Articles tagged with Biofilm Infections
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A UCLA-led team has discovered a novel mechanism of kidney stone formation involving bacteria, challenging the long-held assumption that stones develop solely through chemical and physical processes.
A new study presents a two-step method to effectively dismantle bacterial biofilms and prevent regrowth. By using self-locomotive antibacterial microbubblers (SLAM) followed by a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid, researchers were able to prevent the regrowth of biofilms on surfaces, including medical instruments.
A study found that co-infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus suppresses immune responses, leading to worsened lung function decline in patients with cystic fibrosis and COPD. The presence of both bacteria together reduces the production of key immune signalling molecules, effectively dampening the body's inflam...
A new study found that many home washing machines are insufficient for decontaminating healthcare worker uniforms, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive. The researchers propose revising laundering guidelines or using on-site industrial machines to improve patient safety.
Bacteria use tactile sensors to detect surfaces and trigger biochemical signals for colonization. Understanding mechanosensing is crucial for improving gut health and preventing biofouling in industries.
Researchers discovered that bacteria use cell wall fragments as an alarm signal to initiate protective biofilm formation. Biofilms provide protection from immune cells, antibiotics, and viruses, highlighting universal survival strategies across bacterial species.
Scientists at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical produced by plants that prevents bacterial biofilm formation. This breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare and industrial settings, where biofilms cause significant problems.
A team of scientists at IISc has devised a way to break down biofilm barriers using an enzyme from the cow’s digestive tract, making bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. The enzyme successfully broke down biofilms in four strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and prevented its development altogether.
A new study finds that pathogens like Listeria and E. coli can survive on microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. These biofilms, called plastispheres, protect the pathogens from treatment processes, highlighting a challenge for safely reusing treated water.
The study found that P. aeruginosa adapts to the lung's mucus by relying on sugars and lactate, but also needs to synthesize essential nutrients through metabolic independence. Biofilm formation imposes a metabolic burden, slowing down the bacteria's ability to spread, while disrupting biofilms makes them more vulnerable to antibiotics.
A new study reveals how three species of bacteria coexist in biofilms by playing a game of 'nice' and then moving out when the surface becomes too crowded. The dominant species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disperses to allow other species to thrive.
The study highlights the role of proteins, polysaccharides, water channels, and metal ions in shaping biofilm morphology. Bacterial biofilms adapt to environmental stressors through complex interactions between cells and molecular processes in the extracellular space.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly resistant bacterial species causing serious infections. Researchers have engineered mutant strains to study anti-Acinetobacter compounds and address AMR preparedness.
Researchers at The University of Warwick created a realistic model of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) to better understand the infection. The study found that combining antibiotics with enzymes that break down biofilm slime layers could successfully eradicate the bacteria, offering new hope for treatments.
A new study from Flinders University found handbasin biofilms in residential settings have a more diverse bacterial community than hospitals, with higher Legionella bacteria counts. Regular cleaning and infection control practices are crucial to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers discovered that coumarin glycosides inhibit the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium by competing for iron, reversing enterococci-mediated infections. The study validates diet-based strategies to mitigate enteric polymicrobial infections.
A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.
Researchers developed an ultrasound-launched targeted nanoparticle to destroy Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, targeting bacteria and delivering antibiotics. The nanoparticle exhibited enhanced bactericidal activity due to ultrasonic cavitation and reactive oxygen species production.
University of Calgary researchers found that communication between the lungs and brain triggers symptoms of sickness, changing treatment approaches for respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The study also suggests targeting neurological pathways alongside antibiotics to combat infections.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered a way to trick bacteria into sending death signals to stop the growth of their slimy biofilms, which can lead to deadly infections. The study found that these 'death extracellular vesicles' can reduce bacterial growth by up to 99.99% in laboratory experiments.
Rumbaugh's lab aims to understand the effects of dispersing bacteria from a biofilm on their susceptibility to antibiotics and on the host. They will use enzymes as tools to break up biofilms, allowing researchers to better comprehend the relationship between bacterial dispersal and infection outcomes.
Researchers found that warmer water edges out antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in natural biofilms, suggesting a defense mechanism against their spread. The study suggests temperature can influence microbial competition in rivers.
Researchers from Columbia University found that bacteria in biofilms have a highly structured arrangement, allowing them to control physiological states and survive during antibiotic treatment. This discovery could lead to developing new drugs targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers from Binghamton University are unraveling the workings of Group B Strep (GBS) infections, which could someday lead to a vaccine. They have identified a novel protein that could serve as a vaccine candidate to fight this bacterium, impacting women's reproductive health and neonatal outcomes.
A new synthetic antibiotic teixobactin has been shown to be highly effective against 'superbugs' such as MRSA and bacterial biofilms, which are associated with serious chronic infections. The study's findings provide promising hope for the development of new treatments against multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm-related infections.
A new study reveals how growing biofilms alter their environments and fine-tune their internal architecture to fit surroundings. The findings have implications for fighting disease and developing new types of living active materials.
Researchers have engineered a living material resembling human phlegm to study polymicrobial biofilms in cystic fibrosis patients. The material, which grows 3D biofilms in a controlled manner, will help experts understand how these structures form and develop effective treatments.
Researchers at UTSA have discovered a novel strategy to inhibit the spread and infection of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. They identified a peptide-binding domain that can disrupt the virulence of V. cholerae, preventing intestinal colonization and biofilm formation.
Researchers found blue light kills both dried cells and biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes, a frequent contaminant of food processing facilities. The pathogen's demise occurred quickest on polystyrene surfaces.
Researchers used phage PASA16 to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, achieving an impressive 86.6% success rate. The study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of phage therapy as a valuable alternative to conventional antibiotics in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers developed AirGels, bioengineered models of human lung tissue, to study airway infections in a more realistic manner. They found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces contraction of the host's mucus using type IV pili, contributing to biofilm formation.
The Bioaction project leverages bacteria as allies in promoting tissue regeneration, offering a paradigm shift in addressing infections. By developing functional bio-hydrogels, the project aims to accelerate healing and stimulate bone growth, reducing reliance on extended antibiotic therapies.
Arizona State University researchers have developed a novel method of using UV-C light to inhibit biofilm growth in almost any space. The team successfully inhibited biofilm growth by delivering UV-C light through side-emitting optical fibers at low irradiance levels, achieving results comparable to continuous light exposure.
Researchers discovered that combining honey and vinegar can effectively kill bacteria in biofilms, making it a potential treatment for persistent infections. The study found that using both honey and acetic acid was more effective than using either substance alone.
Researchers at the University of St Andrews have developed an anti-biofilm cyclic peptide that targets a secreted aminopeptidase from P. aeruginosa, offering a novel strategy to combat bacterial biofilms and improve treatment of infections.
A WVU researcher is working to understand the unknowns about microorganisms growing inside pipes that bring drinking water to homes and businesses. Biofilms can be detrimental to drinking water quality, but the researcher aims to develop strategies for maintaining water quality throughout complex infrastructures.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a 'division-of-labor' strategy to colonize surfaces and spread through the body. This dual strategy allows the bacteria to increase its surface colonization success and resist antibiotic treatments.
Bioactive glasses with ionic silver show improved antimicrobial activity and can retain effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study demonstrates the potential for this combination to deliver more effective wound protection than conventional alternatives.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that cholera-causing Vibrio cholerae forms an aggressive biofilm on immune cells, killing them. This novel strategy of attack can significantly affect the progression of cholera infection.
Researchers developed a new method combining palmitoleic acid, gentamicin, and non-invasive ultrasound to improve drug delivery in chronic wounds infected with S. aureus. The strategy reduced bacterial burden by 94% and successfully sterilized wounds in diabetic mice.
Researchers from University of Toronto Engineering demonstrate that bending silicone rubber medical devices can form 'microcracks' perfect for colonizing bacteria. Bacteria prefer to attach in these microscopic cracks, leading to the formation of potentially harmful biofilms.
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria's F-pili are stronger in harsh conditions, enabling efficient gene transfer and biofilm formation. The findings highlight the challenge of combating antibiotic resistance and suggest exploiting similar molecular properties for precise drug delivery.
A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.
Researchers have designed a treatment that uses a modified bacterium to target and dissolve biofilms caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading cause of hospital mortality. The treatment has shown significant efficacy in mice, reducing lung infections and doubling survival rates.
Researchers developed an injectable hydrogel that inhibits common bacteria and promotes tissue regrowth, treating infections around prosthetics. The gel has a porous structure, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties.
Researchers found that fleas with early-phase infection are insufficient to drive epizootic outbreaks but can promote a low level of enzootic plague. Early-phase transmission may help maintain the enzootic state by reducing susceptible individuals in the population.
Caulobacter crescentus uses a toxin-antitoxin system to regulate programmed cell death in response to oxygen limitation, releasing DNA that promotes sibling dispersion. This mechanism helps maintain biofilm balance and prevents overcrowding.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed ceria nanoparticles to silence bacteria by modifying signaling molecules, preventing biofilm formation. This approach mimics nature's defense system and has potential for creating antibacterial surfaces without resistance.
Scientists have developed an enzyme that effectively breaks down signaling molecules used by bacteria to produce biofilms. The enzyme, LrsL, has exceptional efficacy in suppressing biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known for causing hospital-acquired infections.
Scientists at the University of Bath have discovered a novel polyamine that destroys MRSA superbug Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting its cell membrane, rendering it susceptible to antibiotics. The compound is also effective against biofilm and has shown promise as a potential new treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky are developing strategies to decrease antibiotic resistance and combat medical device infections through NSF-funded engineering research. Biofilms can form on implant surfaces, making them difficult to remove and contributing to disease progression.
A new class of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules developed by Rice University scientists kill specific Gram-positive bacteria and their biofilms. The molecules induce reactive oxygen species that chemically attack and destroy drug-resistant cells, offering a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics.
The ISM Annual Meeting highlights new topics in oral, vaginal, skin, and gut microbiota, as well as their metabolites and potential implications in diseases like cancer, depression, and stroke. The meeting aims to explore the mechanism behind microbiota efficacy and its potential application in precision medicine.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have found a phytochemical derived from broccoli that breaks down biofilms protecting antibiotic-resistant pathogens, enabling eradication rates of up to 94% when combined with antibiotics. The compound also accelerates wound healing and is being further developed for commercialization.
Researchers identify key enzyme CbrR and cyclic-di-GMP as crucial for Campylobacter jejuni's motility and biofilm formation. By targeting these elements, scientists aim to develop a safe molecule to prevent infection.
Researchers developed e-bandages producing hydrogen peroxide to treat wound infections, reducing MRSA biofilm bacteria by 99 percent. This alternative method to antibiotics has the potential to improve wound healing and reduce antibiotic resistance.
Chronic skin wounds and biofilm infections pose significant challenges in healthcare. A new NIH-funded project aims to develop a novel class of molecules targeting bacterial iron homeostasis to combat these infections. The researchers have identified proof-of-concept small molecules that can inhibit the BfrB-Bfd protein-protein interac...
Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.
Researchers found that nitrate triggers Salmonella bacteria to switch from a sessile, biofilm lifestyle to a motile, free-swimming lifestyle in the intestine. This switch enables the bacteria to cause active infection and establish transmission to a new host.
The study demonstrated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chlorin e-6 can effectively reduce bacterial plaque biofilms containing cariogenic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans. The treatment eliminated S. mutans and decreased total microorganisms by up to 3.7 units, with approximately 99% efficacy of antimicrobial activity.