Infectious Diseases

October 26, 2017

Edwards, Schaffner honored by major infectious diseases organizations

Two highly regarded Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) infectious disease clinicians were recognized with service awards from prominent organizations during IDWeek in San Diego, California, Oct. 4-8.

September 21, 2017

Excess dietary manganese increases risk of staph infection in heart

Too much dietary manganese — an essential trace mineral found in leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts — promotes infection of the heart by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”).

spotlight on a black background
July 27, 2017

Investigators use light to kill microbial ‘vampires’

On July 24 Vanderbilt scientist Eric Skaar, Ph.D., MPH, summarized his group’s latest paper in a tweet: “If S. aureus is going to drink our blood like a vampire, let’s kill it with sunlight.”

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.

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).

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.