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ACP best practice advice: Shorter course of antibiotics may be appropriate for some common infection

The American College of Physicians suggests prescribing shorter antibiotics courses for uncomplicated bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis, with duration guidelines varying by infection. This approach aims to reduce antibiotic exposure and prevent resistant organisms from developing.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 2021

High risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing treatment for infected total knee replacement

A study found that nearly 20% of patients with antibiotic-loaded spacers and IV antibiotics developed acute kidney injury, with those with preexisting chronic kidney disease at highest risk. The study identified several risk factors for AKI, including high doses of antibiotics and certain heart rhythm disorders.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 29, 2021

Most women receive inappropriate treatment for urinary tract infections

A study of private insurance claims data found nearly half of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections received the wrong antibiotics and three-quarters received prescriptions for longer than necessary. Rural areas tend to have inappropriately long treatment durations, which can lead to adverse events and antibiotic resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Older adults and antibiotics: Study shows healthy attitudes but unhealthy practices

A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 18, 2021

New weapon against resistant bacteria

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new effective antibiotic to combat resistant bacteria, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The substance, from the pleuromutilin class, fights multiple types of resistant bacteria via a unique mechanism of action.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 10, 2021

Livestock workers face high MRSA risk

Research by Michigan State University finds that livestock workers are at high risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and policies in minimizing the spread of livestock-associated MRSA.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 28, 2021

Detecting trace amounts of multiple classes of antibiotics in foods

Researchers have developed a method to simultaneously measure 77 antibiotics in various foods, including meat, eggs, milk, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The new approach allows for the detection of multiple classes of antibiotics at trace amounts, which can contribute to increased antibiotic resistance and gut microbiome imbalance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Fluoride to the rescue?

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have developed a new approach to addressing the challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by replacing antibiotics with fluoride. The method uses a genetically engineered cell that can survive in the lab but dies when exposed to fluoride, preventing its propagation into the natural environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2021