Infection

Infection :: Programed cell death protects against infections

They are the largest group of white blood cells: neutrophil granulocytes kill microorganisms. Neutrophils catch microbes with extracellular structures nicknamed Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) that are composed of nucleic acid and aggressive enzymes. A group of scientists lead by Arturo Zychlinsky at the Max-Planck-Institute for Infectious Biology in Berlin, Germany discovered, how the neutrophils form this snaring network (Journal of Cell Biology, online, January 8, 2007).

Bird Flu :: Indonesia Bird Flu – Avian influenza ? update

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional two cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Bird Flu :: Indonesia reports 2 avian bird flu cases

Two Indonesians have been hospitalized in less than a week with H5N1 avian influenza infections, the country?s first in more than a month, according to news services. Indonesia?s health ministry told Bloomberg News that a 14-year-old boy who tested positive for the H5N1 virus was being treated at Persahabatan Hospital in Jakarta after showing flulike symptoms on Jan_1.

Bird Flu :: H5N1-infected bird found in Hong Kong

Hong Kong government officials recently announced that a wild bird found dead near a busy shopping district on Dec_31 tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza.

Norovirus :: Viral Outbreak in Criccieth – Update

Testing has identified Norovirus as the cause of illness in two care homes in the Criccieth area. In the Bryn Awelon home, 22 of the 30 residents and eight of the 22 staff have had the stomach bug. The first person fell ill on 22_December and the last case was reported on 29_December.

Skin :: Genetically altered cells may help artificial skin fight infection

Cincinnati burn researchers have created genetically modified skin cells that, when added to cultured skin substitutes, may help fight off potentially lethal infections in patients with severe burns. Led by University of Cincinnati scientists, the team found that skin cells that were genetically altered to produce higher levels of a protein known as human beta defensin 4 killed more bacteria than normal skin cells.

Cervical Cancer :: Demand high for HPV shot – Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine

New Hampshire’s health department will send its first shipments of a new vaccine that prevents cervical cancer to doctors this week. But many local practices say that the amount being sent won’t be enough to meet the demand for an unusually popular vaccine.