Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Listeria uses host cell lipids to move within cells and spread through the body. The bacteria hijack the host cell's actin cytoskeleton using two membrane lipids, PIP2 and PIP3, which are essential for their movement.
Researchers at UW-Madison develop a system using living microbes as templates for fabricating nanoscale structures. The ability to capture and analyze individual microbes could lead to new ways of assembling nanodevices and detecting biological threats.
Conventional poultry producers like Tyson and Perdue have higher rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter contamination than completely antibiotic-free brands like Eberly and Bell & Evans. The study's findings suggest a long-term threat to public health from using antibiotics in poultry production.
Max Planck scientists have developed a novel therapeutic strategy against anthrax using defensins. These molecules can neutralize the lethal toxin of anthrax bacilli, preventing its deadly effect and protecting against fatal consequences.
A recent study by Washington University researchers used a molecular survey to detect Mycobacterium avium in the lungs of nine lifeguards who developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to pool water. The bacterium, known for its resistance to disinfection, was found at high levels in air samples taken near the pool.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces nitric oxide, contributing to inflammation and host defense. eNOS-derived NO accelerates host-defense responses but also leads to excessive inflammation and sepsis.
Dr. Curtis has received the Basic Research in Periodontal Disease Award for his outstanding contributions to understanding bacterial protease function and glycosylation of bacterial virulence determinants. The award recognizes his work in developing novel antimicrobial strategies against periodontal pathogens.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Norovirus causes 65% of traveler's diarrhea in US visitors to Mexico and Guatemala. The researchers also discovered a higher rate of dual infections with E. coli, suggesting that these co-infections may be more common than previously thought.
Researchers discovered a symbiotic relationship between a wasp species and a new bacterial species that protects against pathogenic fungi. The European beewolf's larvae benefit from the antibiotics produced by the Streptomyces bacteria, leading to increased survival rates.
Researchers are studying entomopathogenic nematodes, tiny worms that kill insects by releasing bacteria inside their hosts. The goal is to develop non-chemical and non-toxic pest control programs using these natural agents.
Despite advances in molecular biology, microbes have outpaced pharmaceutical companies in developing resistance to antibiotics. Dr. Julian Davies highlights over 300 known genes that confer resistance, and notes the need for a deeper understanding of microbial evolution.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found significant differences in genetic libraries among bacteria strains previously thought to be similar. The study suggests that current definitions may need revision as many bacteria share as few as 65% of their genes, highlighting the importance of ecological distinctiveness.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a new technology platform that can identify multiple pathogens simultaneously, providing high sensitivity and breadth. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize differential diagnosis and detection in various fields, including clinical medici...
A recent NIH study found a direct link between cardiovascular disease and four types of bacteria commonly found in periodontal infections. The study monitored 657 participants' oral bacteria and carotid thickness, revealing that the same bacteria were present throughout, suggesting a specific association.
The genome sequence of V. fischeri reveals surprising parallels with Vibrio cholerae and other pathogens, indicating toxin activity genes. The research sheds light on the connection between quorum sensing and global regulatory networks in bacterial cell communication.
S. epidermidis produces poly-gamma-glutamate (PGA) to protect itself from innate host defenses during infection. The findings suggest PGA as a promising target for drug development to combat related illnesses.
Research from Imperial College London finds that bacterial communities mirror human social life, with close contacts more likely to share infections. Despite potential advantages like antibiotic resistance, the variation in pathogen strains' ability to spread is largely explained by chance.
A substance called poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid (PGA) has been shown to protect Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria from natural human defenses. The discovery could lead to new treatments for S. epidermidis infections, which can cause serious conditions like sepsis and endocarditis.
The study compared the complete genome sequences of four Campylobacter strains, identifying novel phages and megaplasmids that may help scientists understand the bacteria's virulence. The analysis also revealed sequence variations among the strains, including major structural differences related to DNA insertions.
The NIDCR-launched study aims to detect unique patterns of gene expression in oral bacterial communities that predict periodontal diseases. The researchers will store biological information in a searchable online database, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment.
A clinical study found that roughly half the population produces more than 98% of potentially pathogenic bioaerosols. Administration of nebulized saline can reduce droplet exhalation in high-producers for up to six hours.
Scientists found significant differences in Salmonella and E. coli's use of a gene linked to processes that govern antibiotic resistance, altering their ability to survive in different environments. The study suggests that understanding such changes will help develop new treatments for disease-causing microorganisms.
A new study by UGA researcher Rob Maier found that Salmonella uses molecular hydrogen as an energy source, expanding previous findings on major human pathogens. This discovery has profound implications for the treatment of some diseases and could lead to therapeutic interventions by targeting unique metal clusters in bacteria.
Researchers studying Acetobacter bacteria have discovered enzymes that resist acid, shedding light on potential treatments for diseases caused by misfolded proteins. The findings could lead to more stable proteins and environmentally friendly industrial processes.
A Yale University study identified a tick gut receptor used by spirochete bacteria to colonize ticks, which the bacteria use to survive. Blocking this receptor disrupts the bacteria's life cycle, opening up new strategies for improving Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
A toxic molecule from bacteria causes massive tissue damage in humans but promotes organ development in a tiny Pacific Ocean squid. This discovery challenges long-held perceptions of microbes and their role as pathogens, highlighting the importance of context-dependent relationships between bacteria and host organisms.
Researchers investigated anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in a study on photodynamic therapy. The photosensitizers were able to completely suppress the anaerobic key pathogens, but facultative anaerobic bacteria tested responded less effectively to PDT.
The RetS gene product in P. aeruginosa activates virulence factors for acute infection while repressing those required for long-term, chronic infection. This system may orchestrate the transition from acute colonization to chronic infection in this human pathogen.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a device that can detect as few as six viruses using a tiny paddle oscillator. The device, which uses the natural resonant frequency of the paddles to sense changes in mass, has the potential to differentiate between various pathogens and toxic organic chemicals.
The NIAID's Large-Scale Antibody and T Cell Epitope Discovery Program aims to deepen understanding of immune function against certain infectious agents. Researchers will discover new epitopes from various microbes, including those that could be used in bioterrorist attacks, to design improved medical countermeasures.
A study found that women treated with clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis experienced more frequent increases in E. coli concentrations and higher rates of clindamycin-resistant bacteria compared to those treated with metronidazole. In contrast, metronidazole therapy resulted in increased colonization by protective Lactobacillus species.
Researchers identify Photorhabdus asymbiotica, a bioluminescent bacterium that causes pustulent sores and is linked to the plague. The study highlights the potential for emerging diseases to evolve from insect pathogens.
The NIH has funded two new bioinformatics resources at UT Southwestern to improve drug discovery and vaccine development. The BioHealthBase will focus on understanding how microbes establish infections, while the ImmPort system will integrate data from different biomedical research areas to identify disease-causing genes and proteins.
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new method for detecting bacteria using bioconjugated nanoparticles, which can identify single E. coli bacteria in less than 20 minutes. This technology has significant implications for food safety and bioterrorism detection.
Researchers have discovered a key plant protein, VPEg, that plays a crucial role in defending plants against various pathogens by activating programmed cell death pathways. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of how plants control cell death and may lead to new strategies for improving crop resistance.
Purdue researchers develop a new optical biosensor that can detect minute quantities of Listeria monocytogenes in less than 24 hours. The sensor is selective enough to recognize only the species monocytogenes and has improved detection capabilities compared to existing commercial test kits.
Researchers found that bacteriophages can rapidly evolve new variants to target resistant bacteria, opening up possibilities for developing dynamic anti-microbial agents. The discovery could provide a renewable resource of smart antibiotics for treating bacterial diseases.
The study reveals that Strep bacteria employ a dual strategy to outsmart the immune system: producing a toxic 'sword' called hemolysin to kill immune cells, and an antioxidant 'shield' made of carotenoids to protect itself from oxidative damage. This unique approach makes GBS a more lethal pathogen.
Researchers have cracked the genetic code of B. mallei, a highly evolved pathogen that causes glanders, an infectious equine disease. The study reveals a tightly regulated set of virulence genes and genomic instability, which may explain why B. mallei can evade host immune responses.
A $18 million bioinformatics center will provide a single web-based entry point for infectious disease researchers to access data on hundreds of deadly microorganisms. The center aims to accelerate research into the biology and evolution of these pathogens, with a focus on eight key species.
Researchers discovered that streptokinase, an enzyme produced by Streptococcus, enables its infection in humans while showing minimal activity against other mammals. The study creates a transgenic mouse model for studying human-specific microbes.
Researchers discovered that Streptococcal bacteria use an enzyme called streptokinase to block the human blood clotting response and spread within the body. The study found that subtle variations in plasminogen genes may explain why some people are more susceptible to strep infections.
A computer simulation by Rice University scientists suggests that the ability to evolve can itself be favored through natural selection. This idea challenges traditional views and provides insights into the evolution of drug resistance in bacteria, immune system cells, and higher-order organisms.
Researchers have identified viral proteins that can kill specific bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which cause various infections. These enzymes can be delivered orally or nasally to decolonize individuals in high-risk settings.
Researchers found that beneficial bacteria trigger proteins called Toll-like receptors to maintain intestinal epithelial cell health and activate machinery for tissue repair. These receptors play a crucial role in protecting tissues from damage and inducing recovery after injury.
Researchers found that babA protein, used by virulent H. pylori strains, has lost flexibility to bind to multiple blood types due to adaptation in Latin American populations. This discovery may lead to new approaches to prevent or decrease infections.
A study by Cornell University researchers found Listeria bacteria on foods in 47 out of 50 retail food stores, with 34% showing persistent strains after re-inspection. The bacteria were also found in seven food-processing plants, highlighting the need for improved control measures to prevent food contamination.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have determined the three-dimensional structure of sortase, an enzyme that attaches proteins to bacterial pathogens. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme, which is essential for bacterial survival and iron acquisition.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella bacteria can alter the lipid composition of a vacuole to avoid destruction by a lysozome, allowing it to survive and replicate rapidly. This remarkable mechanism may lead to new targets for therapeutic strategies to control food poisoning and typhoid fever.
The TIGR president discussed the significance of finding anthrax toxin genes in a naturally occurring microbe other than Bacillus anthracis. The study found these genes in a virulent strain of Bacillus cereus, suggesting natural horizontal gene transfer may have occurred.
Researchers from Duke University Medical Center used a common worm as a model to identify specific genes within Salmonella that enable the bacteria to infect host cells. The study found four genes required for maximum potency in infecting the worm, which are also present in human mammals.
The cytolethal distending toxin, a bacterial toxin that causes diseases such as typhoid fever and diarrhea, damages human DNA by creating lesions and breaks that prevent cells from dividing. This discovery provides a visual blueprint for understanding the toxin's mechanism and could lead to new drug targets to prevent cancer.
A new study by the American Society for Microbiology reveals that white tea extract is more effective than green tea at inactivating bacterial viruses and has an anti-fungal effect on certain fungi. The addition of white tea to toothpastes enhances their anti-microbial properties.
Nearly half of clinicians' neckties contained disease-causing bacteria, posing a significant risk to patient health. The study raises questions about the benefits of wearing neckties in healthcare settings.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy using live, crippled Salmonella bacteria that stimulate immunity to multiple pathogens. The vaccine protected mice 100% against lethal doses of both S. typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes.
A new protein, DEFB118, has been discovered in the male reproductive tract and has potent antibacterial activity. It may aid fertilization by protecting sperm from harmful organisms encountered in the female reproductive tract.
Researchers have discovered a molecule called ppGpp that plays a crucial role in regulating bacterial gene expression and survival. When amino acid levels are low, ppGpp accumulates and shuts down protein synthesis, allowing the cell to go dormant until conditions improve.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Big Red chewing gum reduced anaerobic bacteria in saliva by over 50% and eliminated bad breath-causing bacteria. The gum's cinnamic aldehyde content proved effective against halitosis, a common oral health issue.
Researchers are developing bacterial cellulose-based products for various uses, including artificial blood vessels for microsurgery, electronic paper displays, and bioengineered wound dressings. These innovative materials have the potential to improve healing rates, reduce pain, and enhance medical outcomes.
Researchers have discovered profound differences in the gene content of T. denticola, an oral pathogen associated with gum disease, compared to other spirochetes that cause syphilis and Lyme disease. The study's findings highlight the power of comparative genomics in understanding how related pathogens can cause different diseases.