Articles tagged with Antibiotics
Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.
Applying evolutionary principles to medicine inspires new ways of preventing and treating disease, including overcoming chemotherapy resistance and antibiotic resistance. Evolutionary-inspired strategies like 'anti-evolution' drugs and extinction therapy can tackle these global health threats.
A new AI-based classification system, AMP-BERT, was developed to identify candidate antimicrobial peptides. The model uses a deep neural network-based architecture and can extract structural and functional information from peptide sequences.
A new study finds that a California policy restricting antibiotic use in animals raised for food is associated with a reduction in one type of antibiotic-resistant infection in people. The study suggests that regulations limiting antibiotics in livestock can significantly impact human health.
A groundbreaking study found that a new TB treatment strategy can shorten treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness. The TRUNCATE-TB trial showed that an initial 8-week treatment period followed by retreatment for those not cured was as effective as the standard 6-month treatment but halved the average total time on treatment.
Researchers found that doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis did not prevent chlamydia or gonorrhea among cisgender women in a clinical trial. The lack of efficacy was attributed to differences in anatomy and antibiotic resistance.
Scientists at University of Warwick and Politecnico di Milano developed a tool to regulate bacterial electric signals with light, opening new avenues for understanding antimicrobial resistance. This technology could help explain how some bacteria survive antibiotic exposure.
The study suggests that human exchanges, such as trade and travel, and exchanges between ecosystems drive the spread of aminoglycoside resistance. Aminoglycoside genes were detected in over 160,000 bacteria genomes across all continents, with most found in clinical, human, and farm samples.
Decades of wars and conflict in Iraq have led to a catastrophic rise in antibiotic resistance due to destroyed healthcare infrastructure, medicine shortages, and high levels of heavy metal contamination. Research is urgently needed to understand the link between armed conflict and AMR to prevent millions of needless deaths.
Researchers have characterised the mutually beneficial relationship between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, two pathogens responsible for severe infections. This relationship enables Klebsiella to survive in higher antibiotic concentrations, making it more deadly and resistant to treatment.
A new study found that a single dose of azithromycin given during labor significantly reduced the risk of maternal death or sepsis in women in low- and middle-income countries. The antibiotic was administered to over 29,000 participants in eight sites across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 studies found that antimicrobial stewardship programs effectively reduced antibiotic consumption in hospitals and non-hospital settings. Further research is needed to develop strategies for reducing antibiotic use in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test called p-LFAs that can detect and quantify protein concentrations to identify bacterial and viral infections. The test is 1,000 times more sensitive than conventional tests, returning results in just 20 minutes.
A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.
A single oral dose of azithromycin can reduce postpartum sepsis and death among women who deliver vaginally by one-third, according to a large clinical trial. The study enrolled over 29,000 women in seven low- and middle-income countries and found that only 1.6% developed sepsis or died within six weeks after delivery.
Bacteria can survive antibiotics without acquiring new genes or mutating existing ones by maintaining high electrochemical energies. These high-energy cells exhibit a wide range of energy levels despite being in a state of arrested growth, enabling them to adapt and spread rapidly.
Researchers developed a 'scanning and direct derivatization' method to target polymyxin, an antibiotic of last resort, for treating diseases resistant to conventional drugs. The method generated hundreds of peptide derivatives with varying effects, accelerating drug development.
A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.
Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic, lunaemycin, extracted from moonmilk deposits with properties active against Gram-positive bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The study reveals the vast potential of moonmilk as a source of bioactive molecules.
A new microbiome therapeutic, SER-109, has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections by reducing symptoms and restoring colonization resistance. The treatment was found to be associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life scores as early as Week 1.
Researchers successfully treated a young man with recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium using chloramphenicol. The patient showed improvement after 14 days of treatment, despite initial failure with first and second-line antibiotics.
Researchers found that carriers of a specific hidden bacteria have a 14% chance of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection within 30 days of hospitalization. The study highlights the significant risk of infections from multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in patients undergoing 'dirty' surgery.
Research suggests that a new combination of drugs is needed to find an effective treatment for TB meningitis due to multidrug-resistant strains. The FDA-approved BPaL regimen is not effective in treating TB meningitis because bedaquiline and linezolid cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Scientists at Umea University found a new transporter controlling bacterial cell wall integrity and resistance to antibiotics. The discovery sheds light on muropeptide recycling and its role in bacteria's ability to thrive.
A new antibacterial spray and coating can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reducing the risk of infection in wounds and medical devices. The innovative material has been shown to be effective against MRSA and other resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat antibiotic resistance.
A potent plant toxin called albicidin has emerged as a strong new antibiotic candidate, effective in small concentrations and highly potent against pathogenic bacteria. Its unique mechanism targets the bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase, which is essential for cell function.
Researchers modified an algorithm to detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) in primary care settings, removing microscopy features that weren't available. The new algorithm performed well and suggests withholding antibiotics from low-risk patients to reduce antibiotic overuse.
Researchers at Aston University have created the world's first computer reconstruction of a virus, including its complete native genome. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted treatments to kill bacteria that are dangerous to humans, reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at the University of Cologne discovered that bacterial membrane potential changes during biofilm formation, correlating with increased antibiotic tolerance. The study found characteristic patterns of polarization that evolve in space and time, which are linked to a change in oxygen availability.
A study led by Robert Dickson found that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, both in health and during sepsis. The researchers discovered that certain bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were strongly associated with increased fever response.
Laboratory experiments show rapid antibiotic switches can prevent resistance, with collateral-sensitive drug pairs suitable for therapy. However, environmental conditions in patients differ from labs, and natural degradation affects treatment.
Researchers at University of Galway outline a potential new treatment option for MRSA infections using purine nucleosides. The study shows that these sugar versions of DNA building blocks can interfere with bacterial signaling systems, making bacteria more susceptible to penicillin-type antibiotics.
A new study published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health found that proper hand hygiene in clinical work can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how good or poor hygiene affects resistance evolution, and tested it against data from 691 long-term care facil...
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a probiotic reduced S. aureus colonization by 96.8% in the stool and 65.4% in the nose. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis was administered orally, surviving passage through the stomach, and did not harm gut microbiota.
Researchers developed an injectable hydrogel that inhibits common bacteria and promotes tissue regrowth, treating infections around prosthetics. The gel has a porous structure, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found high levels of antibiotic residues in waterways, including wastewater and drinking water, in regions such as China and India. The study suggests these residues contribute to antibiotic resistance, a global threat to human health.
A study of 187 cancer patients found that delaying antibiotic treatment past 60 minutes didn't affect their 6-month survival rate. However, factors such as symptom severity and time to hospital admission were associated with increased risk of death.
A UMass Amherst microbiologist is working to develop new treatments for tuberculosis by targeting the bacteria's surface structure. The goal is to create a drug that can disrupt the cell envelope, making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
Researchers discovered that enterococci, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can make C. difficile more potent and dangerous by producing amino acids. This understanding could help doctors identify patients at risk and develop new treatments for the deadly infection.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new class of antibacterial compounds targeting MraY, effective against MRSA and VRE. The findings provide a promising lead for the development of more effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Researchers from Florida International University have patented a synthetic antibiotic, arsinothricin (AST), which is effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The team aims to produce large quantities of the drug to combat the growing number of infections that have become resistant to current antibiotics.
Researchers at Princeton University have isolated a compound called cloacaenodin, which is a potent antibacterial peptide that can kill clinically relevant drug-resistant strains of Enterobacter. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of bacterial infections and could lead to new antibiotic development.
A new study at the University of Tokyo has mapped the evolution and process of natural selection in Escherichia coli bacteria, creating fitness landscapes that help understand drug resistance and potential treatments. The researchers hope their results will be useful for predicting and controlling E. coli and other bacteria.
YgaV plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of anaerobic respiratory genes and managing ROS levels in response to external H2S. This helps bacteria fine-tune their metabolism and increase antibiotic tolerance.
Researchers at Lund University discovered an antibody with potential to protect against Strep A infection and a rare form of binding that leads to effective immune response. The finding could explain why many Group A strep vaccines have failed.
MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have created a new technique to construct rare molecules found in Bahamian sediments, which could lead to cheaper and more accessible treatments for diseases. The breakthrough reduces the production time of these complex molecules from over 20 steps to just 14.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment led to significant changes in Candida albicans populations, varying by individual's microbiota. The degree of fungal overgrowth depended on the activity of beta-lactamase enzyme produced by endogenous bacteria.
Researchers have uncovered a new mechanism of antibiotic resistance in Group A Streptococcus bacteria, making antibiotics ineffective and potentially leading to poor outcomes. The discovery highlights the complexity of understanding AMR and emphasizes the need for rapid diagnostic tools and therapeutics.
A collaborative research team led by Dr Philip Li from HKUMed has pioneered a new nurse-led penicillin allergy triage and testing strategy, which demonstrated its effectiveness and safety compared to traditional allergy testing. The study found that 90% of penicillin allergy labels in Hong Kong are incorrect, leading to potential letha...
A new tablet-based vaccine has shown long-lasting protection against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The vaccine was found to be comparable to antibiotics in efficacy, with durable antibody responses lasting for the lifetime of a mouse.
A study of over 1,000 healthcare workers found that medical masks may be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infection. However, the results varied across countries and were influenced by factors such as vaccine use and variant circulating during the pandemic.
A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those treated with antibiotics, experience significant disruptions in their gut microbiome balance. This imbalance may lead to the development of targeted probiotic supplements to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered antibiotic-resistant bacteria can travel from the gut to the lungs in a patient, highlighting the importance of preventing pathogenic bacteria from translocating to vital organs. The study's findings suggest eliminating resistant bacteria from the gut microbiome could help prevent serious infections.
Long-term use of systemic antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to reduced bone mass accrual and impaired skeletal maturation. Researchers found that minocycline therapy causes changes to the gut microbiome, disrupting normal communication between the liver and small intestine.
The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.
The number of Candida auris cases in the EU/EEA nearly doubled between 2020 and 2021, with 11% of cases having no available information on carriage or infection. Early detection is crucial to prevent the spread of this healthcare-associated pathogen.
A systematic review of 29 studies found that combining probiotics with antibiotics can prevent or lessen some changes to the gut microbiome composition. Probiotics can also help protect species diversity and restore friendly bacteria populations, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators finds that Enterococcus faecalis enhances its protective outer layer to resist natural immune defenses and antibiotics. The research suggests possible new ways to target these bacterial infections.
Research suggests that antibiotics used in ovarian cancer treatment can accelerate cancer progression and lower survival rates. Reintroducing healthy gut bacteria may slow down cancer growth and restore sensitivity to chemotherapy.