News and publications
Browse a selection of publications and recent press releases on microbiology or microbiology-related subjects that highlight the impact of the LeMID (Leicester microbial sciences and infectious diseases) Centre.
10 July 2019
New blood test for human TB also identify people most at risk
A collaborative study between researchers at Leicester and Nottingham has shown potential for new blood test to not only diagnose human tuberculosis (TB) but also identify those at most risk of developing the diseases, according to findings published in medical journal Clinical infectious Diseases.
Despite recent reductions, England still has one of the highest rates of TB in Western Europe. While TB cases have been declining overall in the UK, the rate of TB in some of the most deprived areas remains more than seven times higher than in the least deprived. TB is a serious bacterial infection, which can be life threatening if not properly treated with antibiotics. Pulmonary TB of the lungs or throat is contagious although TB can affect any part of the body.
9 July 2019
Air pollution speeds up ageing of the lungs and increases chronic lung disease risk
A study of more than 300,000 people has found that exposure to outdoor air pollution is linked to decreased lung function and an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is a long-term condition linked to reduced lung function that causes inflammation in the lungs and a narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and the number of global COPD deaths are expected to increase over the next ten years.
26 June 2019
An enhanced potential to avoid the human immune system has been found in recent serogroup W isolates of Neisseria meningitidis by University of Leicester researchers, which may explain in part why the strain spread so rapidly among young people in 2013.
The study, published this week in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, saw researchers from Leicester, the University of Nottingham and Public Health England collaborate to explore the reasons behind 2013’s rapid expansion in MenW ST11, a specific strain of N. meningitidis.
30 May 2019
Leicester named 'Leader in Openness' by Understanding Animal Research
The University of Leicester has received a Leader in Openness Award for the period 2019-2022 from Understanding Animal Research. The award was presented on Monday 20 May 2019 during the Concordat on Openness Workshop.
The award recognises organisations who commit to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research, an agreement which details best practice for transparency and openness within organisations and the sector.
8 May 2019
Two Leicester Professors join prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship
The Academy of Medical Sciences has elected Leicester’s Professor Chris Brightling and Professor Rodrigo Quian Quiroga to their esteemed Fellowship, as announced today, Wednesday 8 May.
They are part of a cohort of 50 new Fellows, chosen from 413 candidates, who have been selected for their outstanding contributions to advancing medical science, cutting-edge research discoveries, and translating developments into benefits for patients and wider society.
22 March 2019
University of Leicester Supports world TB day
Tuberculosis is an ancient disease which never went away - today it remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer. Each day, nearly 4,000 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease.
The Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group (LTBRG) is working on different aspects of tuberculosis. From fundamental biological mechanisms that make tuberculosis bugs very successful pathogens, to clinical management and the prevention of tuberculosis.
8 June 2017
Study uses bacteriophages to treat livestock as an alternative to antibiotics
The study, led by Professor Martha Clokie and funded by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB Pork), has determined that phage could accompany or replace the use of antibiotics across all livestock following a detailed research project which has focused on pigs.
It has isolated 20 bacteriophages that combat 72 multi antibiotic resistant strains of the most important causes of gut problems in pigs.