http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/infectious_diseases/ Read the latest medical research on the prevention, management, and treatment of infectious diseases. Read articles on HINI, influenza, C. difficile, HIV and AIDS, hepatitis, herpes, STDs and more. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/infectious_diseases/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm Scientists have successfully protected laboratory animals from lethal hantavirus disease using a novel approach that combines DNA vaccines and duck eggs. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm Antibodies that help to stop the HIV virus have been found in breast milk. Researchers have isolated the antibodies from immune cells called B cells in the breast milk of infected mothers in Malawi, and showed that the B cells in breast milk can generate neutralizing antibodies that may inhibit the virus that causes AIDS. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm Biomedical engineers have developed a microfluidic chip to test for latent tuberculosis. They hope the test will be cheaper, faster and more reliable than current testing for the disease. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114911.htm Scientists have determined the genome sequences of a dozen strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria known to be resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic of last resort. The researchers demonstrated that resistance arose independently in each strain, and identified shared features among the strains that may have helped them acquire vancomycin resistance and evade human immune defenses. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163745.htm The pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine can generate antibodies in vaccinated individuals not only against the H1N1 virus, but also against other influenza virus strains including H5N1 and H3N2. This discovery adds an important new dimension to the finding last year that people infected with pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus produced high levels of antibodies that were broadly cross-reactive against a variety of flu strains. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521132619.htm Medical researches have clear evidence that the number of people contracting the hard-to-control and treat bacterial infection Clostridium difficile (C. difficile or C. diff) is increasing, and that the infection is commonly contracted outside of the hospital. Mon, 21 May 2012 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521132619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm Innate differences in immunity can be detected at birth, according to new research. And babies with a better innate response to viruses have fewer respiratory illnesses in the first year of life. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174437.htm Biologists have succeeded in engineering algae to produce potential candidates for a vaccine that would prevent transmission of the parasite that causes malaria. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174238.htm In the United States, where blacks bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, black religious institutions could help turn the tide. In a new study based on dozens of interviews and focus groups with 38 of Philadelphia's most influential black religious leaders, physicians and public health researchers find that traditional barriers to preaching about HIV prevention could give way to faith-friendly messages about getting tested and staying on treatment. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515165324.htm The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the government's far-reaching health-care foreign aid program, has contributed to a significant decline in adult death rates from all causes in Africa, according to a new study. Tue, 15 May 2012 16:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515165324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm Researchers are developing a way to 'barcode' viral diseases to rapidly test new outbreaks for potentially lethal mutations. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm Scientists have for the first time, identified the molecular 'switch' that directly triggers the body's first line of defense against pathogens, more accurately known as the body's "innate immunity." Fri, 11 May 2012 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510224440.htm Researchers examined the distribution of child deaths globally by cause and found that 64 percent were attributable to infectious causes and 40 percent occurred in neonates. Thu, 10 May 2012 22:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510224440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510095940.htm The superbugs have met their match. It comes in the form of a coating which has a magnetic-like feature that attracts bacteria and kills them without the need for traditional antibiotics. Thu, 10 May 2012 09:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510095940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135943.htm Vaccines remain the best line of defense against deadly pathogens and now medical researchers are using clever functional screening methods to attempt to speed new vaccines into production that are both safer and more potent. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103927.htm Researchers have found a potential way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm A long-term follow-up analysis of participants in the Step Study, an international HIV-vaccine trial, has confirmed that certain subgroups of male study participants were at higher risk of becoming infected after receiving the experimental vaccine compared to those who received a placebo. The vaccine used in the study did not contain the HIV virus, but it did contain HIV genes which were delivered to cells using a vector that employed a type of cold virus known as adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). Mon, 07 May 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm For a virus like influenza, the key to success isn't in overpowering the immune system, it's in tricking it. Scientists have now identified a novel mechanism by which influenza viruses hijack key regulators of the human body's normal antiviral response in order to slip by it undetected. The results they describe have major implications for our understanding of the biology of the seasonal influenza virus and its pathogenesis. The research also suggests a possible target for a new class of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sun, 06 May 2012 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503104119.htm Scientists have discovered an Achilles heel within our cells that bacteria are able to exploit to cause and spread infection. Thu, 03 May 2012 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503104119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm HIV patients treated with genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy, researchers report. The results provide a framework for the use of this type of gene therapy as a powerful weapon in the treatment of HIV, cancer, and a wide variety of other diseases. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143852.htm After a marathon debate over a pair of studies that show how the avian H5N1 influenza virus could become transmissible in mammals, and an unprecedented recommendation by a government review panel to block publication, one of the studies was finally and fully published on May 3, 2012. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm Researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501210558.htm Scientists have uncovered clues as to how mammal genomes became riddled with viruses. The research reveals important information about the so-called 'dark matter' of the human genome. Tue, 01 May 2012 21:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501210558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152132.htm A synthetic mixture of intestinal bacteria could one day replace stool transplants as a treatment for Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). C . difficile is a toxin-producing bacteria that can overpopulate the colon when antibiotics eradicate other, naturally protective bacteria living there. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152125.htm In a surveillance study of over 12 million bacteria, investigators found E. coli antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin, the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial for urinary tract infections in the US, increased over five-fold from 2000 to 2010. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114945.htm The common antibiotic, amoxicillin-clavulanate, may improve small bowel function in children experiencing motility disturbances, according to a new study. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135236.htm Listeria, one of the most deadly causes of bacterial food poisoning, subverts a normally protective immune response to spread its infection more effectively, according to new research. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140320.htm Researchers could change the playing field of human versus bacteria. Scientists have identified pathways of naturally occurring molecules in our bodies that can enhance antibiotic performance. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142253.htm Non-coding RNA -- molecules that do not translate into proteins -- were once considered unimportant "junk DNA" by researchers. Now researchers have discovered that when infected with a virus, ncRNA gives off signals that indicate the presence of an infectious agent, providing researchers with a new avenue to fight off infections. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424120539.htm Researchers have discovered the probable cause of not just one, but several infectious agents at the same time. Paramyxoviruses originate from ubiquitous bats, from where the pathogens have spread to humans and other mammals. In total, this unique study tested 9,278 animals for viruses, among them 86 species of bats and 33 rodent species, leading to the discovery of an enormous number of new virus species. This could make eradicating many dangerous diseases significantly more difficult than had been thought. For bats provide a reservoir from which viruses could come back after vaccination campaigns. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424120539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423153138.htm Scientists have uncovered clues as to how our genomes became riddled with viruses. The study reveals important information about the so–called 'dark matter' of our genome. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423153138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131848.htm A bacterium historically associated with cat scratch fever and transmitted predominately by fleas may also play a role in human rheumatoid illnesses such as arthritis, according to new research. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm Preliminary data hint at how extracts from the tree, abundant in tropical and subtropical areas, may stop the virus from multiplying. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416185758.htm A once-a-day pill to help prevent HIV infection could significantly reduce the spread of AIDS, but only makes economic sense if used in select, high-risk groups, researchers conclude in a new study. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416185758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm Expanding on previous research providing proof-of-principle that human stem cells can be genetically engineered into HIV-fighting cells, a team of researchers have now demonstrated that these cells can actually attack HIV-infected cells in a living organism. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411205423.htm Researchers discovered a remarkable prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico, one of the deepest and largest caves in the world and a place isolated from human contact for more than four million years. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411205423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144318.htm This study for the first time shows what dengue virus region the immune system of humans target when they are fighting off the virus. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm When swine flu struck Sweden in 2009, it was clear that certain age groups were more vulnerable than others. An epidemiologist is now planning to study immunity against influenza in children. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm Up until now the causes of the development of chronic lymphatic leukemia, the most common form of cancer of the blood in Europe, have been unknown. At present a cure is not possible. Medical researchers have now however discovered a lead on the origin of this disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131425.htm The discovery of how a vital immune cell recognizes dead and damaged body cells could modernize vaccine technology by "tricking" cells into launching an immune response, leading to next-generation vaccines that are more specific, more effective and have fewer side-effects. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210013.htm Researchers have gained important clues about immune system responses that could play a role in protecting people from HIV infection in follow-up studies from the world's largest HIV vaccine trial to date. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm Insights into how the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people might have worked were recently published. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403193735.htm An intranasal vaccine that includes four weakened strains of influenza could do a better job in protecting children from the flu than current vaccines, new research shows. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403193735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403124400.htm Scientists have found antibodies that can prevent infection from widely differing strains of hepatitis C virus in cell culture and animal models. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403124400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162555.htm To the surprise of investigating researchers, an animal model of Epstein Barr virus protected lupus-prone mice against development of the autoimmune disease. Earlier work had suggested that EBV might promote the development of autoimmunity. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094146.htm Vaccines for measles were not associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures among 4-6 year olds during the six weeks after vaccination, according to a new study. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093151.htm Scientists have discovered that a mouse protein called IFITM3 contributes to defense against some types of viral infections by binding to an enzyme responsible for regulating the pH of a cell’s waste disposal system. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225052.htm Women who have been infected by two different strains of HIV from two different sexual partners – a condition known as HIV superinfection – have more potent antibody responses that block the replication of the virus compared to women who’ve only been infected once. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101804.htm Researchers have identified a number of tiny but powerful "genetic regulators" that are hijacked by avian and swine flu viruses during human infection. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101301.htm Researchers are closing in on a needle-free vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of respiratory illness in children under two years of age. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215953.htm Combining common antibiotics with additional compounds could make previously resistant bacteria more susceptible to the same antibiotics. 'Resuscitation' of existing antibiotics has the potential to make infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria easier to control, reducing antibiotic usage and levels of antimicrobial resistance, say scientists. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124858.htm Researchers have developed a rapid, low-cost, accurate, point-of-care device that matches the accuracy of expensive and time-consuming lab-based tests to diagnose influenza. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094313.htm Cold-like infections make 'cough receptors' in the airways more sensitive, making asthmatics more prone to bouts of coughing and wheezing, reveal scientists. The work could lead to drugs that reduce virus-induced coughing in those suffering chronic lung diseases. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160528.htm A two-drug combination is one of the most promising advances in decades for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) — a disease that kills 2 million people annually — a scientist has reported. The treatment, which combines two medications already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivers a knockout punch to forms of TB that shrug off other antibiotics. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133554.htm New biological research reveals how an invading virus hijacks a cell's workings by imitating a signaling marker to defeat the body's defenses. By manipulating cell signals, the virus destroys a defensive protein designed to inhibit it. This finding, from studies in human cell cultures, may represent a broader targeting strategy used by other viruses, and may lay the scientific groundwork for developing more effective treatments for infectious diseases. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113626.htm Viruses that can target and destroy bacteria have the potential to be an effective strategy for tackling hard-to-treat bacterial infections. The development of such novel therapies is being accelerated in response to growing antibiotic resistance. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325173138.htm A genetic finding could help explain why influenza becomes a life-threatening disease to some people while it has only mild effects in others. New research has identified for the first time a human gene that influences how we respond to influenza infection. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325173138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321152642.htm While researchers say that vaccines for intestinal infections are among the most difficult to develop, a recent discovery may provide the critical information needed for success. "Sometimes atomic structure gives us clues on how viruses work and how to make better vaccines," said one of the researchers. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321152642.htm