Featuring reflections of some of the stories that took place across Edinburgh Infectious Diseases – Covid-19 risks and recovery plans, liver regrowth by leprosy bacteria, the evolution of antibiotic resistance and more. As we enter into 2023, we look back at some of the fantastic research highlights that took place across Edinburgh Infectious Diseases during 2022. It shows ways in which our community tackled challenges through ideas, research and collaborations.We hope you enjoy and look forward to what 2023 and beyond brings.Intensive farming and trade drove spread of livestock infectionEvolutionary study of bacteria that cause a common infection of cattle reveals their origin and spread via ocean trade links, shedding light on modern-day disease.Intensive farming and trade drove spread of livestock infection Image Ancient disease has potential to regenerate liversLeprosy is one of the world’s oldest and most persistent diseases but the bacteria that cause it may also have the surprising ability to grow and regenerate a vital organ.Ancient disease has potential to regenerate livers Image Genetic analysis key to understanding Legionella risk, study findsRoutine sampling of water supplies and genomic sequencing – determination of the entire genetic makeup - of Legionella bacteria could play a key role in identifying the source of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, research suggests.Genetic analysis key to understanding Legionella risk, study finds Image Post-pandemic diet shifts could avert millions of premature deathsCovid-19 recovery plans should focus on healthier diets as much as economic growth to prevent huge numbers of avoidable deaths, research suggests.Post-pandemic diet shifts could avert millions of premature deaths Image Pandemic Science Hub to develop better drugs to fight lung diseaseA new multi-million pound research programme to develop treatments for lung infections such as Covid-19 and future pandemics has been announced at the University of Edinburgh with support from a significant donation by Baillie Gifford. Pandemic Science Hub to develop better drugs to fight lung disease Image Century-old malaria parasite puzzle solved as ape origin tracedResearchers in Edinburgh have solved a 100-year-old mystery about the evolutionary links between malaria parasites that infect humans and chimpanzees.Century-old malaria parasite puzzle solved as ape origin traced Image Fleming Fund AMR fellows visit EdinburghThe Fleming Fund supports training and capacity building for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in low and middle income countries.Fleming Fund AMR fellows visit Edinburgh Image Covid-19 mixed with flu increases risk of severe illness and deathAdults in hospital who have Covid-19 and the flu at the same time are at much greater risk of severe disease and death compared with patients who have Covid-19 alone or with other viruses, research shows.Covid-19 mixed with flu increases risk of severe illness and death Image Antibiotics after birth affects gut microbes of babies, study findsTreating babies with antibiotics in the first week of life is linked with a decrease in healthy bacteria necessary to digest milk and an increase in antimicrobial resistance, research suggests.Antibiotics after birth affects gut microbes of babies, study finds Image Antibiotic resistance predates modern medicineBacteria with antibiotic resistance infected wildlife centuries ago, DNA family tree shows.Antibiotic resistance predates modern medicine Image This article was published on 2024-08-28
