IDRI gets $6.3M grant to study new tuberculosis vaccine Aug 28, 2008
The currently available vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), was developed in 1921 and fails to protect most people beyond childhood, said Rhea Coler of IDRI, said in a statement. IDRI is focusing on the making of adjuvants an essential ingredient in several vaccines that it believes can target specific immune pathways and improve vaccine protection. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Potential Diabetes Treatment Selectively Kills Autoimmune Cells From Human Patients Aug 27, 2008
The clinical trial based on Faustman's earlier studies is testing whether use of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a generic drug that temporarily elevates TNF levels, will reduce autoimmune T cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. The current Phase 1 trial, which has been approved by the FDA and is directed by David M. Nathan, MD, director of the MGH Diabetes Center, focuses on determining the optimal dose and timing of BCG administration. (Science Daily)
Diabetes therapies take new approach Aug 26, 2008
Dr. Denise Faustman and colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston tested a cheap, generic drug used to prevent tuberculosis, called bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Faustman said bacillus Calmette-Guerin temporarily elevates levels of an immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor ... The tests on blood from 675 people with diabetes and 512 healthy people showed the diabetics had some CD8 "killer" T-cells that could be killed by the tumor necrosis factor... (Boston Globe)
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Trafficking In More Than Half a Million Tubes of Counterfeit Toothpaste Aug 22, 2008
According to the criminal information filed in the case, laboratory tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Colgate-Palmolive on samples of the counterfeit toothpaste revealed that the toothpaste lacked fluoride, an ingredient found in genuine Colgate toothpaste, and that some of the toothpaste contained microorganisms, such as bacillus spores and diethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol, commonly used as a coolant for hydraulic and brake fluids, is illegally used in the... (PR Newswire)
Bioniche Phase III Clinical Trial in Bladder Cancer Progressing Well Aug 18, 2008
These are patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that is refractory (unresponsive) to bacillus Calmette-Gu;rin (BCG) therapy. BCG, the standard of care for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, has limited efficacy, especially as second-line therapy. (Canada Newswire)
Synthetic Biology Is Bearing Fruit: Blockers Against Blockers Aug 17, 2008
24, 2006) A team from the Institut Pasteur has recently shown that the tuberculosis bacillus hides from the immune system in its host's fat cells. This formidable pathogen is protected against even the most. (Science Daily)
District starts fighting mosquitoes Aug 9, 2008
Rui-De Xue, the district's director, said the bacterium used, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, is safe for people and animals that come in contact with it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agrees, as Bti is an approved insecticide and has reported that it only puts mosquitoes at risk. (The St. Augustine Record)
Grow a gorgeously 'green' garden Aug 6, 2008
Experiment with one of the many natural pesticide options from garlic and hot pepper sprays, to naturally occurring, insect thwarting bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis to insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. Again, research is important here as specific pests react to specific pesticides. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Three Types of Tuberculosis Infecti... Aug 5, 2008
An abbreviation for Tubercle bacillus, TB is the result of infection with a slow growing, wax-coated that can remain viable in dried aerosol droplets for 8 months ... Infection with Tuburcle bacillus (most often M. tuberculosis) is characterized by the formation of tubercles, hard nodules in the lungs that are the result of interaction between the bacteria and the host s immune system. (Suite101.com)
What Causes a False Positive TB Ski... Aug 3, 2008
TB (an abbreviation for Tubercle bacillus) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; a slow growing, wax-coated bacterium that can remain viable in dried aerosol droplets for 8 months. Highly infectious, it only takes one M. tuberculosis bacterium to start a disease process that can destroy lung tissue, disseminate and result in death. (Suite101.com)
Dual-use Sexual Attraction And Population-control Chemicals Found In Nematodes Aug 2, 2008
20, 2003) Biologists at the University of California, San Diego have discovered that Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt--a bacterium that produces natural protein insecticides that have been used by organic farmers. (June 4, 1999) For the first time in history, scientists now have the complete blueprint of the genetic information that makes an animal. (Science Daily)
China removes ban on foreign leprosy sufferers Jul 25, 2008
"And 99 percent of the leprosy bacillus (bacteria) loses its efficacy if the sufferer receives treatment for more than three days.". In China, leprosy is classified as a third degree infectious disease, the same as flu, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Killer Kevlar: Clothing That Shields From Germs Jul 22, 2008
They then exposed coated and uncoated fabric samples to E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis (a fungus), MS2 virus, and Bacillus subtilis spores (to mimic anthrax). After a short time, large amounts of microorganisms stuck to untreated fabric samples, but the coated fabrics showed little to no adherence of the infectious agents, the researchers say. (Science Daily)
Mosquito Control Tackling A Biting Problem Jul 13, 2008
The mosquito ingests that bacillus bacteria, and it goes after the stomach lining of the mosquito. "The cells burst," Moore said. (Tampa Tribune)
Health Matters: Preventing West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illness Jul 1, 2008
The third step is the placement of larvicide, which is a granular form of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that kills mosquito larvae before they become adult mosquitoes. This is placed into town catch basins and surrounding wetland areas, which are prime mosquito breeding locations. (Needham Tab, MA)
Toxic sauce led to man's death: coroner Jul 1, 2008
The coroner, Jane Culver, found the restaurant had served him fish on January 12 with asparagus sauce that had become contaminated by bacillus cereus, a ground-based bacteria. After the meal Mr Hodgins walked to his home in Telegraph Road, Pymble, and became ill within minutes. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Fish of the day sauce a killer Jun 30, 2008
8 million colony-producing units of the bacterium bacillus cereus per gram. Food that contains between 100,000 and 100 million units of the bacteria per gram are considered contaminated. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Microscopic 'Clutch' Puts Flagellum In Neutral Jun 23, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 23, 2008) A tiny but powerful engine that propels the bacterium Bacillus subtilis through liquids is disengaged from the corkscrew-like flagellum by a protein clutch, Indiana University Bloomington and Harvard University scientists have learned. Their report appears in Science on June 20. (Science Daily)
Bacteria pump a molecular 'clutch' to stop Jun 21, 2008
He says that epsE is part of a group of 15 genes that, when activated, send the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis into biofilm mode. The other genes control things such as slime production, he adds. (Smash Hits)
State stops aerial pesticide spraying over neighborhoods Jun 20, 2008
Organic insecticides, like Spinosad and Bacillus thuringiensis, will be used in heavily infested areas. Tiny stingerless wasps, which would destroy moth larvae, are being considered. (San Jose Mercury News)
Greenspace: Take a new look at the familiar dandelion Jun 17, 2008
The juice taken internally can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, and proteus. That speaks for itself. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Schistosomes, Hookworm And Trichuris Infections Synergize To Increase The Risk Of Anemia Jun 5, 2008
29, 2006) Scientists at the University of California, San Diego and Yale University have discovered that a natural protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium sprayed on crops by organic farmers to. (Jan. (Science Daily)
Resist urge to drop chemical bombs on pests May 30, 2008
I noted the remedy is to hand-pick them and then apply products containing a bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, to the plants, but I got a number of questions ... There are several strains of Bacillus thuringiensis. (Anchorage Daily News)
Aerial spray to control infestations of European gypsy moth planned for May 19 will be re-scheduled May 18, 2008
On the next-forecasted, weather-appropriate day, a two-engine helicopter with an ultra low volume spray system will fly about 15 to 30 metres above the treetops and will spray Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) - (Foray 48B, Pest Control Product (PCP) Act registration number 24977). This pesticide contains naturally occurring bacteria. (Canada Newswire)
Mosquito season is upon us May 17, 2008
To help further the effort of preventing outbreak and disease, the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project (PCMCP), has been doing their part in stopping mosquitoes in their tracks and killing them with a special pesticide called Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) before they have a chance to hatch. BTI, which is applied via airplane and helicopter over the wetlands areas in Plymouth County, is a soil bacterium that was discovered in Israel in 1977. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)
GARDEN Q&A: An appetite for cannas May 13, 2008
If you want to control the caterpillars as they emerge, try using a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, sold as Dipel or Thuricide. This environmentally friendly product is specifically formulated to control many types of caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. (Florida Times-Union)
Elucidating Iron Transport Mechanisms In Tuberculosis Bug Identifies New TB Drug Targets May 9, 2008
It is important to know how the TB bacillus survives in the low iron environment of the human host by making use of its unique iron transport machinery ... 24, 2006) A team from the Institut Pasteur has recently shown that the tuberculosis bacillus hides from the immune system in its host's fat cells. (Science Daily)
Food Poisoning - Part 1 May 6, 2008
Bacillus cereus: Causes mild illness with rapid onset of vomiting, with or without diarrhea and abdominal cramping. It is associated with rice (mainly fried rice) and other starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes. (Stuttgart Daily Leader, AR)
Bacteria Levels In Aircraft Shows Low Risk To Travelers, Study Shows May 3, 2008
While we did find elevated levels of bacteria at several intervals during the flight, they were common residents of human skin and mucus membranes, dust and outdoor air, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Staphylococcus. Rogers adds that passengers infected with diseases such as tuberculosis are a special case that could pose a risk to fellow travelers. (Science Daily)
IN BRIEF: Artist cleared over possession of bacteria May 2, 2008
Lest it remain unclear whether or not this constituted a bioharzardous situation, Ferrell mailed Kurtz properly contained samples of Serratia marcescens and Bacillus subtilis var. niger purchased from ATCC. These are demonstration bacteria commonly used in high school and college microbiology courses. (Nature News Service)
Top five food safety myths Apr 23, 2008
When these foods (and other cooked items) enter the temperature "danger zone" of 5-60 degrees, Bacillus cereus can form heat-resistant spores and a heat-resistant toxin. "If cooked food is allowed to cool slowly the spores can germinate," says Buchtmann. (Sydney Morning Herald)
* COA develops bactericide made of plant extracts Apr 19, 2008
The organic bactericides are effective in combating more than 10 types of fungus and bacteria, such as rice blast fungus, bacillus cereus and colon bacillus, the latter of which is used as an indicator in evaluating food sanitation. Taiwans humidity and high temperatures mean crops are often invaded by bacteria or fungus, both of which also exist in water, air and food, causing environmental pollution and health risks, Chen said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Are Sacrificial Bacteria Altruistic Or Just Unlucky? Apr 17, 2008
A pilot survey of 11 soil profiles across gold mining regions in the Peoples Republic of China indicates that elevated spore counts of Bacillus cereus, a common soil. (Apr. (Science Daily)
NIST, Army researchers pave the way for anthrax spore standards Apr 16, 2008
Anthrax bacillus spores viewed under a microscope in a cell chamber to measure concentration ... Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax, has been a centuries-old threat to human health ... Because sample stability is a key requirement for reference materials, NIST and Army researchers recently compared different methods for measuring the concentration, biological activity and stability of laboratory-grade Bacillus anthracis spores under different storage conditions. (EurekAlert!)
Briefs (April 17) Apr 15, 2008
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project will be conducting helicopter applications of the biorational larvicide Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae. Visit the Projects Web site for spring wetland locations. (Needham Tab, MA)
Mosquito larvae control to begin Wednesday Apr 15, 2008
The material to be applied Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) is a natural bacterium found in soil and water. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Fungus Fight: Researchers Battle Against Dangerous Corn Toxin Apr 14, 2008
The first generation of their so-called "Bt corn" incorporated a gene into the corn genome from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a soil microbe that produces a protein that kills harmful corn pests like the European and southwestern corn borer. Bt is the active ingredient in microbial pesticides widely used in organic and conventional agricultural systems for close to 50 years. (Science Daily)
High mosquito count triggers fogging Apr 11, 2008
If you have stagnant water, add Bacillus thuringiensis. This bacterium kills mosquito larvae but doesn't harm pets, birds or humans. (AZCentral)
Mosquito Control Project Apr 8, 2008
Mon Apr 07, 2008, 01:37 PM EDT. Visit the Projects Web site for spring wetland locations. (Needham Tab, MA)
Survival Of The Fattest: TB Accumulates Fat To Survive, And To Spread Apr 4, 2008
"A real eureka moment." Enhanced fluorescence image of a fat droplet-laden tubercle bacillus in a patient's sputum. (Credit: Image adapted from Microbiology-SGM 148:2002:2951-2958, with permission, courtesy of University of Leicester). (Science Daily)
County has first human WNV case Apr 2, 2008
Mosquito dunks, while in the water, slowly release a biological mosquito larvaecide composed of the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israaelenses (BTI). BTI remains active in the water for 30 days, killing mosquito and black fly larvae before they hatch. (Brookhaven Daily Leader)
Asparagus sauce accused of killing diner Mar 27, 2008
WILLIAM Hodgins died just hours after being served up a sauce with fatally high levels of the toxic pathogen bacillus cerus by an award-winning Sydney restaurant, an inquest heard yesterday ... Tests on the sauce carried out after Mr Hodgins' death by the Division of Analytical Laboratories found there was a presence of bacillus cereus at at 9. (NEWS.com.au)
Finding the sauce of fatal fish dinner Mar 27, 2008
An investigation by the NSW Food Authority had discovered the toxic vegetable pathogen Bacillus cereus in an asparagus cream sauce served to him and 14 other customers that night who had ordered the fish of the day, snapper, Inspector Dean Lindley of Hornsby police told the coroner, Jane Culver ... "The sauce had subsequently been analysed by the Division of Analytical Laboratories and had been found to contain the pathogen Bacillus cereus at a level of 9.8 million parts " he said ... "During... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
RNTCP generates hope to fight killer TB Mar 25, 2008
It commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus. Tuberculosis is a chronic ailment that is caused by tubercle bacillus. (Etalaat)
Click for Full Story Mar 24, 2008
In 1882, German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis. In 1934, President Roosevelt signed a bill granting future independence to the Philippines. (KWTX.com, TX)
Tuberculosis Rate in U.S. Lowest Ever in 2007 Mar 22, 2008
The findings, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, were released to coincide with World TB Day on Monday, which is held each year on March 24 to commemorate the date in 1882 when Robert Koch announced his discovery of Myobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB.. The report also indicates that racial disparities in TB rates persist. (MEDLINEplus)
Inhaled Tuberculosis Vaccine More Effective Than Traditional Shot, Study Suggests Mar 19, 2008
Administered to 100 million infants annually, the current Bacillus Calmette-Gu;rin (BCG) vaccine for TB is the world's most widely administered childhood vaccine. Dried into a powder by freezing and delivered by needle injection, the vaccine requires refrigerated storage and has shown variable degrees of protection against tuberculosis in different parts of the world. (Science Daily)
Three regions record high deaths in TB Mar 19, 2008
1886, the day Robert Koch discovered the Tuberculosis Bacillus. that subsequently led to discovery of a vaccine to contain the. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Phase I Diabetes Trial Aims To Reverse Type 1 Diabetes Mar 15, 2008
In the animal studies, a commonly used vaccine that provides protection against tuberculosis, called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) was used effectively to deplete the abnormal immune cells that attack and destroy the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. The first step in the human study, which is currently enrolling volunteers, is to determine whether the same strategy using BCG vaccination can be used to modify the abnormal autoimmune cells that are present in type 1 diabetes, sometimes... (Science Daily)
UNC, Harvard develop inhaled TB vaccine Mar 15, 2008
The vaccine used in the study was a Bacillus Calmette-Gurin (BCG) vaccine, which is not common in the United States but is used extensively throughout the world. Given to 100 million infants annually, the current BCG vaccine for TB is the worlds most widely administered childhood vaccine. (EurekAlert!)
New More Effective Tuberculosis Screening Test For HIV Victims Mar 7, 2008
A person infected by HIV who is also contaminated with Koch's bacillus bears a greater risk of developing active TB than a non HIV-infected individual. Latent TB infection diagnosis has for several decades been founded on a positive response to the tuberculin skin test (TST). (Science Daily)
Growing menaceDoctors are worried about the spread of drug-resistant TB Mar 6, 2008
Professor Willem Hanekom, lab director at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) has spent years studying the TB bacillus, which is spread by airborne droplets. Professor Hanekom said: "It's easy to catch. If you live in the same house as someone with TB then there is a good chance you will be infected. "In parts of South Africa where TB is common you can catch it on a train or in a shop when someone coughs up the bug. (BBC News -- Health)
Study looks at new bladder cancer therapy for patients unresponsive to standard treatment Feb 27, 2008
The study is open to patients with recurrent bladder cancer that has not responded to standard therapy -- BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin) treatment. In 2006, Dr. McKiernan, together with departmental chair Dr. Mitchell C Benson, led a phase I study of the drug Taxotere, also used to treat breast cancer, on a similar patient population, finding the drug to be safe with 12 of 18 patients responding (results were published in the July 1, 2006, Journal of Clinical Oncology). (EurekAlert!)
GM Cotton Acreage To Touch 80 Percent In India Feb 19, 2008
India allowed commercial cultivation of bacillus thuringiensis or Bt cotton in 2002, leading to vehement protests from social activists who say genetically modified crops are a health hazard, spoil soil texture and harm the environment. Government officials say India will increasingly turn to laboratories to secure food supplies as the country struggles to feed more than one billion people. (Planet Ark, United States)
Million Smoking-Related Deaths Predicted for India in 2010 Feb 15, 2008
" The authors acknowledged that "the tubercle bacillus is obviously a cause of all deaths from tuberculosis. " But they said that smoking could contribute to tuberculosis deaths because subclinical infection is widespread and "smoking could facilitate the progression to clinical disease. (MedPage Today)
A clear and present danger Feb 13, 2008
Also, independent university studies have documented that it is effective against the H5N8 virus, MRSA, nonresistant staphylococcus aureus, e-coli, listeria monocytogenes, candida albicans, stachybotrus chartarum (black mold), streptococcus, pseudomonas and bacillus subtillus. This technology is currently in use in 70 countries around the world, residentially and commercially. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Return of the Plague Feb 13, 2008
"The plague bacillus is probably the most pathogenic infectious agent on the planet right now, and we still don't know why it's so virulent," says Elisabeth Carniel, a plague expert at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. It may no longer make history, but plague hasn't lost its terrifying power. (Time.com)
New Devices To Boost Nematode Research On Neurons And Drugs Feb 10, 2008
20, 2003) Biologists at the University of California, San Diego have discovered that Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt--a bacterium that produces natural protein insecticides that have been used by organic farmers ... 29, 2006) Scientists at the University of California, San Diego and Yale University have discovered that a natural protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium sprayed on crops by organic farmers to. (Science Daily)
Probe into first anthrax death in UK in 30 years Feb 8, 2008
The report from NHS Borders, published in December, stated: "The result of the investigation was that on the balance of probabilities the case became infected as a result of using or handling one or more West African style drums contaminated with viable anthrax spores, at drumming classes or workshops. "This is supported by the finding of spores, which were, on the balance of probabilities, the same strain of bacillus antracis that was isolated from a blood culture taken from the case, on drums;... (Daily Mail)
After flu, anthrax stalks animals Feb 6, 2008
ARD sources said all the dead cows were suffering from fever and died after bleeding from the mouth, typical symptoms of cattle infected with the anthrax bacillus. The dead animals have been buried more than eight feet underground, said Tapan Roy, the deputy director of the ARD in Cooch Behar. (Calcutta Telegraph)
Weakness Identified In Anthrax Bacteria Jan 29, 2008
The researchers found that nitric oxide (NO) is a critical part of Bacillus anthracis's defense against the immune response launched by cells infected with the bacterium. Anthrax bacteria that cannot produce NO succumb to the immune system's attack. (Science Daily)
Plague Remains A Threat In Many Parts Of The World Jan 17, 2008
The plague bacillus, Yersinia pestis, causes several thousand human cases per year. Over recent years, there has been a major shift in cases from Asia to Africa, with more than 90% of all cases and deaths in the last five years occurring in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Science Daily)
CDC: Fliers exposed to rare TB Dec 31, 2007
The risk is believed to be small, but the deadly TB bacillus can float on air for hours and presents a greater threat in the confines of an airline cabin. All passengers considered at possible risk will be contacted. (USA Today)
Researcher Seeks Clues To How Tuberculosis Infects Cells Dec 27, 2007
The study also compared the responses of M. tuberculosis to a live bacterial vaccine against tuberculosis known as Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). It found that the two bacteria may each respond differently to the same stimuli and that BCG appears less capable of protecting itself once inside a macrophage. (Science Daily)
Trees by design Dec 24, 2007
As part of an ambitious countrywide reforestation program, it reportedly has planted 1 million poplars outfitted with an insect-resisting gene lifted from the common soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, the same natural pest control that organic gardeners use. Federal regulators in the United States have given the green light to two transgenic fruit trees: A papaya engineered by Cornell researchers to resist ring-spot virus, a scourge that had threatened to wipe out Hawaii's papaya industry,... (Boston Globe)
