A team of investigators has discovered a new, more powerful variant on an antimicrobial resistance gene common among Staphylococcus species. The gene protects the bacteria from an antiseptic compound widely used in healthcare. The team showed that the newly discovered gene occurs; in a highly virulent and multi-resistant clone of Staphylococcus epidermidis; found in healthcare settings…
Bacteria in the human body are sharing genes with one another at a higher rate than is typically seen in nature, and some of those genes appear to be traveling — independent of their microbial hosts — from one part of the body to another, researchers report in the journal Scientific Reports. The findings are the…
The dust that settles throughout our homes and offices almost always; contains bits of chemicals that can cause problems for the human endocrine system; scientists say. But a new study indicates that the microbes; we track into buildings — the microscopic bacteria and other microorganisms; that thrive on our skin and outdoors can help break…
With the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance, there is a growing need for new treatment strategies against life-threatening bacterial infections. Researchers at Lund University in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen may have identified such an alternative treatment for bacterial meningitis, a serious infection that can lead to sepsis. The study, published in Nature Communications.…
A team of investigators has identified a cluster of four patients harboring Escherichia coli; carrying a rare antibiotic resistance gene, mcr-1. That gene renders the microbe resistant to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort against some multidrug-resistant infections. Three of those patients showed no symptoms, raising the risk of spread. The research is published in Antimicrobial Agents and…
Emory researchers have found that adding good bacteria into the intestines; can guide the development of the enteric nervous system; also called “the gut brain,” while increasing intestinal motility; or movement of the digestive tract, in a mouse model. The results are good news for medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome; Parkinson’s disease, autism…
Infectious diseases experts and transplant physicians and surgeons at Brigham and Women’s Hospital; have blocked the transmission of hepatitis C; from infected organ donors to recipients in need of hearts or lungs. The DONATE HCV Trial Team reports that hepatitis C-infected thoracic organs; can be safely transplanted; detecting no signs of the disease and good…
By turning a pathogenic yeast into an immunity-conferring symbiont; a team of A*STAR researchers is unraveling mysteries behind gut evolution and universal vaccines. While attempting to increase a yeast’s pathogenicity; towards a non-native host; A*STAR researchers unexpectedly transformed the fungi; into a symbiotic gut microbe that supported its host’s survival instead of fighting it. This…
The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors—which “release the brakes” of the body’s immune system to launch an efficient tumor attack—are a major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. However, these treatments don’t work for everybody and are often associated with significant side effects. The ability to stratify patients based on potential response to immune checkpoint inhibitors could…
Gut microbiota – the population of microbes that live in our intestine; used to predict the occurrence of colorectal cancer; the second most common type of cancer in women and the third in men. Research by an international team of scientists including Brazilians has found a link; between colorectal cancer and changes in gut microbiota…
A medicine currently being tested as a chemoprevention agent; for multiple types of cancer has more than one trick in its bag; when it comes to preventing stomach cancer; Vanderbilt researchers have discovered. The investigators found that in addition; to its known ability to block the production of cell growth compounds; the drug DFMO (difluoromethylornithine)…
The research, conducted at the CEU UCH; combines molecular typology and QSAR methods as faster; and more affordable tools; in order to obtain new medicines; and challenge the growing appearance of bacterial resistances. Bacterial resistance to known antibiotics has turned into a severe threat; to public health due to the bad use of these medicines…