(Press-News.org) Contact information: Jerry Barach
jerryb@savion.huji.ac.il
972-258-82904
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Scientists reveal steps leading to necrotizing fasciitis
Research opens way to possible new treatments for bacterial infections
How does Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus (GAS) — a bacterial pathogen that can colonize humans without causing symptoms or can lead to mild infections — also cause life-threatening diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis (commonly known as flesh-eating disease) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?
This mystery has intrigued many researchers in the field. Now, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Medicine have discovered how this bacterium turns deadly. This opens the door to possible future treatments to curb this and other potentially fatal bacteria.
Annually, GAS infections lead to at 500,000 deaths worldwide and cause severe consequences to those infected. The flesh-eating disease, in particular, is an extremely vicious infection which progresses rapidly throughout the soft tissues of the body, often leaving doctors with little time to stop or delay its progress. The main treatments include administration of antibiotics and surgical removal of infected tissues. Yet despite prompt treatment, the bacteria disseminate and cause death in approximately 25% of patients.
In probing how GAS progresses, Prof. Emanuel Hanski of the Institute of Medical Research Israel Canada at the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, together with Ph.D. student Moshe Baruch and an international research team, discovered a novel mechanism that influences GAS virulence at the early steps of the infection. The results of their study are published in the scientific journal Cell.
They found that when GAS adheres and infects the host's cells, it delivers into these cells two streptolysin toxins. These toxins impair the body's mechanism for quality control of protein synthesis. This in turn triggers a defensive stress response which, among other things, also increases the production of the amino acid asparagine. GAS senses the increased asparagine level and alters its gene expression profile — and its rate of proliferation, which can be deadly in the host.
The research team further discovered that asparaginase, a protein that digests asparagine and is a widely-used chemotherapeutic agent against leukemia, arrests GAS growth in human blood and in a mouse model of human bacterial infection. Asparginase has never before been used to treat GAS infections.
The findings of this study constitute a major advance of the concept that understanding the metabolic changes occurring between the pathogen and its host during infection can lead to development of new and more effective treatments against infectious diseases.
Yissum Research Development Company, the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University, registered a patent for the discovery and is seeking commercial partners to help develop effective therapies against invasive streptococcus infections.
INFORMATION:
Scientists reveal steps leading to necrotizing fasciitis
Research opens way to possible new treatments for bacterial infections
2014-01-16
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Increased mobility thanks to robotic rehab
2014-01-16
Increased mobility thanks to robotic rehab
This news release is available in German. The survivors of a stroke often struggle with persistent loss of function of the central nervous system. Around the world strokes are one of the most frequent causes of paresis. Physiotherapy ...
Findings bolster fiber's role in colon health
2014-01-16
Findings bolster fiber's role in colon health
Augusta, Ga. - Scientists have more reasons for you to eat fiber and not abuse antibiotics.
They've shown that a receptor doctors already activate with mega-doses of niacin to protect patients' ...
Important discovery for the diagnosis of genetic diseases
2014-01-16
Important discovery for the diagnosis of genetic diseases
IRCM researchers show the importance of the DNA architecture in controlling the activity of genes
Montréal, January 16, 2014 – A study conducted by Marie Kmita's team at the ...
How vision captures sound now somewhat uncertain
2014-01-16
How vision captures sound now somewhat uncertain
Duke study finds neurons can use 2 different strategies when responding to sound
DURHAM, N.C. -- When listening to someone speak, we also rely on lip-reading and gestures to help us understand what the person is saying.
To ...
Thousands of potentially harmful natural gas leaks found in Washington, DC
2014-01-16
Thousands of potentially harmful natural gas leaks found in Washington, DC
High levels of natural gas are escaping from the aging pipes beneath the streets of the nation's capital, creating potentially harmful concentrations in some locations, a new study ...
Narcissism and leadership: Does it work to be a jerk?
2014-01-16
Narcissism and leadership: Does it work to be a jerk?
University of NebResearch finds leaders benefit from a certain amount of vanity
Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 16, 2014 -- Ask most workers if they've ever had a narcissist for a boss and you'll hear stories of leaders ...
Researchers target sea level rise to save years of archaeological evidence
2014-01-16
Researchers target sea level rise to save years of archaeological evidence
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Prehistoric shell mounds found on some of Florida's most pristine beaches are at risk of washing away as the sea level rises, wiping away thousands of years of ...
Research finds finds potential treatment for drug-resistant H7N9 influenza virus
2014-01-16
Research finds finds potential treatment for drug-resistant H7N9 influenza virus
Project supported by the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases
MANHATTAN, Kan. -- The novel avian H7N9 influenza virus has caused more than 130 human infections ...
CCNY team models sudden thickening of complex fluids
2014-01-16
CCNY team models sudden thickening of complex fluids
Levich Institute simulation of discontinuous shear thickening could lead to improved processing of materials in suspension
Because many materials are handled in industrial applications as suspensions, engineers ...
Study: University rankings influence number and competitiveness of applicants
2014-01-16
Study: University rankings influence number and competitiveness of applicants
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 16, 2014 - How universities fare on reputational quality-of-life and academic rankings – such as those published by the Princeton Review or U.S. ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Some acute and chronic viral infections may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
Flavanols in cocoa can protect blood vessel function following uninterrupted sitting - study
$100 Million gift will advance UCSF’s dementia research and care
The 4th Japan-India Universities Forum on 15 November
Arctic town Kiruna is colder after the move
Mayo Clinic study finds majority of midlife women with menopause symptoms do not seek care
Underwater robot ‘Lassie’ discovers remarkable icefish nests during search for Shackleton’s lost ship off Antarctica
Wearable robots you can wear like clothes: automatic weaving of “fabric muscle” brings commercialization closer
Researcher improves century-old equation to predict movement of dangerous air pollutants.
Heatwaves linked to rise in sleep apnoea cases in Europe
Down‑top strategy engineered large‑scale fluorographene/PBO nanofibers composite papers with excellent wave‑transparent performance and thermal conductivity
The Lancet: Climate change inaction being paid for in millions of lives every year
New insights reveal how coral gets a grip
Home treatment with IV antibiotics could relieve NHS pressure
AI ECG better detects severe heart attacks in emergency setting
Straw-based biochar and smart irrigation help maize thrive with less water and fertilizer
‘Broken’ genes a common factor in marsupial fur colour
Turning waste into clean water: Magnetic carbon materials remove toxic pollutants from wastewater
World Health Organization’s priorities shaped by its reliance on grants from donor organisations such as the Gates Foundation
One in ten people without coeliac disease or wheat allergy report sensitivity to gluten or wheat
How can (A)I help you?
Study finds new system can cut patient waiting times for discharge
Allison Institute’s third annual scientific symposium highlighted by panel discussion with five Nobel laureates
SETI Institute accelerates the search for life beyond earth with NVIDIA IGX Thor
Wetlands efficiently remove nitrogen pollution from surface water, leading to cost savings for municipalities
Dr. Loren Miller presents oral late breaker at IDWeek 2025 of a first-of-its-kind clinical trial that shows efficacy of bacteriophage therapy for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Dirty water boosts prospects for clean hydrogen
New multisociety guidance strengthens infection prevention and control in nursing homes
More scientific analysis needed on impacts of industrial decarbonization
New research uncovers how bad bacteria know where to cluster and cause infection
[Press-News.org] Scientists reveal steps leading to necrotizing fasciitisResearch opens way to possible new treatments for bacterial infections