Studies suggest a darker side of 'benign' microbes

Article Abstract:

Research shows that microorganisms called mycoplasma may play a more serious role in disease than previously believed. These organisms are smaller than many bacteria and lack a cell wall. For this reason, they do not respond to antibiotics that target the cell wall such as penicillin and its derivatives. New diagnostic techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have found that between half and three-quarters of all children with pneumonia may be infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The organism may also be linked to asthma in children. A related organism, Ureaplasma urealyticum, is found in the adult genital tract and can be passed to the fetus.

Health aspects, Diagnosis, Mycoplasma, Mycoplasma infections

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Nobel Prize to Stanley Prusiner for prion discovery

Article Abstract:

Stanley B. Prusiner, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco, won the 1997 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology and $1 million for proposing a new class of infectious agents called prions. Prions, unlike bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, are proteins that contain no genetic material. Although found normally in humans and other organisms, prions can transform into an aberrant form that devastates brain tissue and may be responsible for mad cow disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Prusiner's theory has remained controversial since first proposed in 1982.

Research, Achievements and awards, Personalities, Prions, Prions (Proteins), Nobel laureates, Nobel prizes, Prusiner, Stanley B.

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"New Dawn" for Botswana: Offering free HIV treatment- and hope

Article Abstract:

One critical component of the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDs Partnerships is Masa, an ambitious program that involves offering free antiretroviral drugs to all Botswana citizens who require treatment. Ernest Darkoh, MD, MPH of Masa discusses about the progress of the program.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Botswana, Physicians, Interview, Darkoh, Ernest

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