infection

Researchers discover strategy for predicting immunity of vaccines

harminka — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:22:40 -0600

In the first study of its kind, researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, have developed a multidisciplinary approach involving immunology, genomics and bioinformatics to predict the immunity of a vaccine without exposing individuals to infection.

DNA of good bacteria drives intestinal response to infection

harminka — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:29:29 -0500

A new study shows that the DNA of so-called "good bacteria" that normally live in the intestines may help defend the body against infection.

How viruses collectively decide fate of bacterial cell

harminka — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:19:23 -0500

A new study suggests that bacteria-infecting viruses – called phages – can make collective decisions about whether to kill host cells immediately after infection or enter a latent state to remain within the host cell.

Ortho-McNeil initiates first-of-its-kind skin infection registry

harminka — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:35:39 -0500

The nation's first, prospective registry of complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs), known as SSTIR (the Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Hospital Registry), has begun enrolling patients.

New step forward in search for solution to infection puzzle

harminka — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:23:53 -0500

Scientists at the University of York have helped to reveal more about the way bacteria can attach to human tissues.

Novel ways to boost vaccination or natural defenses

harminka — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:28:23 -0500

Our bodies rely on the production of potent, or 'high affinity', antibodies to fight infection. The process is very complex, yet Sydney scientists have discovered that it hinges on a single molecule, a growth factor, without which it cannot function.

Failure to bridle inflammation spurs atherosclerosis

harminka — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:12:06 -0500

When a person develops a sore or a boil, it erupts, drawing to it immune system cells that fight the infection. Then it resolves and flattens into the skin, often leaving behind a mark or a scar.

Infection control intervention helps keep kids in school

harminka — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:56:51 -0500

A study from researchers at Children's Hospital Boston published in Pediatrics found that a simple infection control intervention in elementary schools – disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers – helped reduce illness-related student absenteeism.

Researchers from 5 countries to test hygiene hypothesis

harminka — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:27:49 -0500

High living standards and the life style connected to them seem to promote the development of autoimmune diseases and allergic symptoms. This has lead to the assumption that the immune system begins to overreact to the organism’s own structures or to exogenous non-infectious proteins, i.e. allergens, when it does not have to work hard enough to protect the individual from infections.

Specialized white blood cells coordinate first responders to viral infection

harminka — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:17:00 -0500

Just as fire engines arrive quickly at the scene to save people and property, the cells that fight viruses have to reach the site of an infection promptly to mount a protective response.

How smoking encourages infection

harminka — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:33:06 -0500

Now new research published in the open access journal BMC Cell Biology shows that nicotine affects neutrophils, the short-lived white blood cells that defend against infection, by reducing their ability to seek and destroy bacteria.

How superbug Staph aureus resists our natural defenses

harminka — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:07:04 -0500

Researchers at the University of Washington have uncovered how the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, including the notorious MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) “superbug” strains, resists our body's natural defenses against infection. The work, which was featured on the cover of the March 21 issue of Science, could lead to new ways to fight the bacteria.