Infections responsible for 20% of child deaths
One in five child deaths are caused by preventable infections, according to a new study by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Greater vigilance by doctors and giving more routine vaccines could significantly reduce child mortality, the researchers advised. Death certificates from children aged 28 days to 14 years old over a two year period were analysed and showed that 20% of almost 7,000 deaths were infection-related. Half of deaths from infection were in children with underlying medical conditions, including prematurity, cerebral palsy and cancer. Dr Shamez Ladhani from the HPA, who led the study, said that ensuring good uptake of vaccines would have an impact on deaths. “We have very good vaccination programmes in place – but we also need to make sure we are up to date with the latest vaccines out there,” he said. (BBC)

THURSDAY 18 MARCH

Modified microwave is effective sterilising device
Microwaves modified to generate plasma discharges could be a practical, low-cost way of sterilising medical equipment, according to scientists in Wales. Researchers at Glyndwr University in Wrexham found that by attaching a vacuum vessel to a commercial microwave oven, atomic oxygen and ozone can be generated. The device can sterilise medical tools in five minutes or less. Dr Andy Wright who led the development team said, “This plasma-based approach has been shown to be 100% effective against the most difficult pathogens.” Traditionally medical equipment is sterilised by steam treatment. The new device is smaller and less expensive than conventional systems, costing just £2,000, compared to £70,000. “As the cost is far less, it’s well suited for use in small doctor, dentist or veterinary surgeries. Items such as small surgical instruments can be quickly sterilised prior to use,” said Dr Wright. (BBC)

WEDNESDAY 17 MARCH

TB cases rising in UK
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) today warned that the UK must remain vigilant after cases of tuberculosis (TB) rose by 5% last year. 9,153 cases of TB were reported in 2009, up from 8,679 in 2008, according to the latest figures from the HPA. Ibrahim Abubakar, a TB expert at the HPA’s centre for infections said, “This increase shows that we must remain vigilant in our fight against TB.” TB is a respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the leading cause of death among curable infectious diseases. TB destroys lung tissue and is transmitted through coughing of infectious droplets, but the disease can be cured with antibiotic treatment over a six month period. “TB is an entirely preventable and curable infection, but it can be fatal if prompt diagnosis and treatment are not given,” said Dr Abubakar. The HPA is launching a new service later this year to improve understanding of how TB is spread in the community. (Independent)

TUESDAY 16 MARCH

Bacterial fingerprinting to identify suspects
The unique combination of microbes living on a person’s skin could serve as a forensic tool if a new technique is successful in trials. Scientists say that eventually police forces may be able to take a swab from objects such as computer keyboards and use it to identify the person using it days or even weeks ago, if no fingerprints can be recovered. The researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder discovered that the technique is between 70 - 90% accurate in identifying the user of a computer mouse from 270 hand swabs collected at random. With further development, the scientists believe the accuracy could be improved further. A previous study in 2008 found that the combination of bacteria – typically 150 species - on a person’s hands is almost unique to them and is not affected by handwashing. “While we think this technique is still in its preliminary stages, we think the technique could eventually become a valuable new item in the toolbox of forensic scientists,” said Professor Noah Fierer who led the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (Independent)

Banana chemicals could prevent HIV infection
A component found in bananas, named BanLec has proved to be an effective anti-viral microbicide that could be used to help stop the transmission of HIV-1. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that a sugar-binding molecule (a ‘lectin’) isolated from bananas was able to effectively inhibit the replication of HIV inside cells. “BanLec is an effective anti-HIV lectin and is similar in potency to T-20 and amravirox , two anti-HIV drugs currently in clinical use,” said doctoral student Michael D. Swanson who led the study. One advantage of BanLec is that the virus is less likely to become resistant to it. “Lectins can bind to the sugars found on different spots of the HIV-1 envelope and presumably it will take multiple mutations for the virus to get around them,” explained Mr Swanson. The scientists say that even a modest success with the new agent could save millions of lives in areas where HIV is prevalent. Other studies have previously estimated that 20 % coverage with a microbiocide that is only 60 % effective against HIV could prevents up to 2.5 million HIV infections in just a few years. (Independent)

MONDAY 15 MARCH

Vitamin D cuts rates of flu infection
A Japanese study has concluded that children’s risk of developing flu falls by 50% if they take vitamin D daily. The researchers from Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo believe that the vitamin could be more effective than vaccines or antivirals at preventing flu. Of 354 children aged 6-15 years who took part in the study, half were given a daily dose of 1200 IUs (International Units) of Vitamin D over a three month period. A control group was given a dummy pill over the same period. After the first month only one in ten children taking vitamin D became ill with flu compared to one in five controls. The research was conducted through the winter of 2008-2009 before the outbreak of swine flu. The sunshine vitamin that is naturally produced by the body when exposed to sunlight can activate the innate immune system to disable viruses. It is inexpensive with no significant side-effects making it a more favorable treatment than antivirals in reducing flu infection. Compared to vaccination, Dr Mitsuyoshi Urashima who led the study said, “Vitamin D and vaccines work by quite different mechanisms. Vitamin D enhances innate immunity while vaccines enhance acquired immunity. So we should do both ways, I think.” The study also supports the theory that low blood levels of vitamin D in winter explain why flu is more prevalent in between December and March. (Times)

Self-test HPV kits could improve diagnosis
Self-testing kits for human papilloma virus (HPV) could help prevent many more cases of cervical cancer, according to research reported in the British Medical Journal. The NHS has been piloting HPV self-testing as an add-on to traditional screening programmes run at GPs’ surgeries. There are more than 100 types of HPV that are sexually transmitted, 13 of which are known to cause cancer. HPV infection is often cleared by the body but occasionally persists and causes cell damage that can lead to cancer. In the latest study, 28,000 Dutch women who had not responded to two previous invitations to attend a regular screening programme were sent an at-home screening kit for HPV. Another smaller group of women were sent a third invitation to attend screening. More than a quarter of those sent a home test kit returned it, completed. By comparison only one in seven responded to the invitation for screening. The researchers found that the self-test kits could potentially double the number of women diagnosed with HPV infection who may not attend screening for a variety of reasons. The acceptability and effectiveness of the kits are currently being researched in the UK. (BBC)

TB increase in Canada’s Inuit
Rates of tuberculosis (TB) among Canada’s Inuit peoples have doubled since 2004 and are now 185 times higher than in non-natives, an indigenous group said last week. Although rates of TB are declining in the general population, the situation is worsening for the Canadian natives who lack a natural resistance to the disease that was introduced in the mid-20th Century. Out of 50,000 Inuit people, the number of new cases had increased from 41 to 88 in the last 6 years. Gail Turner from the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami said, “Behind the high results are significant disparities in the health of Inuit and other Canadians and inequity in access to health care.” (Independent)

TUESDAY 9 MARCH

TB vaccine overdose
A newborn baby was given ten times the normal dose of a tuberculosis  (TB) vaccine at Scunthorpe General Hospital. The baby, born on 5 February was given 0.5mg of the BCG vaccine, instead of the standard 0.05mg dose. Scunthorpe Hospital Trust has since launched a full investigation into the incident. Lawyers acting on behalf of the baby’s family are investigating reports that other children had been given vaccine overdoses. The four week-old baby is receiving antibiotics and is said to be in a stable condition at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. There is not expected to be any long-term damage to the child’s health. (BBC, Telegraph)

MONDAY 8 MARCH

Sunshine vitamin arms immune system
Vitamin D that can be obtained from food or manufactured by human skin exposed to sunlight has been found to play a key role in helping our bodies ward off infection. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is needed to activate T cells of the immune system that seek out and destroy invading bacteria and viruses. T cells remain inactive in the blood until a pathogen is detected, after which they send out a signal for vitamin D. After the vitamin has been found, the T cells transform into active killer cells that are primed to get rid of all traces of infection. “This means that the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilise,” explained Professor Carstem Geisler who conducted the research. The discovery may eventually help scientists regulate the immune response. This is important not only for fighting disease but also for avoiding rejection of transplanted organs.
(Telegraph)

Free female condoms to cut HIV
Washington DC is set to be the first US city to hand out free female condoms in a bid to reduce the rate of HIV infection. Shannon Hader, director of Washington’s HIV/AIDS administration said, “Anywhere male condoms are available, female condoms will be available.” The contraceptives will be handed out in beauty salons, convenience stores and high schools in areas particularly affected by HIV. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of disease and death among black women aged 25-34 in the US. Female condoms have been available since 1993 but uptake has been slow, thought to be due to expense. (BBC)

Gut bacteria may contribute to obesity
If the composition of gut bacteria is not properly regulated by the body it can lead to increased appetite, according to a new study published in Science. Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta found that a key molecule in the immune system called TLR5 detects and regulates bacteria in the gut.Mice without a functional TLR5 were found to have a different composition of gut bacteria. These mice ate an average of 10% more food and weighed 20% heavier. Some went on to develop inflammatory bowel disease.Andrew Gewirtz who led the study said “TLR5 serves as the neighbourhood cop of the intestinal community. It knows which bacteria it has to keep in check and doesn’t harm the good bacteria.”Although the research suggests a possible genetic predisposition to obesity, deficiencies in TLR5 affect only a small proportion of the population. (Independent)

Biodegradable toilet may reduce cholera 
A new biodegradable, single-use, mobile toilet device is hoped to reduce the incidence of cholera in the world’s poorest communities. The ‘Peepoo’ bag is a biodegradable gauze-lined bag about the size of a single wine bottle bag. It is odour-free up to 24-hours after use. The Peepoo bag can be buried in the soil and two to four weeks after use the remnants become a fertilizer. According to Peepoople, who manufacture the device, the Peepoo could alleviate the global health burden of cholera. Cholera is a water-borne bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and may lead to death if not treated quickly. It is transmitted through contaminated water and is prevalent in countries with poor sanitation. Karin Ruiz, CEO of Peepoople said, “Peepoople’s mission is to provide hygienic and dignified sanitation for all.” (Independent)

FRIDAY 5 MARCH

Discussing STIs is relationship milestone
Talking to a partner about sexually-transmitted infections is a sign that the relationship is likely to last, says a recent survey. In a poll of 1,200 15-24-year olds, talking openly about sexual history and discussing STI tests together was considered more important for the longevity of a relationship than meeting a partner’s parents. The research was conducted as part of the government’s ‘Sex. Worth Talking About’ campaign. The survey also revealed that although young people valued openness about sexual diseases, 73% admitted that they did not talk about sexually-transmitted diseases before having sex with a new partner. (BBC)

Food poisoning costs US 152 billion dollar a year
Cases of food poisoning cost the United States 152 billion dollars each year in medical costs and lost productivity, according to a new study. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The Pew Charitable Trusts at Georgetown University found each individual case cost an average of about 1,850 dollars. Foodborne illness can be caused by pathogenic bacteria including certain strains of Samonella and of Escherichia coli that can be associated with meat, eggs and milk. People become ill after eating contaminated food and may experience a range of symptoms that usually include sickness and diarrhoea. The FDA report was released as the US government considers a vote on comprehensive food safety legislation. (Independent)

THURSDAY 4 MARCH

Gut genome decoded
Scientists have sequenced all the bacterial genes found in the human gut and discovered that there are about 100 times more microbial genes than human genes in the body. The collaborative project was carried out by the European MetaHIT consortium, involving scientists from Germany, Brussels, Denmark, Spain, France and the UK. “Gut flora is crucial for our health,” said Dr Stanislav Dusko Ehrlich who coordinated the project. “We’re basically living in symbiosis with these microbes,” he said. Gut bacteria play an important role in digestion, providing us with vitamins, and protecting us from harmful pathogens. If normal colonization of these bacteria is disturbed it can leads to diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Mapping the genes of gut bacteria will help us better understand how the distribution of gut flora changes during disease. The researchers analysed faecal matter from 124 Europeans and found that each person harbours 160 bacterial species on average, many of which were common between individuals. From the samples the researchers developed a dataset called a ‘metagenome’ which combines the genetic information of all the bacteria. "We've basically sequenced all of their genomes at once. It was a huge effort because it's basically the biggest sequencing exercise anyone has done so far – it's about 200 times the sequencing effort of the human genome project," said Jeroen Raes of Vrije University in Brussels, a member of the international team which decoded the gut genome. (BBC, Independent)

Compost link to Legionnaire’s disease
Three cases of Legionnaire’s disease in Scotland have prompted health experts to call for better warning labels on potting compost packaging. The cases were said to have occurred between 2008 and 2009 and are the first cases of Legionnaire’s disease linked to gardening in the UK. The bacterium Legionella longbeachae is predominantly found in soil and potting compost. It has previously been linked to outbreaks of Legionnaire’s Disease in gardeners in Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States. Environmental health experts have said that in addition to better labelling on compost packets, doctors should be alert for Legionnaire’s symptoms among gardeners. (BBC)

WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH

AIDS leading cause of death in women worldwide
HIV affects more women than men and has become the leading cause of death and disease of females of reproductive age globally. The UN programme on HIV/AIDS has launched a 5 year action plan addressing issues that put women more at risk of disease and death. This move was announced at the start of a 10-day conference in New York on HIV. One of the main issues is that up to 70% of females worldwide have been forced into having unprotected sex. The UNAids agency said that HIV services do not sufficiently take into account the specific needs of women, even 30 years on from the start of the epidemic. The new action plan will include improving data collection and analysis of how the epidemic affects women, and will integrate the issue of violence against women into HIV prevention programmes. (BBC)

Norovirus causes Welsh ward closures
Five wards at a hospital in Swansea have been forced to turn away new admissions following a further outbreak of norovirus. Visitors who have recently been ill are being advised to stay away from the Morriston Hospital to reduce the risk of people inadvertently bringing in the virus. The bug previously caused eight wards to be closed or partially closed at the end of January. Norovirus, often called the ‘winter vomiting bug’ causes sickness and diarrhoea and affects between 600,000 and one million people in the UK each year. The Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board said that the infection control was working with housekeeping staff at the hospital to control the spread of the virus. (BBC)

MONDAY 1 MARCH

Lessons from wasps could help fight superbugs
Wasps learned how to use antibiotics millions of years before Alexander Fleming first discovered penicillin in 1928. Scientists believe we can learn lessons from wasps called ‘beewolves’ to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The Philanthus family of digger wasps coat their cocoons with a cocktail of antibiotics to ward off invading microbes that threaten the wasp larvae. They are able to do this by forming a symbiotic relationship with natural antibiotic-producing bacteria, Streptomyces. In exchange for providing them with a home, the bacteria secrete nine different antibiotics that protect the wasp nest. Johannes Kroiss, from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany who conducted the research said that the antibiotics are effective against a wide range of harmful bacteria and fungi. “This method exploits the ‘complementary or synergistic action’ of two or more drugs and is known to help prevent the development of resistant superbugs,” he said. (Telegraph)

Bacterial infection trigger for MS
A bacterial infection that prompts the immune system to overreact may cause the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to research published in the Journal of Imununology. If this is further proven, a vaccine could potentially be produced to prevent the condition from developing.  MS is a debilitating autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of myelin - the fatty substance that surrounds neurons in the brain. Sufferers may have difficulty walking or speaking and there is currently no effective cure. The cause of MS is still unknown, although one theory is that a bacterial or viral pathogens disguising themselves as components of the Central Nervous System (CNS) prompt an immune reaction which ends up destroying brain cells. Researchers from the Catholic University of Rome modified strains of Mycobacteria to make them resemble myelin and found the bacteria were able to trigger the reaction of T-cells in the immune system. Francesco Ria who led the study said, "Normally, T-cells cannot penetrate into the Central Nervous System because the hematoencephalic barrier prevents them from doing so. But the bacterium modifies the characteristics of the T-cells and allows them to overcome the barrier. In 15 days the bacterium disappears completely from the body.” As the T-cells are now able to enter the CNS they can attack the myelin surrounding nerve cells, which can lead to the development of MS. (Telegraph)

Last updated 19 March 2010