Scientists crack genome sequence of major dairy pathogen
Researchers identified key genes and metabolic pathways to differentiate the bacterium from related species, shedding light on its unique biology and slow growth rate.
Bacterial Pathogens
Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Ozone produced by antibodies during bacterial killing and in inflammation
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute report that antibodies can kill bacteria through the production of hydrogen peroxide, which also leads to the formation of ozone. This discovery opens up possibilities for new antibody-mediated therapies for conditions ranging from bacterial and viral infections to cancer.
Sepsis vaccine proves protective in preliminary studies at The Scripps Research Institute
Researchers have developed a sepsis vaccine that provides outstanding protection by reducing inflammatory chemicals by nearly 95%. The vaccine targets endotoxins, which trigger the immune system's response to infection.
JCI table of contents, November 4, 2002
Researchers found that HIV-specific killer T cells in asymptomatic individuals can recognize and kill both laboratory strain and autologous virus-infected target cells. However, these cells in symptomatic patients with AIDS are no longer effective against their own mutated virus.
Dispersin' Escherichia coli all over the gut
A new study reveals dispersin, a protein on the surface of E. coli bacteria, helps promote its ability to survive and spread in the gut. Dispersin is now being explored as a potential vaccine candidate due to its strong immune response-provoking properties.
Amid food safety concerns, K-State professor believes consumers ready for irradiated meat products
Conducted studies show a strong majority of consumers favor irradiated ground beef, with surveys indicating 70-80% support the process when informed. Irradiation eliminates 99.9% of pathogens without changing taste or nutritional value.
Chlorine dioxide gas kills dangerous biological contaminants
Researchers at Purdue University have found that chlorine dioxide gas is highly effective in killing bacteria on food surfaces, particularly Listeria monocytogenes. The study showed significant reductions in bacterial populations on apple skin, stem cavity, and calyx using the gas.
Molecular mechanism underlaying anthrax infection described by UCSD School Of Medicine researchers
UCSD researchers describe how Bacillus anthracis' lethal toxin disables macrophage signaling, allowing bacteria to spread unchecked. The study's findings open the door for developing an antidote to block the toxin's action.
Natural-born killers enlisted to fight anthrax
Researchers have developed a new agent using phage enzymes that can specifically target and eliminate millions of anthrax bacteria within seconds. This targeted killer also shows promise as an anthrax detection and decontamination tool, with potential applications in mailrooms or subway stations.
Flare-ups of chronic lung disease associated with specific bacterial strains, UB researchers find
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that specific bacterial strains are associated with flare-ups of chronic lung disease. The researchers discovered that it is not the volume of bacteria, but rather the particular strain within a species, that contributes to exacerbations.
World's largest scientific society to honor DuPont scientists for 2 breakthrough discoveries
DuPont scientists Richard Rees and W. Mark Barbour's team developed innovative technologies to minimize falling and flying glass during explosions, while also detecting harmful pathogens in food supplies with the BAX system. Their advancements strengthen global security and protection measures.
Viruses help strep bacteria turn deadly
Researchers identified unique genes in a virulent GAS strain that were imported from bacteriophages, contributing to its high infectivity. The study provides new insights into the evolution of bacterial virulence and potential targets for novel treatments.
Surprising role for Staph’s toxic shock toxin
Researchers discover that Staph's toxic shock toxin inhibits production of other toxic proteins, leading to reduced disease severity. This breakthrough understanding sheds light on the complex ways Staph causes life-threatening infections.
Bleach-producing enzyme found to modulate blood vessel dilation during inflammation
A previously unrecognized function of myeloperoxidase has been identified, affecting vasculature through a pathway independent of chlorine bleach production. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to treat inflammatory vascular diseases and conditions like septic shock.
Bacterial quorum-sensing structure solved
Researchers at Cornell University and Argonne National Laboratory have solved the structure of a key bacterial quorum-sensing protein, which could lead to new treatments for biofilm-related diseases. The discovery may also enable the design of targeted therapies to prevent harmful bacteria from forming biofilms.
Warmer world will be a sicker world, say scientists
Climate change is disrupting natural ecosystems, making life better for infectious diseases, says a team of experts. Warmer temperatures are causing disease outbreaks in coral reefs, oyster populations, and bird species, as well as increasing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like Rift Valley Fever.
UCSD's Victor Nizet, M.D., receives Pediatric Infectious Diseases Award
Victor Nizet's award-winning research focuses on understanding the production of toxins by group A and B streptococcus in children, shedding light on potential treatments and disease prevention strategies. His work also explores anti-microbial peptides and the mechanism behind group B strep's ability to cause meningitis.
Common bacteria kills elkhorn coral off Florida keys, says UGA research team
A UGA research team has identified a common bacterium as the cause of white pox disease, killing over 98% of elkhorn coral on some reefs near Key West. The disease is highly contagious and spreads rapidly between reefs, highlighting the impact of environmental changes on marine ecosystems.
Study highlights success of meningitis C vaccination programme among UK children
A multi centre collaborative study found a two-thirds reduction in group C meningococci carriage after UK-wide vaccination. The programme protected both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, providing valuable insights for future comprehensive vaccines.
Mechanics of bacterium’s toxin being unraveled
Brenda A. Wilson's research explores Pasteurella multocida toxin's mechanism, revealing its impact on Gq protein and cell damage. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating toxin-mediated diseases.
DNA testing identifies suspect bacteria in coral reef disease
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have identified the main bacteria associated with black band disease, a widespread coral disease characterized by a ring-shaped bacterial mat. The study found that cyanobacteria are a key factor in the development of the disease.
Scientists discuss microbial pathogenesis in era of bioterrorism, drug resistance
Researchers are working on developing new treatments for bioterrorism and drug resistance, including the use of bacteriophages to target specific bacteria. Understanding how microbes create biofilms is also crucial in preventing chronic infections.
Bug vs. bug: scientists use microorganisms to target destructive termites
Researchers have discovered three promising microorganisms that can infect and kill termites, providing a potential solution for termite infestations. The microorganisms appear to work by breaking down the termites' bodies through enzymatic degradation mechanisms.
Scientists reveal secrets of infectious childhood heart disease
Researchers have identified genes unique to group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause acute rheumatic fever, a leading cause of childhood heart disease. The study also reveals that genetic material from different strains can be swapped, enabling the spread of the disease.
New protein plays espionage role in bacterial attack on plants
Scientists identified a protein called RIN4 that bridges between bacterial pathogens and plant disease resistance proteins, allowing pathogens to evade the host's defenses. The discovery adds new knowledge to how bacterial pathogens target plant molecular machinery to make it more hospitable.
Bacterial proteins cause autoimmunity in the antiphospholipid syndrome
Researchers found bacterial proteins cause autoimmune disorders in APS patients by mimicking endogenous host proteins. High-affinity antibodies against these proteins were pathogenic and induced symptoms similar to APS. The study raises concerns about vaccine risks, particularly the tetanus toxoid protein.
Study suggests gum disease, cardiovascular disease link common phenomenon in developed countries
A study of German subjects found periodontal disease bacteria in carotid artery samples, supporting the 'infectious burden' hypothesis that oral infection plays a role in atherogenesis. The study also identified multiple types of bacteria, suggesting a complex relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.
Bacteria's iron-absorbing mechanisms may open gates for new types of antibiotics
Bacteria use transporters to pump iron into cells, a process that could be exploited for new antibiotic designs. Researchers deciphered the structure of an iron transporter and found it undergoes dramatic changes when transporting iron.
Superbug dynasties conquer the globe
A recent study reveals that Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of hospital-borne infections, is part of a few massive superbug families. These bacteria have spread globally and can be tracked through unique genetic fingerprints, suggesting new targets for disease-fighting drugs.
University of Toronto botanist identifies disease components of bacteria
A University of Toronto geneticist has discovered a process to clarify the relationship between bacterial pathogens and their plant hosts. By developing a functional screen, Professor David Guttman identified more type III effectors in plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae than in any other animal or plant pathogen.
Researchers discover mechanism of plant resistance to pathogens
Plant cells employ a sophisticated immune system with a thick cell wall and Leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase that detects bacterial flagellin, triggering gene expression and immune response. The discovery sheds light on plant resistance to pathogens and paves the way for engineering pathogen-resistant crops.
DNA arrays give clues to better vaccines
Researchers used DNA arrays to understand macrophage responses, revealing that specific bacterial components can activate the immune system. This knowledge will help design therapeutics with fewer side effects and improve disease treatment.
Unusual patient cases help UCSD researchers link toxin to development of 'flesh-eating' bacterial infections
A potent bacterial toxin called streptolysin S (SLS) plays a crucial role in producing necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection also known as 'flesh-eating disease'. Researchers discovered that SLS is essential for both group A Streptococcus and group G Streptococcus bacteria to cause the infection.
Study suggests way to short-circuit microbe communication
Researchers have found that bacteria use an analogous integrated communications system to sense chemical signals. The discovery may lead to new vaccine strategies and the creation of surfaces that naturally repel pathogenic microbes.
Bacteria's natural foe fights drug-resistant infections
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a novel approach to combating antibiotic-resistant infections by using a natural enzyme derived from tiny viruses that live inside bacteria. This enzyme can target and kill disease bacteria on the surface of cells, providing an alternative method for combating resistant pathogens.
Tracking path of virulent bacteria via the web
Cornell students developed a web-based software and database to track bacterial strain characteristics and visualize molecular subtypes, allowing researchers to quickly analyze outbreaks and epidemics. The new tool reduces manual comparisons from days to minutes, aiding scientists in tracking virulent bacteria.
Peptide identified as natural antibiotic providing first line of defense against bacterial infection
Researchers at UCSD and VA San Diego Healthcare System discovered a natural antibiotic peptide called cathelicidin, which inhibits microbe growth and plays a crucial role in mammalian innate immunity. The study provides hope for developing new treatments and a blood test to identify individuals susceptible to bacterial infections.
Researchers discover new family of naturally occurring antibiotics
Scientists have identified a novel family of peptide antibiotics, Piscidins, isolated from the tissues of hybrid striped bass and found in mast cells. These potent compounds show broad-spectrum activity against various bacterial pathogens, including multi-drug-resistant strains.
Chemical pollution and human sewage could be killing corals
Researchers studied coral outbreaks off the island of Curacao, finding high concentrations of metals and human pathogens near major oil refineries. The team suggests that environmental stresses caused by pollution may be weakening corals' resistance to bacterial infection.
'Smart bandage' diagnoses danger before infection takes hold
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a smart bandage that can detect bacteria and provide instant diagnosis, changing color to indicate the presence of Gram-positive or negative bacteria. The bandage is part of a larger 'smart medical home' system that aims to give people more control over their health.
Researchers identify pathogen-specific gene response in human immune cells
This study provides evidence for pathogen-specific gene responses in dendritic cells, offering insights into the tailored immune defense mechanism. The research uses DNA array technology to investigate how dendritic cells discriminate between pathogens and activates specific genes to initiate an immune response.
California researchers receive award for developing natural pesticide
Researchers at AgraQuest have developed a natural pesticide called Serenade that targets various fungal and bacterial diseases. It is highly effective and nontoxic to humans, birds, fish, and beneficial insects, making it suitable for integrated pest management systems.
New DNA-base vaccine approach protects mice against anthrax
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new DNA-based vaccine approach that successfully immunizes mice against anthrax. The vaccine uses combinations of two gene products produced by the bacteria responsible for causing anthrax, resulting in strong immune responses.
Regulation of host responses by a bacterial peptide
A bacterial peptide has been identified as a key regulator of host responses to infection. This discovery opens up new avenues for the development of therapies targeting this process.
IIT develops technology that may help doctors identify blood pathogens faster
Students at IIT's Interprofessional Program developed a blood sniffing e-nose that can identify hundreds of specific scent signatures, potentially cutting testing time down to minutes. The technology uses electronic noses sensitive to microscopic particles, similar to the receptors in the human nose.
Chemokine expression heightens antibacterial immunity
Researchers have discovered that chemokine expression plays a crucial role in enhancing antibacterial immunity. This finding is significant for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute discover a previously unknown role for antibodies
Researchers found that antibodies can convert oxygen into hydrogen peroxide, a previously unknown mechanism that could enhance their killing power and contribute to autoimmune diseases like lupus. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for new antibody-mediated therapies for bacterial, viral, and cancer treatments.
Duke researchers shed light on a depression in cells that serves as a route of entry for pathogens and toxins
Duke researchers have identified caveolae, small pits on cell membranes, as a route of entry for various pathogens and toxins. This finding could lead to new avenues for treating infections and delivering drugs into cells.
Ketek® receives marketing approval in Europe
Ketek has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. The approval follows positive opinion from the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and will be available in all 15 EU-Member States.
Poking holes in pathogens: scientists at The Scripps research institute build a new class of nanotube 'smart drugs'
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop cyclic peptide nanotubes that disrupt bacterial cell walls, killing deadly pathogens. These 'nanotube' stacks have strong bactericidal activity and may minimize resistance development.
Vegetable 'immune systems' protect better against food spoilage
Researchers found that vegetable recipes from around the world are less spicy than their meat-based counterparts, thanks to plants' inherent defenses against bacterial and fungal infections. The study suggests that spices were originally used to protect against foodborne pathogens in hot climates before refrigeration.
KETEK highly active in vitro against European isolates of community-acquired respiratory pathogens
The study suggests KETEK is an effective option for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, which cause 50 million deaths globally each year. KETEK demonstrated high activity against a range of bacteria, including pneumococci and S. pyogenes, with up to 99.6% susceptibility
As people’s taste for exotic foods increases, so too does health risk
Researchers found that Shigella bacteria can survive for up to six days in refrigerated conditions and rapidly multiply at room temperature. Properly storing fruits and vegetables and thoroughly washing them are crucial to removing pathogens like Shigella from produce.