Yale scientists use nanotechnology to fight E. coli
Researchers found that SWCNTs can kill bacteria like E. coli by severely damaging their cell walls, and this effect is only seen when there is direct contact between the nanotubes and the bacteria.
Bacterial Pathogens
Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
New light-sensing ability discovered in disease-causing bacteria
Researchers discovered that bacteria can sense light using a protein structure called an LOV domain, which is also present in plants. This finding suggests that light may play a crucial role in bacterial life, allowing them to regulate their virulence and potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.
Nasty bacteria need sunlight to do their worst
A recent study discovered that certain bacteria, including Brucella species responsible for the flu-like disorder Brucellosis, require sunlight to enhance their virulence. The researchers found that disabling the light-sensing molecule in these bacteria led to a significant drop in their ability to cause disease.
Shuttle brings space-grown strep bacteria back for study
Scientists are studying Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria grown in space to understand how it adapts and potentially poses a threat to long-duration space travelers. The bacteria were brought back from orbit frozen in 'zero-g mode' for analysis, providing valuable insights into its behavior in microgravity.
Frog plus frying pan equals better antibiotic
Researchers have created synthetic antibiotics called Teflon AMPs that are more resistant to bacterial defenses than their natural counterparts. These compounds mimic the immune system's early line of defense and show promise in battling a range of infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Side-to-side shaking of nanoresonators throws off impurities
Cornell researchers demonstrate a new way to make nanoresonators vibrate 'in the plane' – side to side. This technique shakes off extraneous materials, allowing only tightly bound pathogens to be detected. The ability to excite in-plane motion also has applications in making nanoscale gyroscopes and nano optics.
Inflammation may cause preterm labor and fetal deaths
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found that blocking receptors responding to bacterial infections can nearly halve preterm deaths in mice. A synthetic TLR4 antagonist appears safe for mice mothers and pups.
Study: Sticking to the sand might not be such good, clean fun for beachgoers
A recent study by Stanford scientists found that sand at beaches along the California coast contains fecal indicator bacteria, contradicting the common belief that they occur naturally. The researchers detected human-specific genetic markers in enterococci bacteria at a popular beach in Monterey, Calif.
Cornell scientists link E. coli bacteria to Crohn's disease
A recent study published in The ISME Journal reveals that a specific group of E. coli bacteria is associated with chronic intestinal inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers found an increased level of invasive E. coli bacteria in inflamed areas of the small intestine, suggesting a potential causal link to the disease.
Investigating antibiotic use in acute care patients
Research by Dr James Chin and colleagues reveals that antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria but also maintain a pool of resistant genes within microbial communities. This means that subsequent therapy with another antibiotic may be ineffective due to increased resistance.
Study explains how pathogens evolve to escape detection
Researchers describe a single bacterial protein, AvrPtoB, that can overcome plant defenses and evade immune response. The study suggests that the evolution of this protein is an example of the 'arms race' between pathogens and plants.
UT and Atom Sciences Collaborate on NIH grant to develop test for major african disease
A new grant will enable researchers to test a diagnostic technique that determines the environmental source of Buruli ulcer. The disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, can lead to severe infections and is difficult to cure without removing infected tissue.
Researchers discover key mechanism to emergence of deadly strep bacteria
A viral infection in 1990 reprogrammed the genetic machinery of a strep bacteria strain, creating a deadly form of
HWI researchers determine structure of protein from pathogen associated with CF and TB
Researchers at Hauptman-Woodward Institute have solved the structure of a novel protein in Pseudomonas, a bacterium that causes cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. The discovery may lead to the development of new antibiotics to prevent infection in patients with CF and TB.
New research shows vaginal bacteria vary among healthy women, need customized treatment
The study found that vaginal bacterial communities differ greatly among women, with at least eight distinct types, each unique to a specific racial group. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventing infections, including those caused by HIV.
UCF professor finds bacterial pathogen may be key to understanding cancer development
Research by UCF Professor Keith Ireton and colleagues reveals Listeria protein InlB induces internalization of human receptor Met, implicated in some cancers. Understanding this mechanism may lead to drug development targeting Met-related cancers.
Researchers discover 'acquired' DNA key to certain bacterial infection
A team of researchers from Oregon State University has discovered a unique genetic material acquired through evolution that allows Mycobacterium avium to infect human tissue cells. This 'island' of genetic material enables the bacterium to evade the body's immune response, compromising immunity in patients with lung infections and AIDS.
Gum disease in postmenopausal women linked to oral bone loss
A study of postmenopausal women has found that infection with four known gum-disease-causing bacteria is associated with more severe oral bone loss. The two most prevalent pathogens were P. gingivalis and T. forsythensis, found in 15.1% and 37.9% of the participants.
Mucosal-surface immune function discoveries could boost vaccine research
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a crucial link between epithelial cells and immune system function at mucosal surfaces. The study found that epithelial cells produce a key antigen called IgA2 to keep bacteria in check, and that this process is critical for preventing infections such as HIV and rotavirus.
Staphylococcus aureus hides out in cells
Researchers found S. aureus bacteria can remain dormant for up to two weeks within human lung cells, evading detection and antibiotics. The bacteria's gene expression profile changes to limit cellular damage and resume metabolic functions.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund awards $8 million to infectious disease investigators
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $8 million to 16 researchers investigating infectious diseases, including HIV, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Plasmodium falciparum. The awards aim to support multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the interaction between humans and pathogens.
UCR biologist receives $1.75 million grant to study plant-threatening bacteria
Leonard Nunney's research team will develop a nationwide map of different subspecies of Xylella and an effective monitoring system to catch foreign forms. They aim to understand the genetic basis of host specificity, crucial for preventing further damage to California's grape, peach, and almond industries.
Understanding why C. difficile causes disease -- it's hungry
Researchers found that C. difficile expresses its pathogenicity during periods of nutrient deprivation, potentially leading to a new treatment approach. A five-gene region, known as the tcd locus, plays a crucial role in toxin production and cell membrane disruption.
How plague-causing bacteria disarm host defense
Yersinia pathogen uses effector protein YpkA to target Gaq, a messenger protein that transmits alarm signals into the host cell. This study identifies a novel molecular target for preventing disease and fighting antibiotic-resistant strains.
Resistance genes in our food supply
Research suggests that food can be an important avenue for antibiotic-resistant bacterial evolution and dissemination through horizontal gene transfer with commensal bacteria. Many food samples tested contained antibiotic-resistance gene-carrying bacteria, highlighting the prevalence of these microbes in the retail food supply.
Insignia -- A new way to identify viruses and bacteria
Researchers have developed a computer program called Insignia to identify viruses and bacteria based on their unique DNA signatures. The program uses efficient algorithms to compare known genomes against background genomes, resulting in high accuracy detection of pathogens.
Simple equations track Listeria trails
Biologists used simple equations to describe the motion of Listeria monocytogenes, reproducing all observed shapes with just two variables. The equations can help identify bacterial mutants and rule out mechanisms driving the motion.
Researchers discover how antibiotic inhibits bacterial growth
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered how antibiotic linezolid inhibits bacterial growth. By binding to ribosomes, linezolid kills bacteria and disrupts protein synthesis. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of action and potential improvements for the drug.
Scientists discover rare 'gene-for-gene' interaction that helps bacteria kill their host
Researchers found that Photorhabdus produces a special phenoloxidase inhibitor to protect itself against an enzyme used by insects' immune systems. This discovery provides conclusive evidence for a gene-for-gene interaction between the bacterium and the insect, shedding light on insect immune systems.
Public health and hurricanes
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found high levels of bacteria and pathogens in water and sediment samples from New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the importance of rapid environmental assessments. The study suggests that sediments can pose a risk to public health d...
Wellcome Trust and GlaxoSmithKline announce partnership to target drug-resistant hospital infections
The Wellcome Trust and GSK will collaborate on a new class of antibacterials to combat rising drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, which cause pneumonia and septic shock. The partnership aims to accelerate development of compounds for treating these resistant infections.
Penn study on lung-infecting bacterial enzyme suggests new approach to cystic fibrosis treatment
A newly discovered bacterial enzyme may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of lung injury in cystic fibrosis patients. The study suggests that targeting this enzyme could be a viable near-term approach to improving the length and quality of life for many CF patients.
Researchers from the UGR use a bacterium to obtain biopreservatives from food
The research group has successfully isolated and characterized enterocin AS-48, a protein substance with antimicrobial activity produced by Enterococcus faecalis S-48. The findings suggest that AS-48 could have medium-term use as a food biopreservative, providing a potential innovative solution for food preservation.
Microbes start immune response by sneaking inside cells
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can enter immune system cells through a pore in the cell membrane, triggering an immune response without activating Toll-like receptors. This finding offers new perspectives for developing human vaccines and drugs that target inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists decode genome of oral pathogen
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have decoded the genome of Streptococcus sanguinis, a bacteria normally present in healthy human mouths that can cause deadly heart infections. The findings provide unique insight into its complex life cycle, metabolism, and ability to invade host tissues.
UBC researchers find new superbug weapon for near-empty antibiotics arsenal
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a peptide that can fight infection by boosting the body's own immunity, reducing bacteria counts and mortality in animal models. The innate defense regulator peptide (IDR-1) may be useful as a supplement to antibiotics in combating common hospital infections.
Bacteria from patient's dental plaque causes ventilator-associated pneumonia
Research at University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that bacteria from dental plaque can cause ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study identified a strong relationship between oral and respiratory pathogens, suggesting that proper dental care may prevent lung disease.
Viral enzyme recruited in fight against ear infection
A new nasal spray treatment using a virus enzyme shows promise in preventing acute otitis media and secondary pneumonia in mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The treatment uses lysine to eliminate bacteria from the ear, reducing the risk of middle ear infection.
Viral protein is an effective preventative against infection
New research from Rockefeller University and St. Jude Children’s Hospital shows that a viral protein-derived lysin can prevent middle ear infections in mice by killing the bacteria that cause them. The treatment was 100% effective against secondary infections, which contribute to much of the sickness and death rates during flu season.
Researchers find best way to detect airborne pathogens
A new device called the BioSampler detects airborne pathogens more accurately than traditional methods, even in low concentrations. The BioSampler causes less damage to microorganisms, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their viability and potential threat to human health.
Darveau receives Periodontal Disease Research Award
Dr. Darveau's research has provided major paradigm shifts in understanding host responses to periodontal bacteria, including P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide's ability to down-regulate inflammatory responses.
Will the plague pathogen become resistant to antibiotics?
Researchers have found the same plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in common bacteria also present in the plague bacillus Yersinia pestis, raising concerns about its potential spread. This discovery highlights a significant public health risk as MDR Y. pestis could rapidly evolve and affect human health.
Bacterial walls come tumbling down
Scientists have detailed images of a bacterial cell wall target that could aid in designing new antibiotics to treat deadly infections. The images, published in the journal Science, show an antibiotic called moenomycin binding to the enzyme, providing a new understanding of its structure and function.
Genes and groups of genes commonly shared between species, studies show
Researchers found that more than half of primitive organisms have acquired genes through horizontal gene transfer, while only a few eukaryotes have done so. Two species of bacteria were also found to share large groups of genes, allowing them to adapt to their environment more quickly.
Rickettsia felis, a cat-flea–borne pathogen, sheds light on Rickettsial evolution
Researchers have developed a new classification system for Rickettsia bacteria, highlighting the importance of plasmids in virulence traits and host recognition. The study provides insight into the evolutionary origin of rickettsiae and has implications for the development of diagnostics and vaccines.
UA researchers identify new adherence factor, Pili, produced by tuberculosis
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Pili (MTP), a virulence factor produced by tuberculosis bacteria during human infection. This finding suggests MTP could be a promising TB-vaccine candidate, addressing the need for more effective immunization strategies against this devastating disease.
Natural antibiotics yield secrets to atom-level imaging technique
Researchers are using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to explore the properties of natural antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are produced by virtually all animals. AMPs have shown promise in targeting microbes without harming healthy host cells.
Swimming 'to the left' gets bacteria upstream, and may promote infection
Researchers found that bacteria like E. coli swim 'to the left' due to opposing forces of flow and bacterial motion, allowing them to find crevices and swim upstream. This phenomenon may contribute to high rates of infection in catheterized patients.
Scientists identify specific enzymes that make meningitis hard to fight
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified two key enzymes that help meningitis bacteria evade the body's immune system. The discovery could lead to novel treatments by disabling these enzymes and making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
A dietary supplement protects the lives of farm shrimp
A dietary supplement called poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) has been found to protect brine shrimp from infection by antibiotic-resistant Vibrio campbellii bacteria. PHB is a naturally-occurring compound that can be produced on an industrial scale, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics in the fish farming industry.
No reliable risk factors found for CA-MRSA
Studies by LA BioMed researchers found that close contacts of patients with CA-MRSA infection may be at higher risk of acquiring an infection. The findings suggest that CA-MRSA strains are more transmissible than traditional S. aureus strains, emphasizing the need for cautious treatment and contact isolation.
Salmonella survives better in stomach due to altered DNA
Researchers found new genetic information in Salmonella serovar Typhimurium DT104 that enables its survival and infection mechanism. The extra genetic characteristics make the pathogen stronger and more infectious.
Cholera pathogen reveals how bacteria generate energy to live
Scientists have made significant discoveries about the energy-generating mechanisms of bacteria, specifically Vibrio cholerae. The study reveals that this pathogen uses a unique system involving the enzyme NQR to generate a sodium gradient, which powers essential cell functions like movement and flagellar rotation.
Disabling key protein may give physicians time to treat pneumonic plague
Researchers found that a key protein is crucial for pneumonic plague's development. Disabling this protein slows the deadly attack, potentially giving doctors time to administer antibiotics and save patients.
New antibacterials being developed to tackle MRSA superbug
Researchers are developing novel antibacterial compounds targeting MRSA, a life-threatening drug-resistant infection. The new medicines block the ability of MRSA bacteria to divide and multiply, reducing resistance levels.
Stealth technology maintains fitness after sex
Researchers discovered a new type of DNA parasite that can increase the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The 'stealth' plasmid produces a protein that helps it survive and thrive in bacteria, making it harder to eradicate with antibiotics.
Leading cause of US food-borne illness makes its own pathway through cells
Researchers at Yale University have discovered how Campylobacter jejuni enters intestinal cells and avoids destruction. The bacteria creates its own intracellular network of vacuoles, diverting from the conventional endocytic pathway.
A beneficial suicide
Researchers discovered that neutrophils can form web-like structures called NETs outside cells, composed of nucleic acid and enzymes that catch bacteria and kill them. This process is equally effective as devouring bacteria, showcasing the neutrophil's role in defense even after death.
Technique quickly identifies bacteria for food safety, health care and homeland security
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique called desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) to rapidly detect and precisely identify bacteria. This method enables the analysis of living bacteria in under a minute, with high accuracy and specificity.
Treatments for urinary infections leave bacteria bald, happy and vulnerable
Researchers have developed pharmaceuticals that prevent E. coli from assembling pili, rendering it non-pathogenic and susceptible to elimination. This approach aims to slow the growth of antibiotic-resistant infections and minimize the development of resistance.