Infectious Diseases

Modern chicken farm, production of white meat
February 16, 2017

Team’s study uncovers cellular responses to bird flu vaccine

New research from Vanderbilt University eavesdrops on gene expression in human immune system cells before and after vaccination against bird flu.

By Paul Govern
November 10, 2016

Program seeks to optimize appropriate use of antibiotics

Relying on a core team of physicians and pharmacists, the Vanderbilt Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (VASP) is seeking to ensure optimum use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC).

By Paul Govern
tug-of-rope pair
November 3, 2016

VUMC investigators find pathogens work together to infect host

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus — two pathogens that frequently co-infect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis — appear to cooperate with each other, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. When pseudomonas is starved for metal by the host, it shuts down the production of factors that would normally kill staph, promoting a co-infection.

By Leigh MacMillan
zinc pill on spoon over white background
September 26, 2016

Study shows excess dietary zinc worsens C. diff infection

Too much dietary zinc increases susceptibility to infection by Clostridium difficile — “C. diff” — the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections.

By Leigh MacMillan
drawing of trojan horse
September 8, 2016

Investigators create ‘Trojan Horse’ to fight Ebola

A multi-center research team including scientists from the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center has come up with a clever “Trojan Horse” strategy for thwarting the highly lethal Ebola virus.

By Bill Snyder
July 21, 2016

Wright loves her patients and their mysteries

Everyone knew everyone in Patty Wright’s hometown of Scottsville, Kentucky, population 4,336.

By Paul Govern
May 24, 2016

Vanderbilt expert addresses Zika-related concerns for women who are, or want to become, pregnant

With summer time approaching and the topic of mosquitoes abuzz, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist Sarah Osmundson, M.D., has a few recommendations for women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant.
By Jessica Pasley
November 4, 2015

Detect and defend against pathogens

Understanding factors, such as the receptor TLR9, that detect and defend against pathogens may lead to therapeutic approaches that promote an effective immune response to treat infections.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 6, 2015

Skaar receives American Asthma Foundation award

Eric Skaar, Ph.D., MPH, the Ernest W. Goodpasture Professor of Pathology, has received a Scholar Award from the American Asthma Foundation (AAF).
By Leigh MacMillan
March 19, 2015

Skaar elected to American Academy of Microbiology

By Bill Snyder
December 11, 2014

Bacterial secretion machinery: 3-D view

New structural findings reveal how "gatekeeper" proteins participate in the secretion systems bacteria use to infect host cells.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 21, 2014

Host sequesters zinc to control stomach bug

Understanding how zinc and the host’s immune response control H. pylori’s cancer-causing potential could suggest new therapeutic strategies to reduce infection and cancer risk.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 16, 2014

Staph ‘gangs’ share nutrients during infection: study

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can share resources to cause chronic infections, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. The findings shed light on a long-standing question in infectious diseases and may inform new treatment strategies.
By Leigh MacMillan
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