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Invasion without a stir

Scientists discovered that membrane ruffles are not essential for Salmonella to penetrate host cell membranes. A new factor called WASH promotes bacterial invasion by contributing to cytoskeletal filament formation.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCellular Microbiology·DateDec 17, 2009

Casting out devils

Scientists have discovered how salmonella kills tumors by migrating into cancerous tissues and triggering a strong inflammatory response. The inflammatory response causes blood vessels in the tumor to become permeable, allowing salmonella to spread and ultimately kill the tumor.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 8, 2009

Was it the chicken salad or the swim?

A new study reveals that non-food factors such as swimming and private well water exposure pose significant risks for sporadic bacterial enteric infections, comparable to food-borne risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of controlling these environmental exposures to prevent outbreaks.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 26, 2009

From poison to prevention

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed two new vaccine strains using Salmonella typhimurium as an antigen delivery system. These recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASVs) trigger a powerful systemic immune response, offering a promising solution to infant bacterial pneumonia. The safety and efficacy of these no...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2009

From foe to friend: Researchers use salmonella as a way to administer vaccines in the body

The researchers have developed a biologically engineered organism that can effectively deliver an antigen in the body using live salmonella bacterium. The new method is a major step forward in developing a means of biological containment for vaccine delivery, making vaccines more affordable for developing countries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2008

Fruit flies show how salmonella escapes immune defenses

Researchers used a transgenic fruit fly model to study how Salmonella evades immune defenses, finding that the protein AvrA shuts down key signaling pathways. This allows the bacteria to cause severe intestinal infections. The study's results suggest that other pathogens may target similar biochemical networks to avoid elimination.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 16, 2008

Salmonella caught red-handed

Researchers identify key proteins in Salmonella metabolic paths, finding that blocking certain enzymes may not be effective against the bacteria. Only a few essential enzymes are necessary to keep Salmonella alive, and these are also present in other pathogens or human organisms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2006

Snakes poisoned at birth

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found that snakes become infected with Salmonella through exposure to contaminated environments, not just by eating contaminated food. The knowledge gained from this study can help prevent reptile-associated infections and inform safe handling practices for snakes and other pets.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2006

Differences in gene usage dramatically change bacteria's 'lifestyles'

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2004

Compound in salsa may fight food poisoning

A new study isolated a compound called dodecenal from fresh cilantro leaves, which is found in salsa, and showed it to be twice as potent as the antibiotic gentamicin at killing Salmonella. The researchers believe that eating more fresh salsa could help prevent foodborne illness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2004