The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reports the annual incidence rate of chlamydial infection, the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US, to be around 3 million. Also, since the infection has been identified as a major contributor of infertility in both males and females, early screening and detection of the disease holds paramount clinical significance. Now, a recent prospective cohort study published in the British Medical Journal has validated the efficacy of a novel ‘Chlamydia Rapid Test’ to detect the infection in men, by evaluating the first void urine sample. Continue Reading

A remarkable rise in antibiotic resistance has necessitated the exploration of novel approaches for combating several bacterial illnesses. Now, a recent study published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, reports that iron triple helicate ([Fe₂L₃]⁴⁺), a synthetic metallomolecule, exhibits bactericidal activity by binding to the major groove of bacterial DNA, causing coiling and preventing its replication. Owing to the direct interaction with DNA, the molecule has been suggested to overcome multi-drug resistance. Continue Reading

Ongoing phase I/II trial demonstrates up to 99.7% reduction in the viral load of hepatitis C with a therapeutic DNA-based vaccine, ChronVac-C ® (Tripep AB, Inovio Biomedical Corporation), delivered through Inovio’s MedPulser® DNA Delivery System, which is based on electroporation. The interim results of the study were presented at the 59th annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, held during October 31 to November 4, 2008, in San Francisco. Continue Reading

Researchers from the Rutgers University have identified a new antibiotic target and mechanism that may aid in developing broad-spectrum antibacterial therapeutic agents against microorganisms resistant to current antibiotics. The findings of the study, published in the October issue of Cell, suggest the possibility of developing newer treatment modalities for bacterial infections, especially tuberculosis (TB). This may also be effective against drug-resistant TB strains and further lead to a shorter duration of TB treatment. Continue Reading

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a common form of eczema affecting 10 to 20% of children and 1 to 3% adults, usually precedes the development of asthma and other allergic disorders. Individuals affected with the chronic skin disorder are also at an enhanced risk of developing other cutaneous infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, Herpes simplex, vaccinia or small pox virus, and Molluscum. A study published in the October issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that oral vitamin D supplements induce the production of the broad spectrum antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin in the skin and thereby, prevent skin infections due to atopic dermatitis. Continue Reading

The combination of noncoherent visible light and hydrogen peroxide shows promising antibacterial effect against the oral biofilm pathogens according to a new study published in the latest issue of the journal, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Continue Reading

Researchers from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, have reported successful alveolar bone regeneration using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). The findings of this study have been published in the recent issue of theJournal of Dental Research. Continue Reading

A study conducted by a team of researchers from the Institute of Food Research, United Kingdom, has demonstrated that almonds, which are associated with numerous health benefits such as cholesterol lowering and anti-diabetic effects, also have the potential to boost the digestive health by increasing the number of beneficial gut bacteria. This study, funded by the Almond Board of California, has been published in the recent online issue of Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Continue Reading

Ceftaroline, a broad-spectrum cephalosporin being developed by Forest Laboratories, Inc., demonstrated comparable efficacy to vancomycin/ aztreonam combination, against complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), in two multi-center phase III studies. Continue Reading

Chemotherapeutic treatment in children diagnosed with leukemia decreases the antibacterial potential of saliva, according to a study published in the latest issue of Journal of Oral surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. Continue Reading