Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a mechanism through which 'good' viruses can target and destroy 'bad' bacteria, using a bacteriophage protein to exploit the bacterial DNA's need for repair. This finding may lead to new tools to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers found numerous novel genes promoting microbial resistance in international travelers' gut microbiomes. The study highlights the global spread of antimicrobial resistance through travel and emphasizes the need for broader surveillance.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a vaccine that guides bacteria's evolution to make them a weaker pathogen, rather than trying to kill them. The combination vaccine was shown to be more effective in preventing Salmonella infections than existing vaccines.
Francisella tularensis can persist in a dormant state for over six months in cold water without nutrients, remaining fully virulent. This discovery changes the understanding of the bacterium's ecology, suggesting it spends most of its time outside a host and amplifies disease events in mammals.
A new species of bacteria, Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis, has been found to cause a fatal disease in palms in Queensland, Australia. The bacterium is thought to be spread by insects and poses a significant threat to Australia's ornamental palm industry.
Researchers found that horned passalus beetles, known as bessbugs, have frass teeming with antibiotic and antifungal compounds produced by actinomycetes beneficial bacteria. This discovery could help speed the search for new antibiotics and improve strategies to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections.
According to NIH scientists, Salmonella bacteria establish a foothold in the GI tract by hijacking intestinal epithelial cell response, driving colonization and fecal shedding. This process fuels the bacteria's ability to invade neighboring cells and seed the intestine for transmission.
A new gene cluster in Staphylococcus epidermidis enables the bacteria to produce structures that allow them to attach to human cells and form a persistent infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments or vaccinations against methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
Research finds that a balance between immune-suppressive and non-suppressive bacterial strains in the plant microbiota is crucial for maintaining microbe-plant homeostasis. This balance allows plants to promote growth while preventing excessive defense, reducing disease susceptibility.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that a protein called gasdermin B (GSDMB) is killed by the infectious bacteria Shigella flexneri, which tags GSDMB with a chemical tag for destruction. This discovery could lead to new antibiotics and treatments for inflammatory diseases such as asthma and Type 1 diabetes.
An international research team has discovered a new molecule, ananatosides, produced by non-pathogenic bacteria Pantoea ananatis, which could potentially replace harmful rhamnolipid molecules. The team's findings aim to address the health risks associated with growing pathogenic bacteria on a large scale.
Researchers at Monash University have engineered a new antimicrobial surface that significantly reduces bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on medical instruments, including urinary catheters. The surface, with smooth 3D micro features, effectively combats the three most common UTI-causing bacteria.
Researchers develop therapeutic strategy to disrupt sticky biofilm that causes early childhood caries, a severe form of dental decay. The treatment targets the bonds between bacteria and yeast, reducing biofilm volume and making it easier to remove.
Researchers developed a new basis for comparing tuberculosis treatments using an rRNA synthesis ratio, enabling more intelligent drug design and acceleration of treatments. This tool has crucial implications for combatting the global TB epidemic by providing a durable cure.
A new laboratory method called TaqMan Array Card (TAC) has been validated for detecting a diverse range of bacteria that cause diarrheal disease. The TAC is faster and cheaper than traditional methods while delivering comparable results, enabling comprehensive monitoring of enteropathogens in informal settlements.
Researchers at UMD are exploring antimicrobials that can inhibit the pathogen on a biomolecular level, reducing the burden of Lyme disease and its symptoms like PTLDS. The grant will support preclinical testing to see whether treatment with new compounds can prevent infection.
A Virginia Tech research team has identified a protein called NapA associated with peptidoglycan, a lingering cell wall component of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The protein plays an amplifying role in causing inflammation by acting as a molecular beacon that antagonizes the immune system.
Researchers found that Salmonella bacteria cannot penetrate through strawberry roots and reach the fruit, making it an unlikely dietary risk factor. Effective methods for preventing surface contamination, such as drip irrigation and proper handling during harvesting, can further reduce the risk of contamination.
A new study found that organic-certified meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to conventionally produced meat. The research analyzed data from the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and covered over 39,000 meat samples.
Scientists at the University of Surrey detail how they measure metabolite fluxes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, crucial for understanding its survival and developing effective treatments. This breakthrough could accelerate progress towards eliminating tuberculosis globally.
A study published in Nature reveals that early life is critical for setting up surveillance mechanisms to keep good bacteria in check. The immune system learns to recognize and distinguish between good and bad bacteria, which helps prevent chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers tracked antibiotic resistance in E. coli over 16 years, finding rapid increase in multi-drug resistant strains. The study highlights the importance of tracking resistant bacteria to prevent their spread and improve treatment options.
Researchers developed molecular tweezers to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by targeting biofilm. The study found that binding the tweezers to the biofilm disrupts its protective capabilities, making bacterial pathogens less virulent to the human body.
Research suggests that an imbalance in gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, may play a significant role in the progression of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The study found reduced abundance of certain bacteria in HS patients, leading to an inflammatory response.
A study by researchers in Berlin and Milan found that floods can increase bacteria concentrations in groundwater due to reduced purification capacity of bank filtration. The research highlights the importance of considering seasonal dynamics and sediment properties in risk assessment practices.
Damage to the epithelial barrier is responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Research suggests that environmental toxins and pollutants play a significant role in causing these disruptions, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention strategies.
A recent study uses phylogenetic methods to integrate vertical and horizontal gene transmission, revealing that genes travel vertically two-thirds of the time. This analysis predicts a root between two major clades, Terrabacteria and Gracilicutes, shedding light on early bacterial evolution.
Researchers found a link between specific gut bacteria species and physical manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases. The study showed that introducing certain bacteria into worms caused protein aggregation, a common symptom of these conditions. This finding may help explain the connection between gut bacteria and neurodegeneration.
Researchers found selective patterns of antibody reactivity to microbiota flagellins among Crohn's disease patients, with augmented serum IgG antibodies to Lachnospiraceae flagellins. These findings suggest a potential target for prognosis and personalized therapies in Crohn's disease.
Researchers developed a genetic material-based catalogue to predict antibiotic resistance in MDR-TB, enabling accelerated treatment development. The study found that 99% of predicted drug combinations were effective in traditional microbiological testing.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a mechanism allowing meningitis-causing bacteria to evade the immune system by sensing temperature changes. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae produce safeguards in response to rising temperatures, boosting their defenses against immune attacks.
A new strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG has been successfully developed to thrive in milk, offering potential benefits for infant gut health. The modified probiotic can utilize lactose and casein, producing lactic acid that inhibits gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.
Research shows that nearly half of fecal samples from wild chimpanzees contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need for improved hygiene and proper antibiotic use. The study's findings will support the development of interventions to protect both human health and endangered species.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that mice fed a Western-style diet high in processed foods and low in fiber developed persistent infections that led to inflammation and insulin resistance. The researchers suggest that altering gut microbiota through diet may be a means of promoting health.
New Army-funded synthetic biology research has enabled the manipulation of micro-compartments in cells, potentially leading to breakthroughs in bio-manufacturing. The study could inform new ways to design medicine, synthetic cells and nano-reactors for nanotechnology applications.
Researchers developed a system treating pig farm wastewater, removing odors and excess nitrates. The new process relies on bacteria to convert nitrates to nitrogen gas, offering a scalable and low-maintenance solution for the agricultural industry.
A new AI platform has identified specific proteins that allow bacteria to infect the intestines, paving the way for smart drugs to prevent disease. The study used machine-learning tools and genomic information of multiple bacteria to make accurate predictions.
New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the impact of a bird eye disease on house finch populations, revealing an escalating arms race between the birds' immune systems and bacterial strains. The study suggests that imperfect immunity is driving this battle, with bacteria evolving to overcome strengthened finch defenses.
Researchers found that trehalose and glycogen pathways are crucial for stress tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant pathogen causing pneumonia and hospital-acquired infections. Disrupting these pathways significantly reduced the bacteria's ability to survive on man-made surfaces.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that penetrate human cells and destroy bacteria, offering new hope against antibiotic resistance. The particles use cerium oxide to create reactive oxygen species that kill germs, reducing the likelihood of resistance development.
Scientists at the University of Reading found that handwashing shapes communities of bacteria in sink drains, with dominant families differing by location and plumbing system type. The study suggests that even thorough cleaning may not eliminate all bacteria, highlighting the need for thorough disinfection of sinks.
Researchers created a platform that can develop effective peptide nucleic acid therapies against bacteria in just one week. The Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform enables speedy identification and testing of molecules targeting new mechanisms in pathogens.
Scientists have developed active liquid crystal systems that can exhibit autonomous behavior, self-regulate, and detect pathogens. These systems show high sensitivity to environmental stimuli, making them potentially programmable for various applications.
The project aims to determine the mechanism of Neisseria pathogenesis to find innovative treatments. The researchers will use high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and infection models to study the genetic modifications and their roles in adaptation.
Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.
A study by researchers at the University of Campinas found that adults with periodontitis transmit bacteria to their children, leading to subgingival bacterial colonization at an early age. This highlights the importance of preventive care in infancy to avoid developing this inflammatory disease of the gums.
Researchers have developed a new superbug-destroying coating that could be used on wound dressings and implants to prevent and treat potentially deadly bacterial and fungal infections. The material is effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacteria and fungal cells, while leaving human cells unharmed.
A UBCO research team found that maternal fat intake affects infant gut microbial communities, immune development, and disease risk. The study suggests that milk fat may improve protection against intestinal infections when combined with n-3 PUFAs.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have identified new drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic Kefir yogurt. The molecules were found to disrupt cell-cell communication in pathogenic bacteria, offering a promising approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a novel protein transport system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing the release of its toxin, tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT), into human macrophages. The study reveals that two small Esx proteins form pores in membranes to facilitate TNT secretion.
Researchers developed a new method to detect multiple types of DNA methylation in individual bacteria and the gut microbiome using nanopore sequencing. This breakthrough enables reliable methylation discovery and high-resolution microbiome analysis.
Researchers discovered that transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling the activation of the stringent response pathway. The MurM enzyme, involved in cell wall synthesis, acts as a quality control manager to ensure accurate translation and prevent toxic tRNA buildup.
A study led by McMaster University identified adherent-invasive E-coli (AIEC) as a strong potential trigger for Crohn's disease. AIEC bacteria are often found in the intestines of people with Crohn's, and research suggests that they can cause the condition by allowing them to freely colonize the gut lining.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a protein that could block Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning. The secreted protein, CiaD, facilitates cell entry and takes control of important cell processes. This breakthrough could lead to real-world solutions for preventing Campylobacter-related diseases.
A new study found that apes, including humans and chimpanzees, mount a stronger early response to viral and bacterial stimulation compared to African and Asian monkeys. This robust response may be due to differences in life history, with apes living longer and being larger, increasing their lifetime risk of pathogen exposure.
Two approved medications, ticagrelor and oseltamivir, protect platelets and improve survival in mice with S. aureus blood infections. These compounds could be repurposed to treat badly needed therapies for blood infections.
The first complete genome for the bacteria that causes bacterial spot disease in pumpkins has been assembled, providing valuable resources to understand its spread, host specificity, and potential resistance to chemical controls. The study identified key genes involved in infection and compared them with other Xanthomonas species.
Researchers at Skoltech have discovered new gene clusters that employ a 'Trojan horse' strategy to kill bacterial cells by preventing protein synthesis. These findings suggest the possibility of developing novel antimicrobial agents, which could be used to combat pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Seville are studying the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacteria like Pseudomonas putida to develop biocontrol agents for sustainable agriculture. The T6SS is a molecular weapon that allows bacteria to quickly eliminate competitors and protect plants from diseases.
A new study found that microplastics in wastewater treatment plants can host antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens, leading to a significant increase in resistance by up to 30 times. The microplastics form a biofilm that allows the bacteria to attach and exchange genes, posing risks to human health.