaces, according to researchers at Imperial College London.
Researchers sequenced DNA from viruses present in healthy individuals' gut bacteria, revealing 51 hypervariable regions associated with reverse transcriptase genes. These findings suggest that viral variation could drive the evolution of the gut microbiome.
A new molecule discovered at the University of Illinois has the potential to treat bovine mastitis and make food safer. Geobacillin, an analog of nisin, is more stable than its predecessor and shows promise as a treatment for both dairy industry and human disease.
A UCI-led study reveals how Salmonella thrives in the digestive tract despite the immune system's best efforts to destroy it. The findings highlight a novel molecular mechanism allowing the bacteria to acquire zinc and promote its growth.
A highly targeted bactericidal protein against the life-threatening foodborne E. coli O104 strain was rapidly created, demonstrating its ability to specifically bind and kill tested E. coli strains that produce the O104 lipopolysaccharide antigen.
A new study found that genetically diverse honey bee populations produce healthier colonies with a greater variety of active bacterial species, including beneficial probiotics and helpful microbes. This diversity is linked to improved nutrition and reduced loads of pathogenic bacteria.
A recent study by IU biologist Irene Newton found that genetically diverse honey bee colonies have fewer pathogens and more beneficial bacteria. The research also identified four important microbes associated with fermentation in humans and other animals.
A study by Virginia Tech wildlife researcher Kathleen Alexander found that Botswana buffalo carry the brucellosis pathogen, which can be transmitted to humans through bush meat consumption. The disease can cause chronic fevers and joint pain in humans, and domestic livestock may need to be destroyed.
Researchers found that an epidemic strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae can damage mucins on mucus membranes, allowing the bacteria to enter and infect cells. The study identified an enzyme, ZmpC, as the culprit behind this process. This discovery may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating bacterial infections.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center predicted and confirmed how E. coli bacteria hijack a cell's sense of direction by manipulating actin polymers. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms controlling disease-causing agents and normal mammalian cell behavior.
A new study suggests that bacteria can communicate through physical contact, using a system of 'cellular communication' to coordinate functions. The researchers found that certain bacteria require specific proteins to bind and interact with each other, facilitating this touch-dependent language.
A new study suggests that adding prebiotic ingredients to infant formula can help colonize the newborn's gut with a stable population of beneficial bacteria, enhancing immunity in formula-fed infants. Researchers found that probiotics also significantly enhanced immunity in formula-fed babies, particularly those delivered by C-section.
Scientists have identified a highly transmissible variant of the LA-ST398 strain that can efficiently spread among humans, leading to community-associated infections. The new strain, ST398-NM, contains human-specific immune evasion genes and adheres well to skin, increasing its ability to colonize and infect people.
Scientists at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a key protein, Fur, that controls the expression of hundreds of genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a pathogen responsible for the second most common infectious disease worldwide. This novel pathway may lead to new treatment methods and therapeutic interventions for gonorrhea.
Research reveals that bacteria can cause disease through frontal attack or stealthy manipulation of the host's immune system. Bacteria that destroy phagocytes have low infectivity, while those with high growth rates and quorum-sensing capabilities are more infectious.
Researchers propose a new approach to treating infectious diseases by targeting tolerance to infection. This strategy aims to reduce tissue damage and promote host protection. By distinguishing between failed resistance and failed tolerance, scientists can choose more effective therapeutic approaches.