Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.
A new portable device can deliver accurate test results for tuberculosis (TB) in less than half an hour, matching lab accuracy. The MiniDock MTB uses similar technology to COVID-19 tests and detects DNA of mycobacterium tuberculosis, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment
A team of scientists at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) has made a significant breakthrough in treating deadly non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. They have developed new compounds, including rifamycin candidates, which show promise in treating M. abscessus and other rapidly growing NTMs.
Scientists have discovered that mycobacteria release tiny packages called extracellular vesicles that fuse with immune cells' membranes, making them more rigid. This helps the bacteria avoid destruction and survive inside human cells. The study reveals an entirely new way of understanding how mycobacteria survive, opening promising ave...
Researchers discovered how the Lsr2 protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) protects against foreign DNA inserted into its genome. This mechanism involves the protein forming condensates that silence specific regions of Mtb DNA, preventing harm to the bacteria.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a promising new substance that inhibits the ability of tuberculosis bacteria to produce energy and causes them to die. The compound, PRP020, targets the pathogen's ATP synthase but attacks a different site than existing drugs like bedaquiline.
Researchers found that a structurally modified version of the drug florfenicol exploits drug resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium abscessus to amplify its effect, perpetually. This approach presents a potentially safer and more effective way to treat certain antibiotic-resistant infections, minimizing host mitochondrial toxicity and ...
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...
Scientists have engineered a new drug candidate to target the deadly Mycobacterium abscessus infection, which is growing threat among immunocompromised patients and those with certain lung diseases. The new findings offer a promising solution for cystic fibrosis patients who are most endangered by M. abscessus infections.
Scientists at Scripps Research have imaged the structure of a phage that targets Mycobacteria, revealing a unique genome translocation mechanism and insights into the dynamic process of infection. The study provides new hope for developing effective phage therapies for antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
Researchers found that curcumin enhances the effectiveness of bedaquiline in combating M. abscessus infections, with the combination showing synergistic enhancement of antibacterial activity. The study suggests potential new treatment pathways for resistant infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network facilitates access to specialized care and support for hundreds of thousands of people with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The network aims to improve quality of life and advance a cure for these conditions.
A new self-destructing vaccine provides improved safety and protection against TB in macaque monkeys, outperforming the standard BCG vaccine. The 'kill switch' mechanism eliminates the risk of accidental infection, offering a safer vaccination option for immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers discovered an extremely diverse collection of viruses on toothbrushes and showerheads, including previously unknown species. These bacteriophages target bacteria, not humans, and have potential uses in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum shows that an enzymatic cocktail can effectively kill a variety of mycobacterial species, including those causing tuberculosis. The research delivers the enzymes inside host macrophages where mycobacteria grow, increasing efficacy and reducing toxicities associated with current treatments.
Researchers have developed a new antibiotic candidate, COE-PNH2, which demonstrates high efficacy against Mycobacterium abscessus and shows a blend of potency and safety. The molecule targets both replicating and dormant forms of the bacteria, exhibiting robust bactericidal activity and reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Tulane University researchers have developed a CRISPR-based platform for diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, allowing for accurate results in as little as two hours. The blood test can identify over 93% of patients with an NTM infection, enabling rapid treatment plans and reducing the risk of complications.
The University of Texas at Arlington is advancing its understanding of deadly disease tuberculosis (TB) with a new research project led by associate professor Kayunta Johnson-Winters. The project aims to understand why certain types of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria do not respond to treatments.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a new version of the drug spectinomycin that overcomes efflux, a key mechanism driving antibiotic resistance in Mab infections. The modified compound, eAmSPCs, shows enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and works well with various classes of antibiotics.
Researchers discovered new antibiotic molecules targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, reducing its pathogenicity. These substances also enhance the activity of conventional antibiotics like ethionamide, offering a renewed treatment approach.
Scientists create molecular model of triglyceride transport in mycobacterial barrier, discovering 'Trojan horse' system to weaken pathogen's defenses. This breakthrough could lead to more effective therapies against tuberculosis.
A UCF researcher is developing a new antibiotic to treat tuberculosis and related lung infections. The team aims to create potent antimycobacterial agents that can be administered orally and target drug-resistant strains.
Researchers discovered how two new compounds attack TB-causing bacteria, providing insights into future therapies. The study found that one compound binds better to ATP synthase than existing treatment, while another targets a previously unknown site.
Researchers at UMass Amherst microbiologists have identified an enzyme involved in TB pathogen's survival and growth. The discovery offers a potential target for drug therapies for the deadly disease, which has few effective treatments and caused over 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2021.
A study found that a commercial water purifier may have caused Mycobacterium abscessus infections in 4 cardiac surgery patients due to chlorine depletion. The hospital's water system was contaminated via municipal water, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventing mycobacteria.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have developed an antibiogram to aid in treating nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. The antibiogram provides comprehensive information on antimicrobial resistance patterns for 14 rapidly growing NTM organisms.
A UMass Amherst microbiologist is working to develop new treatments for tuberculosis by targeting the bacteria's surface structure. The goal is to create a drug that can disrupt the cell envelope, making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
Researchers have discovered a novel antimicrobial compound, evybactin, that selectively targets Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacteria that causes tuberculosis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for tuberculosis without contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.
A massive analysis of over 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates revealed new genes associated with resistance to 13 antibiotics. The study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the genetic mechanisms of resistance and identifying diagnostic gaps.
The new tuberculosis vaccine candidate VPM1002 shows its safety and efficacy in a study of HIV-exposed and non-HIV-exposed newborns. The vaccine has fewer side effects compared to the existing BCG vaccine, and elicits a similar immune response.
Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...
Researchers used bacteriophages to treat a young cystic fibrosis patient's antibiotic-resistant mycobacterial lung infection, resulting in a successful lung transplant. The treatment cleared the infection and allowed the patient to discontinue all treatment, living a normal life.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a gene essential for siderophore secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key process for acquiring iron. The discovery validates siderophore secretion as a drug target for tuberculosis treatment and reveals a new mechanism for putative drugs.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that pathogenic mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, attach to and multiply within human red blood cells. This interaction may play a role in the spread of lung diseases like tuberculosis.
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered the mechanism of secretion and trafficking of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' toxin TNT, which kills over 1 million people annually. The ESX-4 type VII secretion system plays a crucial role in transporting TNT across cell membranes.
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial disease are hospitalized sooner and more often than their age- and sex-matched counterparts, according to a study published in CHEST. The risk is higher for people with compromised immune systems or damaged airways.
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 new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology has reconstructed a tuberculosis genome from the calcified lungs of a 17th-century bishop, supporting the idea that TB emerged within the last 6,000 years. The discovery sheds light on the origins of TB and challenges the prevailing assumption about its global distribution.
A new, evidence-based guideline has been created to treat patients with NTM lung disease. The guidelines, developed by experts from leading international societies, provide thirty-one recommendations for the treatment of patients suffering from NTM pathogens.
Commonly used TB vaccines differ significantly in live bacteria content and cytokine responses, sparking concerns about their equivalence. The study highlights the need for a large-scale clinical trial to standardize BCG vaccine formulations.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a comprehensive database of 175 NTM species using multilocus sequence typing. Their new software, mlstverse, can accurately identify NTM to the subspecies level, allowing for targeted therapies and improved cure rates.
A new study reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can use carbon monoxide to survive inside the human host. This discovery could pave the way for new strategies to fight communicable diseases like TB.
A new compound, C10, was discovered to increase the effectiveness of frontline antibiotic isoniazid against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a deadly disease. The study suggests that antibiotic resistance in Mtb may be reversible.
A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has discovered a transport protein in mycobacteria responsible for absorbing L-arabinofuranose, a crucial nutrient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics and treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.
Cara Boutte's research aims to better understand how mycobacteria respond to stress and develop effective treatments. The project will characterize two systems by which mycobacteria regulate cell growth and division in response to stress, leading to new mechanisms of cell wall regulation.
A new study found sporadic presence of Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium avium in tap water across the US. Microbial persistence was more common in office buildings than residences, with older homes being more prone to L. pneumophila contamination.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that makes people vulnerable to tuberculosis, a condition affecting one in five people globally. The mutation, TYK2, increases the risk of developing TB by disrupting the immune system's ability to fight mycobacteria, making individuals more susceptible to infection.
A new test method using lung lavage has been developed to improve tuberculosis diagnosis in rhinoceros, with minimal stress for the animals. The study found that lung fluids revealed only harmless mycobacteria, reducing the risk of false positives and improving animal welfare.
Researchers found Mycobacterium bacteria thriving in US showerheads, particularly in areas with high rates of lung disease. The study also revealed geographic patterns and material-specific influences on bacterial growth.
Researchers found a correlation between showerhead bacteria and lung infections in areas with high pathogenic mycobacteria presence. Households with chlorinated water had higher mycobacterial abundances, highlighting the public health relevance of showerhead biofilms.
Mycobacteria use virulence factors to transmit TB-causing disease, infecting 1/3 of the world's population. The bacteria can sense molecular machine transport, adjusting protein levels accordingly.
Researchers identified two key proteins that allow mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade cell destruction, leading to potential new anti-microbial strategies. Deleting these proteins could inhibit repair mechanisms, making TB more susceptible to treatment.
Researchers led by Yasu Morita at UMass Amherst have characterized a protein involved in producing a glycolipid compound critical for TB-causing Mycobacterium to become infectious. The discovery provides insight into the disease's mechanisms and potential new drug targets.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that Mycobacterium avium uses voltage-dependent anion channels to export effector proteins, which are essential for its survival. By disrupting this process, the distribution channels of the organism could be targeted to halt its progression.
Researchers have identified a key gene called NucS that reduces mutation rates in mycobacteria, the infectious microbe causing tuberculosis. This discovery has important implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and could help predict and prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that proteins produced by the toxoplasmosis parasite may play a role in developing host-directed tuberculosis therapies. The researchers found that these proteins interact with human proteins to activate anti-tuberculosis defense mechanisms.
A new TB vaccine using biobeads to present antigens from the tuberculosis bacterium has shown promising results in mice. The vaccine is designed to induce cell-mediated immune responses and could potentially provide protective immunity against TB.