Articles tagged with Antibiotics
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered a novel weapon in bacteria arsenal that mimics common antibiotics, potentially filling gap left by antibiotic resistance. The 'toxic arrowhead' VgrG2b targets cell envelope and prevents division, causing cells to bulge and explode.
The new guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults, with a focus on outpatient settings. It suggests using amoxicillin as first-line empiric therapy, while also recommending more microscopic studies of respiratory tract samples to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers at RUDN University have created non-toxic derivatives of chitosan with enhanced antibacterial activity, comparable to modern antibiotics. These novel materials can be used as preservatives in food coatings, providing a safer and more sustainable solution.
The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and Entasis Therapeutics have partnered to develop a new oral antibiotic, zoliflodacin, for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea. The phase 3 trial will assess the treatment's efficacy in preventing persistent infections.
Researchers at Imperial College London developed microneedle biosensors that accurately detect changing antibiotic concentrations in patients' bodies. The technology enables real-time monitoring with similar results to blood tests.
Researchers at Newcastle University have confirmed that bacteria can lose their cell wall to avoid detection by antibiotics, leading to recurring urinary tract infections. The study found that L-form switching allows bacteria to survive and re-form their cell wall, making it harder for the immune system to target them.
Researchers at MIPT have identified a promising class of antibiotics, 2-pyrazol-1-yl-thiazole derivatives, which exhibit antibacterial properties and inhibit protein synthesis. The discovery was made possible by a semi-automatic analysis method that enabled the screening of over 125,000 molecules.
Only half of patients with sinus, throat, ear infections received recommended first-line antibiotics, a rate below industry standard. Retail clinics and emergency departments had higher rates, while urgent care centers lagged.
A new compound derived from eushearilide has shown significant antibacterial properties against various disease-causing bacteria, including MRSA. This finding offers relief for immunocompromised people who are susceptible to life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections.
Researchers at University of Warwick have made a breakthrough in understanding the functions and structures of key enzymes in assembling an antibiotic with activity against Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly resistant pathogen. Understanding these enzymes could enable more effective versions of the antibiotic to be created.
Scientists at the University of Surrey discovered that green tea's EGCG can restore antibiotic activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that combining EGCG with aztreonam significantly reduced bacterial numbers and improved survival rates in infected larvae.
Researchers identified six genes responsible for producing plant antibiotics that control fungal disease resistance in maize. This breakthrough could lead to improved disease resistance in rice and other crops using the same genetic pathways.
Researchers mapped global trends in antimicrobial resistance rates among food animals in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018. The study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise, with high rates of resistance identified in antibiotics commonly used in food production.
A new study has found that initiating antibiotics immediately before obtaining blood cultures significantly affects their sensitivity and ability to diagnose bacterial and fungal infections. This change in guidelines may reduce mortality rates from sepsis, a life-threatening condition with a 20% mortality rate.
Scientists engineer a plasmid that removes antibiotic resistance genes from Enterococcus faecalis, reducing its abundance by threefold in mouse models. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas9 and aims to combat antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.
Researchers found that 2.5% of women and 12.1% of men without established CVD could derive net benefit from aspirin treatment for 5 years. The study used data from a well-characterized web-based decision support program in New Zealand, identifying persons likely to benefit from aspirin treatment based on personalized benefit-harm analy...
A new antibiotic-coated shunt has been shown to significantly reduce infection rates in patients with hydrocephalus. The BASICS trial found that the innovative treatment saved the NHS approximately £130K per infection averted, resulting in estimated annual savings of £7 million.
Scientists have identified thousands of novel messenger proteins in human microbiomes, which could lead to new medicines. A new TB drug has been approved, offering hope for treatment-resistant forms of the disease.
A study by the University of Cologne found that expert feedback significantly reduces the length of antibiotic therapies and improves treatment decisions among pediatricians. The experiment showed that providing feedback can be a useful means to address excessive antibiotic use.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that diet can mitigate or exacerbate changes in the gut microbiome caused by antibiotics. In a mouse study, diet high in fiber and low in simple sugars protected certain beneficial bacteria from antibiotic harm.
Researchers found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin, are associated with an increased risk of heart problems, including aortic and mitral regurgitation. Current users face a 2.4 times greater risk compared to patients taking amoxicillin.
Treating preterm infants with antibiotics for more than 20 months can lead to less diverse bacterial populations in their gut, containing more antibiotic resistance genes. The study suggests that early-life antibiotic use may promote allergies and other health issues later in life by reducing the diversity of microbial communities.
Researchers create new way to detect resistant bacteria, enabling clinicians to reserve stronger antibiotics for most patients. The modified antibiotic can be attached to a sensor surface to detect resistance enzymes, paving the way for rapid diagnostic tests.
A study found that premature babies' gut microbiomes remain disrupted after antibiotic treatment, leading to an increased risk of disease and health problems later in life. The research suggests that minimizing antibiotic use in preemies may help prevent these issues.
Researchers discovered powerful genes in duckweed that protect against a wide range of harmful microbes and pests, paving the way for use in bioreactors, drug production, and biofuel development. The study's DNA sequencing approach could lead to numerous societal benefits and further unlock the potential of duckweed.
Researchers found a new mechanism for resistance gene transmission in intestinal bacteria that's independent of antibiotics. Persistent bacteria can survive and share genes with other bacteria, spreading resistance, according to ETH Zurich scientists.
A new study modelled the effects of antibiotic prescriptions on developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the River Thames. Reducing antibiotic use by 80% is necessary to avoid a surge in superbugs, which could pose a more immediate risk to humanity than climate change.
Bacteria behind hospital infections have been found to close tiny doors in their cell walls, blocking antibiotics. This mechanism allows researchers to design new drugs that can 'pick the locks' and allow antibiotics into bacterial cells.
Fuzhong Zhang receives nearly $2 million NIH grant to investigate metabolic diversity and its relation to antibiotic persistence in bacteria. He aims to understand what causes cells with different metabolic activity and develop strategies to control these differences.
New antibiotics are prescribed in only about a quarter of CRE infections due to high costs, despite being classified as the best choice by pharmacists. The slow adoption is attributed to concerns about accelerating antibiotic resistance and limited data on their effectiveness.
Researchers study how gonorrhea develops resistance to antibiotics, identifying key mutations and structural changes. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to the development of new treatments and diagnostic tests.