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Category: microbes

Published on Leave a comment on Raw Milk In Europe May Contain A Serious Virus

The CDC currently recommends only consuming pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk and dairy products. This is because heating milk kills off the bird flu virus (H5N1) now circulating among dairy cows in the USA. Another serious virus that pasteurization and ultra-pasteurization of milk kills off is the tick-borne encephalitis that occurs throughout central and eastern Europe.

Tick bites are the major way tick-borne encephalitis is spread. But a minority of cases are spread by consuming raw milk or dairy products from recently infected livestock (goats, sheep, and cows).

Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious viral infection of the central nervous system. It starts out with symptoms such as fever, headaches, chills, but up to 39% of cases result in more serious neurological symptoms (meningitis, encephalitis). Infected persons may experience long-term neurological effects lasting years.

Two ways to avoid the tick-borne encephalitis virus: only consuming pasteurized milk and dairy products (and avoiding raw milk and dairy products) or getting vaccinated with the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine (TicoVac, TBE vaccine).

Bottom line: Only consume pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk and dairy products.

From article (page 3) in Medscape: Fast Five Quiz: Diagnose and Treat Tick-Borne Illnesses

Tick-borne encephalitis virus can be transmitted by ticks and the alimentary tract. A recent meta-analysis of 410 foodborne tick-borne encephalitis cases, mostly from a region in central and eastern Europe, aimed to describe cases of tick-borne encephalitis acquired through alimentary transmission in Europe from 1980 to 2021. ...continue reading "Raw Milk In Europe May Contain A Serious Virus"

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Published on 1 Comment on Bird Flu Virus and Cooking Beef

The bird flu virus (H5N1 virus) has now been found in a number of American dairy herds and in raw milk from infected cows. Thus the medical advice is to avoid raw milk and raw milk products (such as raw milk cheeses). But medical experts and the CDC are now also warning about thoroughly cooking eggs and meat.

The virus is now in numerous dairy herds, in chicken flocks, and there have been outbreaks among more than 200 mammalian species. This is why medical advice is to avoid eating runny eggs and raw or medium raw beef.

The USDA conducted a study in which high amounts of the virus was injected into beef. No trace of the virus was left after the meat was cooked medium to well done (about 145 to 160 degrees F), but the virus was found in meat cooked to lower temperatures (120 degrees F). [By the way, the USDA recently tested 30 samples of grocery store ground beef and all 30 tested negative for the bird flu virus. But it was only 30 samples!!]

CDC guidelines for Preparing and Consuming Food:

For poultry:

  • Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses. People should separate uncooked (raw) poultry from cooked foods and foods that won’t be cooked. Cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) all the way before eating. More information about safe handling and cooking of poultry can be found here: Chicken and Food Poisoning 

For beef:

  • Cooking beef to the appropriate internal temperature kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza viruses. Cook all beef products thoroughly before eating. Refer to this list of safe minimum internal temperatures for different cuts of beef. Separate uncooked (raw) beef from cooked foods or foods that won’t be cooked to prevent cross-contamination.

...continue reading "Bird Flu Virus and Cooking Beef"

Published on Leave a comment on Raw Milk and Raw Milk Products May Contain the Bird Flu Virus

Time to avoid raw milk and raw milk cheeses. The bird flu virus (H5N1) has been spreading among dairy cows for months, and now scientists are finding extremely high amounts of the bird flu virus in cows' milk. The good news is that pasteurization will kill the virus.

The big concern is that somehow the virus will mutate and start infecting humans on a large scale. Besides cattle, there have been outbreaks of the virus in over 200 species of mammals since 2022. Millions of wild birds have died from the virus.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that: 1) The H5N1 bird flu virus survived in raw dairy milk kept under refrigerated conditions for at least 5 weeks (they didn't test beyond that point). 2) When mice consumed infected raw milk, they showed signs of illness. This suggests that drinking raw milk may pose a risk of transmission to people. 3) Pasteurization "neutralized" the virus

The CDC says it's not just raw milk, but also any raw milk dairy products - cheeses, yogurt, ice cream can be contaminated by the virus and to avoid eating them.

The following article reports that as of June 5, H5N1 infections have been confirmed in more than 80 dairy herds in 9 states and in 3 dairy farm workers, who had mild symptoms (first 2 had conjunctivitis type eye symptoms, the 3rd had respiratory symptoms). A number of cats have died from the virus after ingesting raw milk.

Excerpts from Nature: Huge amounts of bird-flu virus found in raw milk of infected cows

Milk from cows infected with bird flu contains astronomical numbers of viral particles, which can survive for hours in splattered milk, new data shows1,2. The research adds to growing evidence that the act of milking has probably been driving viral transmission among cows, other animals and potentially humans. ...continue reading "Raw Milk and Raw Milk Products May Contain the Bird Flu Virus"

Published on Leave a comment on The Skin Microbiome Is Different In Persons With Rosacea
Severe rosacea Credit: Wikipedia

A recent study confirmed that in the skin condition called rosacea, the skin microbiome is out of whack (dysbiosis). Of course. The study also confirmed that treatment with a topical ivermectin cream helps with the inflamed red skin rashes on the face and lowers the number of Demodex mites found on the skin.

Demodex mite Credit: Wikipedia

But while the cream improved symptoms in 44% of the patients, it didn't correct the skin dysbiosis. In rosacea, there is a big increase of Demodex mites (compared to normal levels) at the site of the red rashes or lesions. After the topical ivermectin cream treatment, the number of mites decreased in 88% of the rosacea group to more normal levels. [Yes, we all have Demodex mites living on our skin.]

However, other bacterial species are still different in the rosacea group compared to healthy persons without rosacea. The researchers found Cutibacterium species are predominant in healthy persons without rosacea, but are not found in persons when they have rosacea inflammation. Instead Staphylococcus species take over (just like in atopic dermatitis).

The skin microbiome is the community of bacteria, viruses, fungi that live on our skin. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face resulting in redness, pimples, swelling, and dilated blood vessels. It frequently begins with flushing (redness) of the face in symmetrical patches, and it may or may not progress.

Excerpts from the medical site Medscape: Topical Ivermectin Study Sheds Light on Dysbiosis in Rosacea

Topical ivermectin has significant clinical efficacy and decreases the density of Demodex mites found in the skin of people with rosacea, but cutaneous dysbiosis remains, according to a report presented at the recent European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2023 Congress. ...continue reading "The Skin Microbiome Is Different In Persons With Rosacea"

Published on Leave a comment on Oral Vaccine for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
E. coli bacteria Credit: NIAID

Soon there may be an oral vaccine for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). That is wonderful news for millions of women suffering from frequent urinary tract infections, who wind up taking repeated courses of antibiotics. Yet they keep getting UTIs.

In a small study, 54% of the persons who took the vaccine remained UTI free for the entire 9 year follow-up period, with the average UTI free period in the group (72 women and 17 men) of 4 1/2 years. The researchers said the results were a "game-changer" for the study participants.

In this study, the vaccine was given "off label" in the UK. 40% of the group had repeated doses after 1 or 2 years. Please view the study as having preliminary results, especially because the study did not have a control group that didn't receive the vaccine. There were no notable adverse effects from the vaccine .

The vaccine, called Uromune (MV140), was developed by Immunotek in Spain. The vaccine is composed of inactivated whole bacteria commonly associated with UTIs: E.coli, K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, and E. faecalis. It is taken every day - 2 sprays of a pineapple flavored liquid under the tongue for three months.

The vaccine is not approved by the FDA in the US at this time. It is currently pending approval in Canada and available off-license in 26 countries, including Mexico. Clinical trials are now going on. It has been in use for several years (more than 40,000 patients).

What to do now? While you're waiting for US FDA vaccine approval, why not try D-mannose for UTIs? It's non-prescription, safe, available as capsule or powder, works well for most species implicated in UTIs (such as E. coli),  and readily available. Studies support its use as either a preventive or a treatment for UTIs, and as a replacement for antibiotics.

The vaccine results were recently presented at a European medical conference. From Medical Xpress: Oral vaccine for UTI is potential alternative to antibiotics, finds 9-year study

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be prevented for up to nine years in more than half of people given an oral spray-based vaccine and is a potential alternative to antibiotic treatments, finds research. ...continue reading "Oral Vaccine for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections"

Published on Leave a comment on A Specific Bacteria and Colorectal Cancer
Credit: Wikipedia

Cancer tumors have a different microbiome (community of microbes) than healthy tissue. Researchers have been finding the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in a number of cancers, with high levels of its presence associated with a poorer outcome for the person (more metastases and death).

A recent study found that one strain or subtype of  F. nucleatum (called Fna C2)  is found in tumors of about 50% of aggressive colon cancers.

Interestingly, F. nucleatum is a normal oral bacteria - one found in the mouth of people, and also associated with periodontal disease. It is rarely found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of healthy persons.

It is thought that the bacteria somehow travels from the mouth to the stomach, where it can withstand stomach acid, and then grows there in the gastrointestinal tract. F. nucleatum is cancer promoting - for example, it has a supporting role in tumor progression. It appears to be resistant to cancer treatments.

Researchers are now wondering if certain beneficial or good bacteria ingested by the person or somehow delivered to the tumor site  can battle the F. nucleatum, perhaps as part of cancer therapy. Stay tuned....

From Science Daily: Bacteria subtype linked to growth in up to 50% of human colorectal cancers

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that a specific subtype of a microbe commonly found in the mouth is able to travel to the gut and grow within colorectal cancer tumors. This microbe is also a culprit for driving cancer progression and leads to poorer patient outcomes after cancer treatment. ...continue reading "A Specific Bacteria and Colorectal Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Rebound Rates of Covid Are Pretty High After Taking Paxlovid
Covid-19 virus

To take the antiviral Paxlovid or not is a big question among many older adults. The drug is meant to be taken soon after a person develops a Covid-19 symptoms - to avoid severe Covid symptoms and prevent hospitalization and death. Unfortunately, some people develop rebound Covid after stopping Paxlovid - that is, they again develop Covid-19.

What is going on? How frequently does this occur?  A new study recently published found a rebound effect of 21%. That's 1 in 5 persons taking Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir). Also, the researchers found that during the second bout with Covid the person is shedding viral particles - thus contagious, even if they didn't have symptoms during the rebound.

In comparison, the Covid rebound rate was 1.8% in persons who did not receive Paxlovid.

And yes, the rebound Paxlovid group was vaccinated. The Paxlovid group had received an average 4 vaccines vs 3 in the no treatment group. Interestingly, Covid rebound was more common among those who started Paxlovid therapy within the first 2 days of Covid symptoms, versus those who started later.

So...it's still unclear to many older adults whether to take Paxlovid or not.

From Science Daily: One in five patients experience rebound COVID after taking Paxlovid, new study finds

A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham found that one in five individuals taking Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir therapy, commonly known as Paxlovid, to treat severe symptoms of COVID-19, experienced a positive test result and shedding of live and potentially contagious virus following an initial recovery and negative test -- a phenomenon known as virologic rebound. ...continue reading "Rebound Rates of Covid Are Pretty High After Taking Paxlovid"

Published on Leave a comment on Could Probiotics Play A Role In Chronic Wound Healing?
Lactobacilli Credit: Wikipedia

Chronic wounds (wounds that won't heal) are a big health problem for many, many people. This past decade has seen all sorts of advances in chronic wound healing treatments, and now there is a future possibility of also applying probiotics on the wounds.

A recent study showed "proof of concept" that some Lactobacillus species are effective in eliminating biofilms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on skin, which are big problems in chronic wounds. Proof of concept means that a preliminary study using laboratory tests (using "living skin" in a human skin model) showed that it can work, and should be tested further.

The researchers tested a treatment using several species of Lactobacilli (L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. rhamnosus). They found that probiotics added to a modern wound dressing that contained silver did better at eradicating biofilms than using silver containing dressings alone or probiotics alone. (Note: Lactobacillus species are generally viewed as beneficial bacteria, and many Lactobacillus species live at different sites in the human microbiome, which are communities of fungi, bacteria, and viruses.)

The interesting part is that the species picked for the research were because they were in supplements readily available. The researchers cited research showing other Lactobacillus species also having potential in wound treatment, especially due to effects of their lactic acid.

It's an exciting time! Stay tuned to see if probiotic infused dressings actually work on chronic wounds in live human beings...

From Physics News: A living bandage: Wound dressing uses probiotic bacteria to combat biofilms

Millimeter by millimeter, new tissue makes its way through a wound until it has closed a skin lesion. Soon, in the best case, there is nothing left to see of a knee scrape, a finger cut or a burn blister. Not so with chronic wounds, though: If the injury has not healed after four weeks, there is a wound healing disorder. Sometimes, seemingly harmless tissue damage can develop into a permanent health problem or even blood poisoning.

...continue reading "Could Probiotics Play A Role In Chronic Wound Healing?"

Published on Leave a comment on Most Bacteria In Kitchens Are Harmless

Ever wonder what bacteria are living on your kitchen surfaces, including sponges? It turns out that even with different hygiene, dietary habits, and cooking practices, there is a core group of bacteria that are common to all kitchen surfaces (core microbiota). At least this was true for residential kitchens in 5 European countries.

The Norwegian researchers took samples from 74 kitchens in 5 countries - France, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Hungary. Bacteria were sampled from cutting boards, counter tops, sinks, handles, and cleaning utensils, including sponges.

The researchers found that the core microbiota in European kitchens were of eight genera or families.  They are: Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Enhydrobacter, Enterobacteriaceae, Psychrobacter, Chryseobacterium,  Bacillus, and Staphylococcus.

The researchers mention that other studies also found Acinetobacter (part of the core bacteria) in all kitchen samples in all countries (including USA, South Korea), and in high abundance. It probably enters kitchens daily because it is on vegetables, meat, fish, milk, and even in drinking water systems. By the way, these bacteria are not a threat to humans!

Bottom line: Bacteria are all around us, including in our kitchen - and that's OK. Most are harmless! However, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella can enter kitchens through contaminated food.

From Science Daily: Bacteria in kitchen may not be as harmful as you think

Bacteria found in 74 kitchens spread among 5 European countries were mostly harmless according to new research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. ...continue reading "Most Bacteria In Kitchens Are Harmless"

Published on Leave a comment on Psoriasis Has A Microbiome
Healthy skin Credit: Wikipedia

Well, the results of new research about skin with psoriasis compared to healthy skin isn't surprising. The research found that skin with psoriasis has a distinct microbiome (community of bacteria, viruses, fungi) - one that is different from that of healthy persons.

A main finding was that the types of bacteria were lower (less diversity) on the psoriatic skin. Greater diversity of bacteria is considered good - a sign of health. Levels of Staphylococcus were higher in the psoriatic skin, but healthy skin had higher levels of Cutibacterium and Kocuria.

Oher research also supports the view that microbes are somehow involved with the development of psoriasis. The hope is that someday treatment could be just taking a probiotic pill or applying certain microbes to the skin, perhaps in a lotion. Wouldn't that be great?

Excerpts from Medscape: Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Show Distinctive Skin Microbiomes

The bacterial diversity in lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with psoriasis (PsO) with or without psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was significantly lower than that of healthy control skin, based on data from 74 individuals. ...continue reading "Psoriasis Has A Microbiome"