Articles tagged with Antibiotics
A new study from Michigan Medicine shows that over half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics soon after arrival, despite only 3.5% having both virus and bacterial infection. Faster testing and understanding infection risk factors could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and harm.
Researchers found that interventions reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in telemedicine practices significantly decreased inappropriate prescriptions. Education and feedback on dashboards led to the most substantial reductions, particularly for conditions where antibiotics should not be prescribed.
A new study suggests that treating COVID-19 patients with antibiotics could lead to increased antimicrobial resistance in the wider population. The research, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found that high levels of antibiotics in rivers and coastal waters may result in an increase in resistant bacteria.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen have developed a promising new approach involving antivitamins to combat bacterial infections. The study found that antivitamins can inhibit bacterial proteins, preventing their function and leading to potential antibiotic effects.
Researchers develop potential small molecule inhibitors to disrupt bacterial iron acquisition, offering a new approach against UTI-resistant strains. The target is the TonB system, which helps bacteria take up iron, and promises a safer alternative with fewer side effects.
Researchers have developed a method to produce the coral-antibiotic erogorgiaene in a laboratory using genetically optimized bacteria. The production costs are significantly lower than conventional methods, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.
A new study by Flinders University researchers found that antibiotic use is directly associated with worse survival rates in patients with urothelial carcinoma treated with atezolizumab. The study suggests antibiotics may specifically reduce the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies, highlighting a need for extra caution when using t...
Research findings suggest poor hygiene is a significant risk factor for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria colonization. The study also highlights the importance of improving sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce the spread of AMR infections.
A University of Georgia study found a strong correlation between antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination in the environment. Soils contaminated with heavy metals had higher levels of specific bacterial hosts carrying antibiotic-resistant genes.
A team at SMART has found that exposing bacteria to hydrogen sulfide can increase antimicrobial sensitivity in bacteria that do not produce H2S, potentially providing a breakthrough in treating drug-resistant infections. The study suggests that the results may be applicable to all bacteria that do not naturally produce H2S.
Researchers developed a model of metabolic pathways in parasitic worms and their bacterial endosymbionts, identifying critical reactions that slow growth and reproduction. The study suggests three potential drugs that can block these reactions, reducing worm numbers and reproductive ability.
A 34-species artificial bacterial community was exposed to different antibiotic levels, showing changes in composition and eventually recovering to its initial state. Repeatability of responses across replicate communities suggests certain traits may predict future community behavior.
A new DNA test can accurately identify individuals whose gonorrhea is curable with a single dose of oral ciprofloxacin, providing an alternative treatment option. The study found that all 106 subjects identified as having the wild-type gyrA serine strain were cured with the antibiotic.
Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.
A machine learning algorithm using high-temporal-resolution growth curves distinguishes bacterial pathogen strains with 92-98% accuracy, predicting antibiotic resistance as well as genetic-based methods. The method has the potential to be faster, simpler, and less expensive than current techniques.
Researchers at Yale University discovered how sarecycline's chemical structure makes it an effective antibiotic for treating acne. The study found that sarecycline binds to messenger RNA in bacterial ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis and boosting its effectiveness.
Compounds tested for their potential as antibiotics have demonstrated promising activity against tuberculosis (TB), a deadly infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study found that the compounds exploit well-known targets for drugs, including the bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase.
A new method has been developed to extract antibiotic residue in food from animal sources, allowing for simultaneous extraction and sample cleaning. The procedure uses supramolecular, nontoxic solvents and has been validated by European regulations, making it suitable for routine controls.
The proportion of Watch antibiotics in global consumption increased 90.9%, primarily in low- & middle-income countries, while Access antibiotics grew 26.2%. The ratio of Access to Watch antibiotics decreased across countries, raising concerns about stewardship challenges.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a medieval remedy that shows promise in fighting biofilm-associated infections. The Bald's eyesalve mixture, made from onion, garlic, wine, and bile salts, demonstrates effective antibacterial activity against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive wound pathogens.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that antibiotic exposure soon after birth can disrupt gut bacteria, affecting immune system maturation and increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. This study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that disrupting early-life microbiome is a contributing factor to modern epidemics.
A study found that antibiotics alone can successfully treat children with uncomplicated appendicitis, resulting in fewer disability days at one year. Non-operative management was also associated with fewer disability days for caregivers and similar healthcare satisfaction rates as surgery.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that patients with frailty, older age, and urinary tract infections have a higher risk of developing sepsis. Antibiotic therapy may reduce this risk, but unnecessary prescribing can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
A new study by Dr Katerina Johnson and Dr Philip Burnet found that antibiotic treatment in early life impairs brain signalling pathways for social behaviour and pain regulation in mice. The most striking finding was the reduced expression of receptors mediating endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signalling in young animals treated wi...
Scientists have discovered a compound in the American beautyberry leaves that works in combination with oxacillin to knock down resistance to the drug methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The study suggests a new potential therapy for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
A high-fat diet combined with antibiotic use significantly increases the risk of developing pre-IBD. The study suggests that this combination disrupts mitochondria in cells of the large intestinal lining, leading to gut inflammation and a vicious cycle of replacing good bacteria with harmful microbes.
Inaccurate antibiotic allergy records contribute to resistance, increased healthcare costs, and patient safety issues. The study suggests improving registration accuracy through training modules, guidelines, and better communication.
A team of researchers identified that the intestinal flora (microbiota) of each host determines the maintenance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut. The study found that resistance has different interactions depending on the individual's microbiota, with some individuals showing a high ability to survive without antibiotics.
Researchers have successfully investigated the basic mechanisms of molecular factories in bacteria, revealing insights into the production of complex structures like polyketides. This discovery inspires targeted manipulation of biochemical processes, leading to potential improvements in antibiotics and other drugs.
A new technique developed by University of Exeter scientists allows users to predict which antibiotics are effective against bacteria in minutes. The method works by examining fluorescent qualities of antibiotics taken up by bacteria, revealing that the antibiotic has infiltrated the membrane and could be effective.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that hospitalized patients with a documented penicillin allergy were twice as likely to be prescribed alternative antibiotics. The study suggests that these substitutions may be unnecessary and could increase the risk of adverse side effects and antibiotic resistance.
A new UK study found that faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is more effective than antibiotics in treating Clostridium difficile infection, with higher cure rates and lower recurrence rates. FMT was also shown to be significantly more cost-effective, reducing hospitalization days and offering better quality of life for patients.
A team of scientists discovered a new antibiotic binding site on the ribosome, blocking protein synthesis in bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs that overcome existing antibiotic resistance.
A new study finds that excessive human interference is causing bacteria to become
A new approach has been developed to stimulate the production of antibiotics and antiparasitic compounds in actinobacteria. By exposing bacteria to specific hormones, researchers hope to produce large quantities of medically useful molecules.
The University of Queensland's antibiotic discoveries will be fast-tracked under a US$11 million international research deal. The funding supports the development of a new antibiotic, Octapeptin-X, targeting drug-resistant bacteria that evade current therapies.
Scientists have caught BAM guard towers red-handed, revealing their role in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This discovery provides unprecedented insight into the mechanism of bacteria, offering a new angle for targeting BAM during antibiotic treatment.
A new study reveals that antibiotics are being recommended far more frequently and on a greater variety of crops than previously thought. The research found that over 100 crops use antibiotics, including some critically important for human medicine, with significant regional variations.
An observational study found a significant association between common antibiotic use and an increased risk of cardiovascular death. The study compared azithromycin with amoxicillin and found that long-term use of azithromycin was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that approximately 50% of patients at primary care clinics in LMICs received at least one antibiotic, suggesting widespread overprescribing. The study also found that 60% of antibiotics were commonly used drugs with a low potential for selecting resistance.
A new study shows that oral antibiotics can be as effective as IV treatments for patients with life-threatening infections caused by injecting illicit drugs. This change in treatment protocol has led to a significant reduction in hospital readmissions among these patients.
A new species of bacteria, Stieleria maiorica, produces stieleriacines, which act as signalling molecules to control the composition of marine biofilms. This allows planctomycetes to outcompete other bacteria for resources.
Researchers found a strong association between flu vaccine coverage and reduced antibiotic use in the US. The study suggests that expanding flu vaccine coverage could reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and mitigate the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that C. diff uses a protein system called HsmRA to capture heme from blood cells, building a protective shield against threats from the immune system and antibiotics. This finding suggests novel strategies for weakening its defenses.
Researchers discovered that an old antibiotic, rifabutin, is highly active in fighting multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The antibiotic uses a unique strategy to trick the bacteria into importing the drug inside itself.
A multicentre study involving over 500 patients found that a shorter treatment duration, reduced to half the standard 14-day course, was equally effective in treating bacteraemia. The researchers also identified certain risk factors, including older age and pathogen type, which can influence the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.
Aarthi Narayanan is studying Brilacidin's direct virus-killing activity and its potential as a second dose to infected cells. The researchers aim to determine the optimal timing of treatment using this investigational antibiotic.
A Princeton team has discovered a compound, SCH-79797, that can target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without inducing resistance. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new, effective antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant superbugs like MRSA and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Researchers at Penn State created a brief animated video to educate people about the risks of antibiotics, finding it effective in convincing participants that antibiotic use can be risky. The study suggests that a video intervention could help increase public awareness and promote antibiotic stewardship.
A new study found that antibiotic-destroying genes are widespread in bacteria in soil and on people, threatening public health. A chemical compound has been developed to shield tetracyclines from destruction, restoring their effectiveness against resistant bacteria.
Researchers found that taking doxycycline had no effect on reducing the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms over two years. The finding could lead to a change in treatment for life-threatening vascular conditions.
A fatal case of Lyme carditis in a previously healthy man illustrates the challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications, especially in patients presenting with heart palpitations or atrioventricular block.
Researchers discovered a new resistance mechanism that inhibits protein dynamics in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making existing treatments ineffective. The findings suggest that designing new antimicrobials targeting this mechanism could lead to effective treatments.
Despite challenging genetic tradeoffs, bacteria can still evolve antibiotic resistance when exposed to varying antibiotic concentrations. Researchers developed a model that showed bacteria may reverse course and regain susceptibility to antibiotics at lower drug concentrations.
Very young children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 12 months are at higher risk of childhood obesity and increased adiposity. The study found that early life antibiotic exposure disrupts gut microbiota development, leading to weight gain and obesity.
A University of Bristol study found reductions in antibiotic dispensing in primary care from 2013 to 2016, leading to decreases in resistance to certain antibiotics. The researchers saw quick and persistent reductions in ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and amoxicillin resistance, but no association with nitrofurantoin resistance.
A natural product called dephostatin has been found to be an effective partner for the antibiotic colistin in treating infections caused by the bacteria Salmonella. The combination significantly prolonged animal survival and used a lower concentration of colistin, reducing its toxic effect.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released a white paper addressing the legal implications of antibiotic stewardship programs, highlighting strategies to reduce liability and improve program structure. The guidance emphasizes the importance of protocols, documentation practices, and credentialing for ASP team members.
Researchers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in the development of new glycopeptide antibiotics, which could provide a vital advantage in the fight against resistant bacteria. By combining natural enzymes with synthetic chemistry, scientists can now explore new antibiotics that have never been made before.
A method integrating phylogenetic, spatial, and bioactivity data identifies promising plant clades with high anti-infective activities. Conservation of biodiversity hotspots is reinforced by a strong correlation between species diversity and metabolite diversity.