Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
A UCLA-led research team found that bacteria can stand upright and 'walk' during biofilm formation, allowing them to explore surfaces more effectively. This unique behavior is enabled by type IV pili appendages and plays a critical role in bacterial detachment from surfaces.
Researchers trick Staphylococcus aureus bacteria into embedding foreign small molecules within their cell walls by manipulating an enzyme. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutics and real-time monitoring of diseases.
Kathleen Alexander has discovered a novel tuberculosis species, M. mungi, in banded mongooses, which behaves differently from other TB infections, killing infected animals within two to three months. The pathogen's source and host range are areas of ongoing research.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Southern house mosquito, a key vector for diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, and elephantiasis. The study reveals insights into the mosquito's genetic structure and potential targets for disease prevention.
A research team led by Edward Yu has discovered the crystal structures of pumps that remove heavy metal toxins from bacteria, allowing them to resist antibiotics. This finding provides a better understanding of bacterial resistance and could help drug researchers develop treatments to combat it.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that Salmonella bacteria create an environment in the human intestine to enhance its reproductive success. The bacteria use tetrathionate respiration, a sulfur compound produced by the immune system's response, to outgrow beneficial microbes and promote severe diarrhea.
A new vaccine development aims to protect humans from pneumonic plague by combining antibodies with cytokines, addressing concerns about the effectiveness of existing treatments. The Trudeau Institute is leading this research in collaboration with the US and UK militaries.
Trius will use its proprietary Focused Antisense Screening Technology (FAST) to identify antibacterial compounds from marine natural product libraries discovered by Scripps researchers. The goal is to develop novel antibiotics directed against microorganisms causing serious infections.
Researchers aim to create a sustainable water treatment process using moringa seed, which can kill bacteria and remove sediment from water. The system's success depends on optimizing the amount of moringa seed needed to achieve effective water purification without compromising its shelf life.
Case Western Reserve researcher Menachem Shoham discovered new anti-pathogenic drugs that prevent MRSA's production of toxins, rendering the bacteria harmless. The drugs block the activation of a key bacterial protein, AgrA, preventing toxin release and serious infections.
A new microfluidic chip developed by Taiwanese researchers uses surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy to sort and identify bacteria. The technique creates unique spectral fingerprints for different bacterial species, enabling efficient identification.
Scientists from Oxford University found that Alpine pennycress plants accumulate zinc, nickel, and cadmium to defend against bacterial infection. The study demonstrates a direct link between metal concentrations and resistance to disease.
A new study found low levels of bacteria in soils outside fields sprayed with swine manure, while internal soils showed higher nutrient levels but lower pathogen levels. The research suggests that manure management plans have been effective in reducing bacterial risks.
Recent studies have uncovered surprising parallels between pheromone signaling in bacteria and fungi, suggesting a close link between microbial sex and virulence. The review highlights the role of telesensing in regulating genetic exchange and potential virulence factors in opportunistic pathogens.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to map signaling molecules between organisms, discovering metabolites involved in bacterial cannibalism. SDP and SKF were found to be essential for identifying and killing genetically identical cells.
A new study reveals that resistant pathogens can trigger protective mechanisms in non-resistant neighbors, increasing overall colony survival. The team identified an enzyme called tryptophanase, which produces indole, a signaling molecule offering protection against antibiotics.
Stanford researchers have developed a high-speed, low-cost filter that kills bacteria with an electrical field, allowing for faster filtering and reduced costs. The filter uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to create a smooth, conducting surface, making it efficient and effective in purifying water.
A new hyperspectral imaging technique allows for rapid detection of Campylobacter in food samples, reducing the time needed for isolation and identification from days to just 24 hours.
Pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae use a delayed entry strategy to survive in the human body, strengthening cellular skeletons and anchoring to cell surfaces. This new understanding may have exciting implications for preventing infection with various bacterial agents.
Researchers discovered a new strategy used by bacterial pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Escherichia coli, which delay entry into cells to prolong extracellular existence and survive. This strategy involves triggering local strengthening of the cellular skeleton that resists pathogen entry.
Scientists have discovered that Helicobacter pylori needs vitamin B6 to cause and maintain stomach infections. Researchers used a mouse model to identify the importance of PdxA and PdxJ enzymes in bacterial pathogenesis, paving the way for novel antibiotic treatments.
A team of researchers is studying the human gut microbiome to develop new interventions and treatments for food- and water-borne diseases. The study aims to understand how certain microbes protect against enteric diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Most hospitals surveyed have adopted hand-hygiene practices to prevent MRSA spread. The study found that nearly all hospitals review antimicrobial prescription orders to reduce bacterial resistance.
Researchers at Rice University are developing a genomic test that can quickly determine whether a disease outbreak is caused by a natural pathogen or one engineered in a lab. By studying how bacteria evolve in the lab, they hope to find common patterns that indicate domestication.
Two studies identify key targets for a new MRSA vaccine, targeting protein A to evade the immune system and clotting factors to disrupt tissue-damaging mechanisms. This approach shows promise in reducing virulence and providing lasting immunity against drug-resistant staph infections.
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI damage bladder walls and allow infection to persist longer. Suppressing immune system during initial infection decreases vulnerabilities to later infection.
Scientists find that water fleas facilitate bacterial dispersal, allowing microbes to reach inaccessible habitats. The 'conveyor-belt' hypothesis is confirmed through lab and field experiments.
Researchers found that coastal animals have a decreased ability to fight off infection of Vibrio bacteria when exposed to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide conditions. This makes them more vulnerable to infection, especially with injuries or wounds exposed to the water.
A new experimental antibiotic has been shown to be effective against bacteria that are resistant to existing treatments. The compound works by targeting a specific enzyme in the bacteria's internal machinery, preventing it from reproducing.
Researchers at D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering have investigated various nanotechnology approaches for water purification, including nanofiltration and zeolite filtration membranes. These methods can effectively remove sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria, and other pathogens from water.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model of colon inflammation that identifies pro-inflammatory macrophages as key culprits for unregulated inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. The model allows scientists to explore cellular and molecular changes underlying chronic inflammation, identify intervention points...
A four-year survey confirms the presence of ticks carrying Lyme disease in Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Piatt Counties, with higher numbers found along the Des Plaines River corridor. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures to avoid tick bites.
Duke University researchers have developed a computer program that can predict the next moves of a dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA. The algorithm identifies potential resistance mutations before testing begins, allowing for more effective drug design and potentially saving lives.
Scientists at NIH identify novel Staphylococcus aureus toxin LukGH, which destroys human immune cells and increases MRSA severity. The toxin is secreted into the environment, forming pores in neutrophils that lead to their destruction.
Scientists have identified a promising target for a strategic hit in bacteria that could help halt reproduction and reduce the spread of infections. The research, led by Dr. Antonio J. Martín-Galiano and professor José M. Andreu, maps out a protein called FtsZ, which is crucial for bacterial cell division.
Researchers have identified the genes necessary for producing a highly potent and clinically unexploited antibiotic, microbisporicin. The study enables the engineering of bacteria to produce similar but better molecules, improving pharmacological properties.
The study found that the vitamin D receptor helps regulate bacterial activity, responds to cues, and counters their presence. It also plays a key role in defending against Salmonella infection and squelching inflammation by binding to NF-Kappa B and preventing it from activating other inflammatory molecules.
Research highlights potential problems with breathing system filters, which allow substantial passage of bacteria and yeast when wet. Commonly available filters cannot be relied upon to prevent bacterial transfer, posing a risk to patients.
A study led by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers reveals a new mechanism controlling bacterial swarming and its interaction with the DNA repair system. The discovery could lead to designing new strategies to increase antibiotic sensitivity in pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill discovered a link between altered gut microbiota and colon cancer, finding higher bacterial diversity and richness in individuals with adenomas. The study suggests that manipulating the microbiota through diet could help prevent colon cancer.
Researchers found Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydophila psittaci in 69.1% and 52.6% of pigeons in Madrid, respectively. These bacteria can cause diarrhea in humans through aerosols, direct contact, or contaminated food and water.
A new study indicates that babies born vaginally have bacterial communities resembling their mother's vaginal bacteria, while C-section newborns have common skin bacterial communities. This finding has potential implications for infant health as they grow and develop.
Researchers analyzed bacterial populations in the noses and throats of seven healthy adults using two culture-independent methods. They found distinct differences between nasal and throat bacteria, with some groups more prevalent in one area than the other.
A recent study found that naturally occurring protein IL-10 can prevent and reverse brain damage caused by meningitis in newborns. The research suggests that IL-10 acts to clear antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant E. coli from the circulation, thereby preventing or restoring damaged brain tissue.
Researchers elucidated the basic principles of bacterial transport channel assembly, a mechanism used by pathogens to deliver virulence factors. The discovery opens doors to developing anti-infective drugs that can target this process before antibiotics, offering a major advantage in infection treatment.
Researchers developed a biosensor to study cell division in bacteria, finding that the regulatory messenger c-di-GMP is distributed unevenly between swimming and stay-put cells. This asymmetrical distribution affects enzyme production and cell function, with implications for bacterial behavior and disease.
The study reveals a small chemical makes Staphylococcus aureus stronger, more infectious and resistant to antibiotics. Shutting down this synthesis renders the bacteria non-functional and non-infectious.
Plants with enhanced disease resistance, like mouse ear cress, produce fewer and smaller leaves, but excel against pathogens. This tradeoff allows for coexistence of large, vulnerable plants with small, protected ones in nature.
Dr Pellegrini's research focuses on HIV, tuberculosis, and how the human immune system responds to these infections. His work aims to develop therapies that target the host immune system to eradicate chronic infections.
Researchers discovered a new bacterial signaling molecule, cyclic-di-AMP, which stimulates a strong immune response in host cells. This molecule may be used to improve vaccines that use live or disabled bacteria, making them more effective against pathogens such as Listeria.
Plectasin disrupts the forming of the cell wall in bacteria, preventing division and ultimately leading to bacterial death. Despite its potential, the authors caution that no permanent solution exists to antibiotic resistance.
A new treatment stimulates the host immune system to destroy invading microbes, protecting against tularemia and other disease-causing bacteria. The therapy has broad usage and potential for future use as a treatment alternative to antibiotics.
Scientists found that M. tuberculosis antigens remain unchanged and homogenous, unlike many viruses and parasites, allowing the bacteria to be transmitted from person to person.
BBSRC funded researchers found that applying Bt to young plants enhances the bacteria's ability to infect insect pests. The study also reveals that the natural abundance of Bt in the environment plays a significant role in its effectiveness.
A University of Tennessee study found high-risk water sources in East Tennessee contain fecal contamination, including E.coli, coliforms, Bacteroides, and infectious viruses. This highlights a potential health hazard for rural residents who drink untreated groundwater.
Scientists have found a way for pathogenicity islands to detect viruses and eliminate repression, allowing them to transfer virulent genes to other harmless bacteria. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections and diseases caused by toxins.
Researchers at USAMRIID have found a novel approach to defeating the anthrax pathogen by inducing high levels of CapD enzyme, releasing capsule fragments and leaving bacteria vulnerable to immune destruction. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment options for anthrax infection.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have constructed a powerful phylogenetic tree for the gamma-proteobacteria using hundreds of genes and integrating more information than traditional single-gene approaches. The consensus tree provides a tool for predicting shared biology and analyzing bacterial adaptations to their environments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a genetic sensing mechanism that allows E. coli to form colonies in cattle, and found that interfering with this system can prevent the bacteria from colonizing and reaching humans. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing food-borne illnesses.
Researchers found several new bacteria originating in the mouth can travel through the blood to cause an inflammatory reaction in the placenta and lead to health issues such as miscarriages and stillbirths. Oral bacteria that colonize in the placenta can stimulate an inflammatory response leading to cervical and membrane weaknesses and...