Inflammation in the gut helps bacterial viruses spread to other strains of bacteria and promotes their success, a new study in mice finds. The results hint that using a vaccine that reduces gut inflammation may be helpful in treating some infections. Bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacterial pathogens, may also act as vectors of virulence or of antibiotic resistance genes, ultimately making bacterial disease worse for the host.
To gain more insights into this phenomenon, Médéric Diard et al. infected mice with a strain of Salmonella that was infected with the bacteriophage SopEΦ. Inflammation in response to the Salmonella stressed the pathogens themselves, and the resulting damage promoted bacteriophage replication, followed by rupture of the bacterial cell wall and release of the bacteriophages. At this stage, the bacteriophage infected other Salmonella cells, possibly also spreading novel virulence or resistance genes, the authors say. In live mice, administering a vaccine that decreased gut inflammation caused a decrease in SopEΦ-mediated gene transfer, the authors report. They note that targeting inflammation to treat infections offers an advantage over antibiotic therapy, as the former hinders gene transfer and the evolution of pathogens, while the latter promotes bacterial evolution and, ultimately, antibiotic resistance.
Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
IP LifeLine: Layoffs and the Evolving Job Market Landscape for Infection Preventionists
July 11th 2025Infection preventionists, once hailed as indispensable during the pandemic, now face a sobering reality: budget pressures, hiring freezes, and layoffs are reshaping the field, leaving many IPs worried about their future and questioning their value within health care organizations.