Articles tagged with Antibiotics
A team from JMU will investigate new antibiotics that can be used to treat specific types of bacteria, using digital methods for designing RNA antibiotics. The aim is to create a powerful digital platform for the future application of RNA-based antibiotics against various bacteria.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions filled by Medicaid recipients were not associated with a clinic visit, raising concerns about the effectiveness of efforts to curb inappropriate prescribing. The study highlights a key area missed by current policies aimed at reducing an...
A Northwestern University study found that 45% of antibiotic prescriptions for Medicaid patients lacked a clear reason, highlighting concerns about antibiotic overuse. The research used Medicaid claims data to determine the context in which antibiotics were prescribed, revealing gaps in current ambulatory stewardship policies.
A four-year study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are prevalent in people, wildlife, and water sources in northeastern Tanzania. The researchers suggest that environmental transmission is the primary driver of resistance, making hygiene and sanitation a critical factor in combatting the issue.
Researchers found that at least 25% of antibiotic-resistant pathogens are capable of spreading their resistance genes directly to other bacteria. The study, which used a new high-throughput method, showed that antibiotics do not significantly affect the rate of gene transfer between bacteria.
Scientists identified less susceptible strains of group A streptococcus, which could lead to reduced effectiveness of antibiotics for strep throat and flesh-eating disease. The discovery highlights the urgent need for a vaccine against group A streptococcus.
Researchers discovered that a 'frameshift mutation' in TB bacteria's RpoB gene makes them resistant to rifampicin. The mutation suppresses the effect of the frameshift, allowing the bacteria to survive and thrive.
Researchers identified a highly competitive bacterium in the gut microbiota that protects against enteric pathogens. This discovery offers new avenues for developing antibiotic-free treatments.
Researchers discovered how an antibiotic, vancomycin, forms a mucoadhesive complex with gut mucins, trapping it and prolonging its exposure to the infectious microbe. This finding could lead to delayed transit of the antibiotic, improving its effectiveness in treating debilitating gut infections like PE.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a new antibacterial strategy that prevents bacterial cooperation, reducing the emergence of resistance. Non-resistant bacteria outnumber resistant ones, making it harder for them to spread.
A study found that antibiotics are widely available without a prescription in Chinese retail pharmacies, hindering the government's goal to make them prescription-only by 2020. The survey revealed that 83.6% of pharmacies sold antibiotics without a prescription, with no significant differences between urban and rural locations.
A team of Israeli researchers has identified a short window of opportunity for treating antibiotic-resistant infections, where aggressive bacteria can be controlled with currently-available therapies. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients fighting life-threatening infections with weakened immune systems.
A class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides has been found to be effective in treating frontotemporal dementia by fixing a genetic mutation that prevents the production of progranulin protein. Researchers discovered two specific antibiotics, Gentamicin and G418, which were able to recover up to 50-60% of progranulin protein levels.
Researchers have identified two distinct types of antibiotics produced by bacteria that target the same cell wall component, offering a promising approach to combatting antimicrobial resistance. The discovery provides chemical blueprints for pharmaceutical chemists to design new, effective drugs.
New study reveals antibiotic tolerance promotes the evolution of antimicrobial resistance even under combination drug treatments. The results suggest that designing antibiotic treatments must consider drug tolerance to prevent the emergence of resistance.
A recent study found that only 11% of California pharmacies have a drug take-back program, and even fewer provide accurate information on safe disposal methods. The lack of clear guidelines can lead to misuse and accidental poisonings, highlighting the need for improved education and resources.
A highly contagious intestinal bacteria, Shigellosis can cause 190 million cases of diarrhoea globally each year. In Victoria, a drug-resistant Shigella strain has emerged, making treatment with oral antibiotics impossible, requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics instead.
A recent study found that consistent use of nasal saline and corticosteroid sprays can significantly reduce the need for antibiotics and oral steroids in individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This reduction can lead to fewer side effects associated with these medications, such as gastric issues and mood disturbances. By using ...
A new study published in Pediatrics found that eight in 10 children who reported being allergic to non-beta-lactam antibiotics were not truly allergic, highlighting the need for improved and timely access to formal allergy evaluations. This can prevent lifelong avoidance of certain antibiotic classes and help combat antibiotic resistance.
A team of scientists has modified an approved cancer drug to create a new antibiotic effective against multi-resistant bacteria, including MRSA. The new agent, PK150, targets unconventional structures within the bacteria and has shown promising results in mice, with no observed resistance development.
A new study found that children in LMICs receive an average of 25 antibiotic prescriptions during their first five years of life, which could exacerbate resistance. The excessive use of antibiotics worldwide poses a significant threat to global health and development.
Researchers at Rice University and Texas A&M University developed molecular drills that target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The drills, which can be activated with light, increase the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, offering a potential solution to superbug infections.
A study published in BMJ found that 18% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions lacked a documented indication, highlighting the need for improved antibiotic stewardship. The research identified groups most likely to receive unnecessary prescriptions, including adult males and patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers estimate that up to 43% of antibiotic prescriptions in the US are potentially inappropriate, highlighting the importance of proper documentation. The study found that patients with chronic conditions and those who spent more time with a physician were more likely to receive antibiotics without an indication.
A new study investigates online sales of fish antibiotics and finds that consumers are purchasing these medications for human use, raising concerns about unintended consequences. The research highlights the potential risks of self-medication and the need for healthcare professionals to educate patients on safe medication use.
The discovery of LiaX, a secret protein that alerts bacteria to antibiotic and immune system attacks, opens doors for future treatment options against antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The protein's activation causes restructuring of the bacterial cell, preventing antibiotics from destroying it.
Researchers found that vancomycin alters the gut microbiome to improve the function of dendritic cells, which can help the immune system fight tumors more effectively. The approach has potential implications for a wide variety of cancer types and could lead to a new treatment strategy.
Researchers have developed 'clever drugs for slimy bugs' to combat staph infections by destroying biofilms that prevent conventional antibiotics from working. Hybrid antibiotics have been shown to kill bacteria directly or leave them susceptible to killing in lab-grown biofilms.
A multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineage known as the Bengal Bay clone has spread globally, causing severe disease and raising concerns about antibiotic resistance. The bacteria combines high virulence potential with multi-drug resistance, making it a significant public health issue.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a potent new antimicrobial that works against the toughest infectious disease strains, including MRSA. The compound, MAC-545496, cripples MRSA's ability to cause infection by diminishing its tolerance to the immune system and blocking its resistance to antibiotics.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed biodegradable rods containing an antibiotic to treat periodontal disease, reducing side effects and inflammation. The innovative treatment uses a combination of minocycline and magnesium stearate, releasing the antibiotic slowly and locally in the mouth.
Researchers have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria send out warning signals when attacked by antibiotics or viruses, allowing them to survive and potentially evade treatment. This communication mechanism may hold the key to developing new treatments and improving existing ones.
Researchers have discovered a novel peptide, Darobactin, effective against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The substance binds to the BamA protein, disrupting the bacterial external membrane and leading to its death. This finding presents a promising lead for developing a new antibiotic.
A team of scientists has discovered 79 new types of bacteria with potential to produce unique antibiotics. The researchers, led by Christian Jogler, found that these Planctomycetes have complex lifestyles and the ability to produce small molecules like antibiotics.
Researchers at McGill University have made significant strides in understanding the functioning of enzymes that produce antibiotics and therapeutics. The study found a surprising level of flexibility in the assembly line of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which could lead to new therapeutic design possibilities.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed new active ingredients that target the pyruvate kinase enzyme in pathogenic bacteria. These substances were shown to be effective against staphylococcus and MRSA, potentially offering a solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
A new poll finds that half of older Americans have taken leftover antibiotics without guidance, while one in five expect doctors to prescribe them for colds. Despite widespread awareness of antibiotic resistance, many older adults engage in risky practices, highlighting opportunities for education and improved prescribing.
A new study found that early involvement of an infectious disease specialist in patients with severe sepsis leads to a 40% lower risk of death. The study, which included 248 ER patients, also found that antibiotic prescriptions were stopped more quickly when an ID consult happened early.
Research gaps exist in antibiotic stewardship programs aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, with a need for standardized processes and outcome metrics. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America calls for additional clinical evidence to inform optimal antibiotic prescribing practices.
A simple questionnaire and skin test can identify non-allergic reactions to penicillin, allowing patients to switch to safer and cheaper antibiotics. This could save the US millions of dollars annually and reduce antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism behind bacterial evolution of drug resistance, exploiting collateral sensitivity for novel and sustainable treatments. The study found that certain drugs can be used in combination to eliminate bacterial populations or prevent the emergence of multidrug resistance.
The American Dental Association recommends against prescribing antibiotics for healthy adults with toothaches, citing evidence that they do not alleviate symptoms and can cause harm. In cases where dental treatment is delayed or signs of infection are present, antibiotics may be considered, but only in specific scenarios.
A nationally representative survey found that nursing homes with certified infection preventionists were nearly five times more likely to have comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs. The study highlights the importance of well-trained IPs in reducing the risk of infections and improving patient safety.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a new family of synthetic antibiotics that target essential outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria, disrupting their synthesis and leading to cell bursting.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel electrochemical therapy to treat metal-based implant infections, which are a persistent problem with five to 10 percent failure rates. The new approach damages the microbe cell membrane, increasing susceptibility to antibiotics and eradicating drug-resistant cells.
Researchers tracked the disruption of gut microbes after antibiotics, finding that some individuals experienced long-term changes to their microbiome. The study used bioinformatic tools to analyze fecal samples from 30 young adults who received single or triple antibiotic treatments.
A new study finds that antibiotic resistance to H. pylori has more than doubled in 20 years, from 9.9% in 1998 to 21.6% last year. This increase is particularly concerning for countries like Southern Italy and Greece, where rates of primary clarithromycin resistance are highest.
Aarhus University researchers have found that ants inhibit at least 14 different plant diseases through the secretion of antibiotics and pheromones. The discovery has sparked hope for new biological control agents in agriculture, which could be used to combat resistant plant diseases.
A novel approach to tackle superbugs has been discovered using nanocapsules made of natural ingredients, which can prevent bacteria from attaching to stomach cells. The research aims to reduce antibiotic-resistant strains and is a potential preventative measure.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a nanomesh drug delivery system that can effectively treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The system, which uses electrospinning and gold nanoparticles, was tested with antibiotics Colistin and Vancomycin and showed promising results.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that low-dose antibiotic exposure can cause significant changes in gut bacterial communities, leading to severe drops in bacterial populations. The study used zebrafish as a model organism and showed that the physical activity of the intestine amplifies the effects of weak antibiotics.
CRISPR-BEST addresses the challenge of genetic instability caused by double-stranded breaks in genome editing. The new tool creates mutations in actinomycetes without DNA breakage, enabling efficient targeting of genes for bioactive compound production.
The occurrence of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria from animals to humans has nearly tripled since 2000. Researchers found that antibiotics showing rates of resistance above 50% increased in chickens and pigs in developing countries between 2000 and 2018.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that exposure to manure from cows administered antibiotics alters the soil microbiome and ecosystem functions, reduces soil carbon storage, and changes how plants allocate carbon below ground. The findings suggest that widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has s...
Researchers have discovered a new antibiotic, phazolicin, produced by a soil bacterium from a Mexican tropical forest that can prevent harmful bacteria from growing in plant roots. The findings suggest the potential for using this bacterium as a 'plant probiotic' to improve crop health and resistance to disease.
A systematic review suggests that published studies on burnout and patient care quality may exaggerate the magnitude of the effect. The review analyzed 145 study populations and found that many results were due to biases in measurement and analysis, leading to overestimation of the relationship between burnout and poor quality care.
A new analysis found that the current annual US sales of new antibiotics to treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is $101 million, significantly short of the needed $1 billion. This shortfall threatens the financial viability of new antibiotic development and may lead to reduced treatment options for patients. Researchers...
Scientists have elucidated the structure of the ClpX-ClpP proteolytic complex, a key to developing innovative antibiotics that target bacterial degradation processes. The complex's unique mechanism of action has considerable innovation potential in the fight against pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers found ubiquitous presence of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in groundwater samples, despite advanced treatment facility reducing ARGs to below detection limits. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the global spread of antibiotic resistance and ensure clean water supply.
A study analyzing prescribing data from over 8,000 English general practitioners reveals substantial variation in the adoption of new prescribing guidance, with some practices changing much later than others. This variation can lead to avoidable health service costs and poorer patient care.