Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Michigan have developed an inexpensive therapy to prevent antibiotic resistance. The 'anti-antibiotic', cholestyramine, reduces fecal shedding of daptomycin-resistant bacteria by up to 80-fold, providing a potential solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that methacycline, a widely used tetracycline-based antibiotic, is effective at preventing brain infections and reducing neurological problems associated with Zika virus infections. The study also identified other potential candidates, including anti-inflammatory medicines and failed anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.
A research team at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research successfully evolved Escherichia coli under antibiotic pressure, identifying mechanisms and constraints underlying drug resistance. The findings can be used to develop strategies that minimize the chance of bacteria developing resistance.
A new model of CF lungs using pig lungs and synthetic mucus shows that S. aureus aggregates in mucus, rather than invading lung tissue, sparking debate over antibiotic treatment. This discovery could lead to reduced use of antibiotics and improved treatment for MRSA infection in cystic fibrosis patients.
A research team is working on developing new tools to guide the discovery and optimization of new antibacterial agents, addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that PBT2 disrupts metals in polymyxin-resistant bacteria, resensitizing them to treatment and boosting survival rates in mice with sepsis. The compound may offer a solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, which poses a grave danger to patients with bacterial infections.
Environmental scientists at TalTech have developed a new ozonation method to treat drinking water contaminated with pharmaceutical residues. The study compared the efficiency of ozone, ozone/hydrogen peroxide and ozone/persulfate processes in degrading sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, finding promising results for the O3/PS process.
A study of 14,572 children found that antibiotic use during the first two years of life is associated with an increased risk of asthma, respiratory allergies, eczema, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Antibiotic exposure was also linked to metabolic diseases, immunological diseases and cognitive conditions.
Researchers found that children who received antibiotics before age 2 were more likely to develop multiple illnesses or conditions later in childhood. These include allergic rhinitis, food allergies, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, celiac disease, and atopic dermatitis.
A Harvard Medical School study found that clinicians who prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections increase the likelihood of patients seeking care for similar infections in the future. This leads to a significant increase in antibiotic prescriptions, exacerbating the problem of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary spending.
Researchers repurpose an antirheumatic gold drug, auranofin (AUR), to revive the potency of 'last-resort' antibiotics against multi-drug resistant superbugs. The combination therapy shows promising results in eradicating multidrug-resistant bacteria in animal models.
A new study demonstrates that pooling treatment recommendations from multiple prescribers using the 'wisdom of crowds' concept can improve decisions on antibiotic prescribing and reduce overuse. Using international survey data, researchers found that groups of three or more prescribers showed significant benefits in guideline compliance.
Researchers found that infant gut microbial ecosystems develop unique patterns of stability, with changes influenced by diet and antibiotic exposure. The study used genomic tools to analyze massive amounts of genetic data and identified individual strains within single species of the gut microbiome.
A study found that antibiotic use patterns and patient transfers drive the emergence of drug-resistant microbes, highlighting the need for individualized approaches to preventing resistance. The study suggests using alternative antibiotics like piperacillin-tazobactam instead of carbapenems may be necessary.
Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.
Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed antibacterial nano-coatings based on boron nitride that are highly effective against microbial pathogens, including up to 99.99% efficacy against E. coli bacteria. The coatings work by releasing the antibiotic gentamicin locally, reducing the need for high doses and minimizing side effects.
Researchers developed a rapid, cost-effective method to predict lowest antibiotic concentration increasing resistance in wastewater. The SELECT assay can generate data quickly and inform decisions on safe levels of antibiotics.
Researchers found that antibiotics were not worse than surgery in terms of overall health status, allowing most people to avoid operations. Patients treated with antibiotics often returned home faster but missed less time from work and school.
The CODA trial found that antibiotics can avoid surgery for more than 70% of patients with appendicitis. However, patients with an appendicolith may face higher complications and a greater risk of needing surgery.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that seven in ten patients who received antibiotics avoided surgery within 90 days, while four in ten with an appendicolith required surgery. Patients treated with antibiotics reported fewer workdays missed and hospital visits compared to those who underwent surgery.
The CODA Trial found that antibiotics were not worse than surgery in measuring overall health status, allowing most people to avoid operations in the short term. Patients treated with antibiotics more often returned to the emergency department but missed less time from work and school.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have transformed an old antibiotic into stronger, safer versions using a synthetic strategy. They created over 4,000 variations of gramicidin A, identifying 10 promising future antibacterial drugs with improved specificity towards bacteria.
A new study from Kanazawa University finds that combining antibiotics with antibiotic-laden stem cells effectively treats implant-related bone infections. The researchers used mesenchymal stem cells to deliver ciprofloxacin, which showed strong antimicrobial effects and improved outcomes in animal models of osteomyelitis.
Researchers developed a single-use treatment for ear infections that don't require refrigeration, addressing logistical challenges for some patients. The new treatment uses hydrogels to release an antibiotic, killing bacteria at a lower dose than traditional drops.
A major national study found that oral antibiotics are as effective as intravenous antibiotics in killing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common germ causing chronic lung infection in CF patients. This means CF patients with a new infection can be treated at home and saved from hospital admissions.
Researchers discovered unique bacterial profiles associated with each patient's medical condition, suggesting a personalized approach to care and antibiotic treatment. The study challenged long-held beliefs that the urinary tract is sterile.
The genome of Fleming's original Penicillium strain has been sequenced for the first time, showing that the UK and US strains use different methods to produce penicillin. The results suggest new routes for industrial production and could help inspire novel solutions to combatting antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed magnetically propelled microbots derived from tea buds that can dislodge biofilms, release an antibiotic to kill bacteria, and clean away the debris. The T-Budbots showed promise in treating bacterial biofilms involved in hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers at UCSF create customizable antibiotic molecules to evade bacterial resistance mechanisms. By redesigning existing antibiotics, they've found promising variations with activity against dozens of strains of pathogenic bacteria.
A new study finds growing acceptance of non-meat diets in both countries, with 44% of French and 58% of Germans willing to try cultured meat. In contrast, only 45% of German respondents identified as full meat-eaters, while 69% in France still consider themselves meat-eaters.
Researchers developed a new method to determine the effectiveness of combining two antibiotics, providing greater scope for customizing treatment. The CombiANT method allows laboratories to easily test interactions and can provide crucial information for treating bacterial infections.
A population-based cohort study found peritonsillar abscess risk low with or without antibiotics for respiratory infections. Antibiotic treatment may prevent only one case of peritonsillar abscess for every 1,000 prescriptions.
The Global Hygiene Council warns that poor home hygiene is a significant contributor to antibiotic resistance, with rates of resistance expected to exceed 40-60% in some countries by 2030. A targeted hygiene approach can help minimize the spread of infections and reduce antibiotic consumption.
Researchers found that standard CDS systems are ineffective in reducing antibiotic prescriptions in EDs. The study suggests tailoring CDS systems to the ED environment and provider needs can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
A study found that antibiotics can alter the diversity and abundance of microbes in breast milk, particularly those with potential to influence growth and disease in newborns. The research suggests that antibiotic stewardship programs should focus on mothers as well as newborns.
Current understanding of safe antibiotic levels in rivers may not prevent evolution of antibiotic resistance and fully protect human health. The study suggests introducing thresholds to help combat the spread of resistant bacteria.
A joint study by University of Cologne researchers predicts the outcomes of combining certain antibiotics using mathematical models. The scientists found that interactions between antibiotics are often caused by bottlenecks in the translation cycle, allowing them to predict the effects of antibiotic combinations without trial and error.
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.
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.
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.
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.