Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Researchers have developed a method to diagnose coral diseases using quantitative-PCR technology, which can detect pathogens at low levels. This will help control the impact of disease on coral reefs affected by rapid coastal development, declining water quality, and climate change.
Researchers identified a process by which Legionella bacteria trick host cells into generating amino acids, necessary for growth and infection. The study's findings could lead to the development of new antibiotics and vaccines.
Researchers discovered a transporter system in bacteria that protects itself from immune attack by transporting molecules meant to destroy it away from its inner membrane target. This mechanism helps bacteria survive in the host, but also presents an opportunity for developing novel antibiotics.
A recent study by NYU School of Medicine reveals that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial role in protecting bacteria from various antibiotics. By targeting bacterial gas defenses, researchers aim to develop new strategies for increasing antibiotic efficacy and combating antibiotic resistance.
Researchers sequenced bacterial genomes to understand how a pathogen evolves in response to human defenses and medical treatment. The study found widespread purifying selection, but also identified specific genes that showed strong evidence of positive selection.
An international team of scientists discovered how a bacterial pathogen kills cells by preventing protein synthesis, paving the way for novel therapies to combat melioidosis. The study, led by the University of Sheffield, used intense X-rays to solve the structure of a protein from Burkholderia pseudomallei.
A research team has sequenced the genome of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato to understand how it evades plant defenses and develop methods to prevent further spread. The study found that the pathogen likely evolved on a recent time scale and continues to adapt by minimizing its recognition, posing a threat to biosecurity.
Antibodies have been found to trick certain bacteria into killing each other, providing a new mechanism for bacterial clearance. Additionally, researchers suggest that humoral immunity may play a role in eliminating old seasonal influenza virus strains by inducing an anti-stalk antibody response.
Researchers found a vast network of recent gene exchange connecting bacteria from around the world, exchanging 10,000 unique genes via horizontal gene transfer. This exchange is linked to human disease and antibiotic resistance, with 60% of transfers including antibiotic-resistance genes.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that targets and kills specific pathogens, making it a potential living antibiotic. This 'vampire' bacteria can survive only by drawing nutrients from prey bacteria, killing them in the process.
Researchers discovered a key enzyme, IreK, involved in resistance to cephalosporins, while another enzyme, IreP, regulates its activity. This understanding could lead to new strategies for controlling enterococcal infections and developing new treatments.
Researchers have discovered a compound that shuts off the DNA valve allowing bacterial invasion and infection, effective against two virulent bacteria affecting plants and humans. The work has attracted interest from private companies testing its commercialization for treatments in plants, animals, and people.
Research suggests that natural intestinal flora may play a crucial role in the emergence of multiple sclerosis. Beneficial bacteria can activate immune cells and trigger an overreaction of the immune system in genetically predisposed individuals. This finding has important implications for disease prevention and treatment.
A new genomic approach developed by Cornell University scientists enables precise identification of food-borne bacteria, facilitating the detection of outbreaks and their sources. This breakthrough method has the potential to uncover smaller outbreaks that may have gone unnoticed previously.
Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a probiotic strain that can thrive in high-iron environments and reduce inflammation associated with IBD. The discovery offers hope for developing novel treatments for active intestinal disease.
The Trudeau Institute has made a breakthrough in treating Listeria infections by identifying a key role for blood-clotting proteins in immune defense. The study suggests that FXI-targeted therapeutics may be useful for treating severe infections caused by Listeria and other sepsis-causing bacteria.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded five-year contracts totaling $150 million to develop broad-spectrum therapeutics against multiple types of bacteria and viruses. The development focuses on creating products that can be stockpiled to protect the public in bioterror attacks or public health crises.
Researchers have identified a toxin called SElX released by MRSA that triggers an extreme immune response. By targeting this toxin, it may be possible to prevent severe infections and high fever associated with MRSA.
A global team of scientists has identified a natural mutation in Clostridium difficile that causes the bacterium to produce hypervirulent strains resistant to antibiotics, leading to severe bowel infections.
A new study reveals that antivirulence drugs can suppress resistance in pathogens by targeting social interactions and cooperation. Laboratory simulations showed that resistant strains will not overtake sensitive strains when therapies target cell-to-cell communication, allowing antivirulence therapies to work even when resistance arises.
The TB bacterium has a unique molecule on its outer surface that blocks the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key protein in the body's immune response. This allows the bacterium to remain infectious and evade the host's defense.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing strategies to diagnose and prevent two of the most pervasive food-borne microbes, focusing on extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and noroviruses. The new initiatives aim to improve food safety and reduce human illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Dr. Douglas A. Mitchell, an Illinois professor, has been awarded the $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a generalized toxin-disabling strategy against bacterial pathogens. His approach aims to create drugs that combat pathogenic microbes without promoting antibiotic resistance.
The Legume Integrated Pest Management Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE) provides a new option for generating, summarizing, and disseminating real-time pest data. It identifies priority pathogens and insect pests for monitoring and offers management and education tools.
Scientists have devised a way to measure the impact of age on bacterial growth rates, allowing for new understanding and modeling of bacterial populations. This development could provide new insights into how genetic factors affect their life cycle and potentially lead to alternative methods to curb bacterial growth.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that over 60% of hospital nurses' and doctors' uniforms tested positive for potentially dangerous bacteria. The study, led by Yonit Wiener-Well, MD, revealed a prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains in close proximity to hospitalized patients.
Researchers have devised a novel strategy for developing rapid, inexpensive diagnostic tests for microbial infections by identifying soluble microbial antigens. The InMAD system successfully identified antigens for biothreats Burkholderia pseudomallei and Francisella tularensis.
A Stanford team cataloged the bacterial genome's essential elements, revealing 12% crucial for survival. The researchers used an efficient new method to map the genome and identify 480 protein-coding genes, 402 promoter regions, and 130 non-coding segments of unknown function.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study of over 3,000 hospitalized children reveals that those colonized with MRSA but not sick are at significant risk for developing full-blown infections. The study found nearly six times more likelihood of invasive MRSA infections among carriers compared to noncarriers.
Scientists identify genetic differences between mild and deadly Plague bacteria, revealing the role of small non-coding RNAs in disease severity. The study provides new insights into the evolution of pathogens and potential therapeutic targets for deadly diseases like the Plague.
Researchers have identified a modification on EF-P protein that boosts bacterial strength and contributes to Salmonella's virulence. The discovery opens doors for new treatments against this foodborne pathogen, which causes severe illnesses and fatalities.
Researchers found that coriander oil damages bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting essential processes and ultimately killing bacteria. The study suggests using coriander oil as a natural alternative to common antibiotics for treating food-borne illnesses and multidrug-resistant infections.
A natural defense mechanism has been uncovered that inactivates the toxin spreading C. diff by binding to it with S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a NO-based molecule. This finding provides a basis for developing new therapies targeting toxins directly.
A research team has identified human sewage as the source of the coral-killing pathogen that causes white pox disease in Caribbean elkhorn coral. The bacterium, Serratia marcescens, is also a pathogen of humans, causing respiratory and urinary tract infections.
A new computational model realistically simulates ion channel function, providing insight into bacterial channels that cause deadly infections and informing potential drug design against them. The study focuses on PorB, a channel formed by Neisseria meningitidis, which is linked to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in infant saliva associated with early childhood caries, supporting the need for proper oral hygiene practices and dietary habits from birth. The study identifies minimizing fermentable sugars and wiping gums without teeth as crucial preventive measures.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that E. coli and Salmonella can survive inside plant tissues, rendering exterior sanitization ineffective. The pathogens were detected in every major tissue of the plants, including those transporting nutrients. Cooking foods to known temperatures eliminates these bacteria from inner tissues.
UC Riverside researcher Joao Pedra to investigate immune system response to rickettsial infections, potentially leading to novel therapeutics against devastating tick-borne diseases.
Researchers have discovered that Candida albicans produces two distinct types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual type. The majority of cells forming these biofilms are sexually incompetent, but a minority are sexually competent and form highly permeable biofilms.
A team of researchers led by Dr. David Rasko analyzed the genomic data of the German E. coli outbreak strain, revealing it was a unique combination of enteroaggregative and enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtypes. The analysis provided critical information for treating infected patients and tracing the source of the pathogen.
Researchers have found a new target for nitric oxide's antimicrobial actions, which disrupts Salmonella's metabolism and prevents its growth. The discovery sheds light on the body's natural defenses against infection and may lead to the development of new broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a unique secretion system to break down its opponents' cell walls, causing their breakdown. The bacteria protects itself from this attack by using immunity proteins that counteract the effects of toxic proteins it secretes.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism used by bacteria Paenibacillus dendritiformis to cope with overcrowding. A new insect-borne virus, Cavally virus, was also found in mosquitoes in Cote d'Ivoire, which may cause severe disease in humans or animals.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a molecule that blocks the damaging actions of Chlamydia by disarming its self-defense mechanisms. The therapy will disarm CPAF, a central weapon of Chlamydia, allowing the body to take care of the rest and ultimately lead to the death of the infected cell and the bacteria.
Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a toxin delivery system called Type VI secretion system (T6SS) to break down rival bacteria's protective barriers. The mechanism also helps the bacterium protect itself from its own toxins, making it a major public health concern.
Bacteria utilize type IV pili, or TFP, to achieve twitching motility, enabling them to 'slingshot' on surfaces with high efficiency. This unique ability helps the bacteria navigate complex surface conditions and move through polysaccharide-rich environments with ease.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme called SidD used by Legionella pneumophila to control its host cell and replicate. This finding provides insight into bacterial infection mechanisms and could lead to the design of a new therapy to save lives.
A recent study found that antimicrobial copper surfaces can reduce the risk of hospital infections by more than 40% in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The study, conducted at three US hospitals, showed a 97% reduction in surface pathogens and a statistically significant decrease in patient infections.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique to make salmonella-based vaccines safer and more effective, with potential applications in fighting diseases like hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. The new approach retains strong immunogenic properties while reducing unwanted side effects.
A new study reveals that Bdellovibrio can reduce Salmonella bacteria by 90% without harming birds. The research confirms the safety and effectiveness of this natural predator as a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Marine biologists have identified a 500-million-year-old symbiotic relationship between catenulid flatworms, like Paracatenula, and Alpha-Proteobacteria. The unique Riegeria symbionts have been found to account for up to 50% of the worm's tissue and are believed to be responsible for its nutrition.
A new research area seeks to discover ways to manage the evolution of drug-resistant disease organisms and slow their spread. The goal is to develop a science-based model for drug-resistance management that can inform treatment guidelines for various diseases, including malaria, MRSA, AIDS, and cancer.
A recent Penn study discovered that microbes open and pass through the initial cellular barrier in a programmed and efficient way, suggesting a normal physiological event. This finding supports a general mechanism for epithelial opening exploited by invasive pathogens.
Researchers have uncovered a crucial survival response in the body's immune system to deadly anthrax infections. The study found that a key signaling molecule ATP is released from infected macrophages to alert other immune cells, triggering a complex pathway to combat the bacteria.
A recent study found that E. coli bacteria are more likely to develop resistance to antibiotics when exposed to low levels of these medications, rather than high concentrations. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the safety of using antibiotics in food animals and highlights the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
The team is studying 14 locations along the Passaic River to determine the effect of combined sewer overflows on water quality. They are also analyzing samples for bacteria in dry and wet weather events to understand pollution patterns.
A study by the University of Southampton reveals copper's antimicrobial property, killing 10 million E. coli bacteria within 10 minutes on dry surfaces and 45 minutes on wet ones. Copper deployed as a touch surface in food preparation areas can reduce cross-contamination risk.
Bacteria can evade the immune system by mimicking human proteins, allowing them to resist antibiotics. This 'molecular mimicry' helps explain the resurgence of highly infectious pathogens.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that patient cell phones were more likely to contain potentially dangerous bacteria than those of healthcare workers. The researchers also discovered seven patient phones with multidrug-resistant pathogens, highlighting a potential risk for nosocomial infections.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.