Scientists reveal steps leading to necrotizing fasciitis
(The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Medicine have discovered the mechanism by which Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus bacteria, cause life-threatening diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis (commonly known as flesh-eating disease) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. This opens the door to possible future treatments to curb this and other potentially fatal bacteria. The university's technology transfer company, Yissum, is seeking partners to help develop effective therapies against invasive streptococcus infections. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - January 16, 2014 Category: Biology Source Type: news
Natasha Scott-Falber, 14, died from toxic shock syndrome caused by her first tampon
Natasha Scott-Falber, from Caerwent, Wales, died on Valentine's Day. Her family say tests show she was killed by the bacterial infection, which affects just 40 Brits a year. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Source: the Mail online | Health - November 16, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
Molecular Analysis of Staphylococcal Superantigens
Staphylococcal superantigens (SAgs) comprise a large family of exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus strains. These exotoxins are important in a variety of serious human diseases, including menstrual and nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS), staphylococcal pneumonia and infective endocarditis, and recently described staphylococcal purpura fulminans and extreme pyrexia syndrome. In addition, these SAg exotoxins are being increasingly recognized for their possible roles in many other human diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, Kawasaki syndrome, nasal polyposis, and certain autoimmune disorders. To clarify the full s...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Microbiology - October 6, 2013 Category: Microbiology Source Type: news
Toddler saved from deadly infection after doctors pumped her heart with their hands day and night for THREE DAYS
Libbie Handley, 3, from Greater Manchester, developed Streptococcus Toxic Shock Syndrome after getting chickenpox. The only way doctors at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital could keep her breathing was to manually pump her chest for three days. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Source: the Mail online | Health - May 1, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
Production Of Toxic Shock Toxin Suppressed By Certain Bacteria
Certain Streptococci increase their production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, sometimes to potentially dangerous levels, when aerobic bacteria are present in the vagina. But scientists from the University of Western Ontario have discovered certain strains of lactobacillus bacteria are capable of dampening production of that toxin according to research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. "The risk of potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome appears to be influenced by the types of bacteria present in the vagina," says principal investigator Gregor Reid... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - March 26, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news
Certain bacteria suppress production of toxic shock toxin: Probiotic potential looms
(American Society for Microbiology) Certain Streptococci increase their production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, sometimes to potentially dangerous levels, when aerobic bacteria are present in the vagina. But scientists from the University of Western Ontario have discovered certain strains of lactobacillus bacteria are capable of dampening production of that toxin according to research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - March 22, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news
Death On A Nanometer Scale
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has initiated a quest for alternatives to conventional antibiotics. One potential alternative is PlyC, a potent enzyme that kills the bacteria that causes strep throat and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. PlyC operates by locking onto the surface of a bacteria cell and chewing a hole in the cell wall large enough for the bacteria's inner membrane to protrude from the cell, ultimately causing the cell to burst and die. Research has shown that alternative antimicrobials such as PlyC can effectively kill bacteria... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 11, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: MRSA / Drug Resistance Source Type: news
