Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
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 study finds that excessive human interference is causing bacteria to become
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Queensland's new Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) guidelines aim to personalise antibiotic treatment for critically ill patients in ICU. By using advanced software to predict accurate drug dosages, the guidelines have shown promise in reducing adverse outcomes and improving patient response.
A new study reveals that everyday hygiene practices, such as hand-washing, can reduce the risk of common infections by up to 50% and the need for antibiotics by up to 30%. This could help prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally each year.
The updated guidelines reflect a shift towards outpatient care and non-emergency surgery for left-sided colonic diverticulitis. Key findings include the preference for minimal colectomy approaches when expertise is available, and an increased focus on evidence-based recommendations.
Research shows people would follow new guidelines on taking antibiotics, but those who believe they know more than scientists may resist changes. The study suggests reforms should be made sparingly to avoid undermining future compliance
Researchers developed a low-toxicity antimicrobial peptide that effectively fought drug-resistant bacteria in laboratory cell cultures and mice, offering hope for treating respiratory infections. The new peptide, D8, showed remarkable stability and activity against superbugs, posing less risk to human cells.
The pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce acute respiratory infections and diarrhea among small children, resulting in fewer cases of antibiotic treatment. These vaccines have the potential to prevent millions of episodes of antibiotic-treated illness if universally adopted.
Taking antibiotics with opioids may exacerbate addiction by altering brain responses to opioids, according to research on rats depleted of their gut microbiome. The study found that a weakened microbiome intensified opioid intoxication while reducing withdrawal effects.
A study published in eNeuro found that gut microbes significantly impact the brain's response to opioids in rats, altering the pattern of neuron recruitment during addiction and withdrawal. This discovery may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for drug abuse.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Idaho discovered that prolonged antibiotic exposure can 'prime' single-resistant bacteria to become multidrug-resistant. This effect makes it more likely for bacteria to acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics, even in an antibiotic-free environment.
A new adsorbent material developed using PET waste bottles can remove 100% of antibiotics from water in under 90 minutes, with high reusability and stability. The material uses a high-purity organic ligand extracted from PET waste, which is a cost-effective alternative to existing methods.
The new device developed by the Institute of Physical Chemistry uses non-contact printing to test antibiotic combinations and concentrations. It offers flexibility and precision, allowing users to produce sterile plates on demand with different antibiotics in various combinations.
Research suggests airborne transmission is a key factor in the spread of scarlet fever, with infected individuals shedding virus even without symptoms. The study found that classroom contacts were heavily infected and shed GAS despite being symptom-free, highlighting the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.
A large study found that giving antibiotics after C-section umbilical cord clamping is equally safe as before, with no increase in surgical site infections. The results challenge the current WHO recommendation of administering antibiotics before incision.
Skoltech researchers have found a new mechanism of bacterial self-defense against microcin C, a potent antibiotic produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. The discovery involves histidine-triad (HIT) superfamily hydrolases, enzymes that break down the antibiotic and render it useless.
The NHS could save up to £89 million annually by implementing widely available diagnostic tests, reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study found that 80-90% accurate point-of-care tests can help distinguish between bacterial and viral infections.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the plant had likely accumulated antibiotics from contaminated soil, not produced by nature.
Eleven Kazan University projects have received funding from the Russian Science Foundation, with a focus on medical research and development of new technologies. The funded projects include studies on antimicrobial substances, protein synthesis, and cancer treatment.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that cannabidiol (CBD) enhances the effect of antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a major human pathogen. The combination of CBD and antibiotics showed a more powerful effect than using antibiotics alone, reducing the need for antibiotics to achieve the same outcome.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have deciphered daptomycin's mode of action, blocking cell wall construction and leading to bacterial death. The study sheds light on the antibiotic's mechanism, paving the way for optimization and combination therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while protecting against antimicrobial resistance. The statement aims to help healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent UTIs in PALTC residents, who face increased risks of bacterial colonization and infection.
A research team, including Penn State and Microbiotix, aims to develop a novel oral antibiotic targeting the trans-translation pathway of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The project has received $2.86M in funding from CARB-X to optimize and develop a new compound into an effective treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Scientists create two innovative AST methods that can assess a pathogen's sensitivity to beta-lactams in just 30 minutes, targeting top CDC priorities. New phenotypic tests quantify small changes in nucleic acids after antibiotic exposure.
A Boston College-led team developed a graphene field effect transistor (G-FET) that selectively identifies deadly bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The rapid detection platform employs peptides to capture specific bacteria, allowing for fast and accurate diagnosis.