New approach to treating infectious diseases as an alternative to antibiotics

2018-07-11

Researchers have clarified how pathogenic E. coli bacteria attached to the host intestinal epithelium. They revealed that type IV pili on the surface of the bacteria were not sufficient for adherence to intestinal epithelial cells and that proteins secreted by E.coli were also necessary. It was found that this attachment mechanism might be a common feature in many enteropathogens such as Vibrio cholera and constitutes a novel therapeutic target against such bacterial pathogens.

Antibiotics weaken flu defenses in the lung

2019-07-02

Antibiotics can leave the lung vulnerable to flu viruses, leading to significantly worse infections and symptoms, finds a new study. The research discovered that signals from gut bacteria help to maintain a first line of defense in the lining of the lung. When mice with healthy gut bacteria were infected with the flu, around 80% of them survived. However, only a third survived if they were given antibiotics before being infected.

Antibiotics that dentists prescribe are unnecessary 81% of the time

2019-05-31

Antibiotics prescribed by dentists as a preemptive strike against infection are unnecessary 81% of the time.

Habitat loss linked to global emergence of infectious diseases

2019-06-24

New research may provide the foundation for new scientific studies looking into the association of habitat loss and the global emergence of infectious diseases.

Opioid epidemic is increasing rates of some infectious diseases

2019-04-03

The US faces a public health crisis as the opioid epidemic fuels growing rates of certain infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, heart infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Infectious disease and substance use disorder professionals must work together to stem this public health threat, according to a new article.