Articles tagged with Antibiotics
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that an educational intervention trained rural Chinese primary care doctors to prescribe antibiotics more appropriately, reducing unnecessary prescriptions for childhood upper respiratory tract infections by 36%. The intervention's long-term benefits were sustained even a year after its conclusion.
A new microchip technology can identify the optimal medication and dosage for effective treatment of bacterial infections in six to seven hours. The microchip's innovative design features enable it to determine the minimum inhibitory dosage that prevents bacterial growth, a crucial step in treating life-threatening infections.
A University of Kansas geologist's work in the remote High Arctic has exposed the global spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes, including multidrug-resistant 'superbugs'. Researchers found 131 antibiotic-resistant genes in Svalbard soil samples, with some tracing back to human sewage or bird guano.
A new study by Christian Lodberg Hvas shows that faeces transplantation is an effective treatment for Clostridium difficile, curing 22 out of 24 patients after a single procedure. In contrast, only 10 out of 24 patients were cured using the antibiotic fidaxomicin, highlighting the potential life-saving benefits of this treatment.
Amprologix Limited, a University of Plymouth spinout, has secured a £1.2 million contract to accelerate development of its lead antibiotic candidate epidermicin NI01 to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The company aims to make the nasal cream ready for human clinical trials by early 2021.
Researchers found that insect-borne microbes often outperformed soil bacteria in stopping antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA. A new antibiotic, cyphomycin, was discovered from a Brazilian fungus-farming ant and showed effective antimicrobial action without toxic side effects.
Researchers successfully recreated microscopic networks of fibers made of DNA, called NETs, in the laboratory. The study found that these microwebs can capture and kill bacteria, potentially leading to more effective antibiotics and a new approach to treating infections.
A new method, developed by Case Western Reserve University researchers, identifies effective second-line antibiotics for treating germs resistant to first-line antibiotics. The approach could help clinicians choose the best treatment for patients and overcome antibiotic resistance.
The USPSTF reaffirms its recommendation for using an antibiotic ointment to prevent gonococcal eye infections in all newborns. This infection can spread to the cornea and cause blindness as early as 24 hours after birth, with transmission rates of 30% to 50% from mother to newborn.
Researchers have solved a 20-year riddle of how crucial step in antibiotic biosynthesis occurs, opening way to potentially redesigning antibiotics. The team structurally characterised the peptide bond forming domain in Ebony enzyme, revealing its novel types of condensation domain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with primary care received more high-value care, such as cancer screening and diagnostic testing, and reported a better healthcare experience. Primary care was also associated with higher rates of recommended counseling services, including smoking cessation.
A new study has confirmed the presence of a superbug gene in the Kongsfjorden region of Svalbard, one of the last pristine places on Earth. The blaNDM-1 gene, originally found in urban India, has been detected in Arctic soils and is associated with increased antibiotic resistance.
A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that providing more information about how doctors prescribe drugs can reduce problems associated with overprescription. Between 2012 and 2017, there was a notable decrease of 14% in antibiotic prescriptions in England.
A team of researchers isolated a peptide named emericellipsin A from soil fungi, which possesses antitumor and antibacterial properties. The substance was proved to be effective against various types of bacteria and fungi, including those resistant to other antibiotics.
Researchers in Leicester are investigating the use of antibiotics to treat certain types of severe asthma, a condition affecting 1 in 20 people with asthma. The study aims to identify patients with specific subtypes of severe asthma and test new oral treatments, including doxycycline and dexpramipexole.
Researchers developed a rapid whole genome sequencing method that can identify specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains in under a day, reducing treatment time by at least 20 hours. The technology has the potential to speed personalized treatment of drug-resistant infections, which claim thousands of lives annually.
Bronchiolitis, a common viral lung infection, is often treated with antibiotics in US emergency rooms, contradicting evidence-based guidelines. The study found that 25% of children under 2 years old with bronchiolitis received antibiotics between 2007 and 2015.
A nearly 30-year mystery has been solved by Rutgers and international scientists, who discovered the molecular machinery that produces potent antibiotic microcin B17. The findings provide tools to design new antimicrobials and anticancer drugs.
A new antibiotic called Ramizol shows promise in treating drug-resistant bacteria in the intestines, particularly for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The research indicates that Ramizol is well-tolerated and effective against lethal doses of the bacteria.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions for privately insured outpatients in the US were inappropriate. Inappropriate prescribing was more common among adults than children, with colds, chest infections, and coughs being the three most common reasons.
A new study found that nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions for children and adults may be unnecessary, with 1 in 7 patients receiving antibiotics for cases that were not medically justified. This highlights the need to reduce antibiotic overuse and its consequences, including contributing to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A comprehensive US study found only 13% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were appropriate, highlighting the widespread overuse of antibiotics. The study used a novel classification scheme and evaluated all 91,738 diagnosis codes in ICD-10, categorizing each for antibiotic appropriateness.
Between 2008 and 2016, antibiotic prescribing by dermatologists declined overall, driven largely by a decrease in extended courses for acne and rosacea. However, the use of postoperative antibiotics after surgical visits increased, raising concerns that practice should be evaluated
The article highlights the need for accurate evaluation of documented penicillin allergies, which can be safely treated in most cases. The JAMA report provides guidance on comprehensive history taking and risk assessment, recommending a simple history to distinguish intolerances from allergies.
Researchers developed a mobile CRISPRi system to study antibiotic function in various bacteria, including those that cause disease and promote health. The system allows scientists to screen for antibiotic targets thousands of genes at once, providing clues on how to improve existing antibiotics or develop new ones.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong correlation between
New research suggests that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain can increase the risk of severe Clostridium difficile infections. The study found that brief exposure to an NSAID prior to infection worsened infection severity and shortened survival in mice.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown strain of bacteria in ancient Irish soil that effectively inhibits the growth of four top-six multi-resistant pathogens. The strain, Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, has shown promise against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, providing new hope for combating antibiotic resistance.
A new study found that antibiotics are being overused in up to 50% of patients undergoing common urological procedures, with extended use following the procedure being the main issue. This excessive use can promote antibiotic resistance and expose patients to potential harm.
Chemical synthesis breakthrough offers hope in combating lethal drug-resistant infections; researchers develop efficient, scaleable antibiotics to fight Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial species.
A large study found that widespread, low-intensity antibiotic use in the US is more closely linked to antibiotic resistance than high-intensity use by a small fraction of the population. The study analyzed data from over 60 million Americans and found that occasional use was associated with higher rates of resistance.
Qualitative analyses suggest vaccine-based strategies can outperform antibiotic-centered approaches in certain cases, limiting AMR spread and preserving the human microbiome. Vaccine development is crucial to address growing AMR concerns, as indicated by studies highlighting vaccines' potential economic benefits.
Researchers discovered that a drug initially developed for Alzheimer's disease has antibacterial properties, potentially breaking antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The findings suggest the drug could be repurposed to treat infectious diseases.
Bacteria adapt more slowly and less efficiently when exposed to two stress factors, leading to smaller population sizes. This affects the evolution of antibiotic resistance, as bacteria are less able to protect themselves from predators, resulting in a stronger influence on their survival rate.
Researchers at MIT created variants of a wasp venom peptide that are potent against bacteria while nontoxic to human cells. The peptides were designed by analyzing the structure and function of the original molecule, identifying optimal percentages of hydrophobic amino acids and positively charged amino acids.
Scientists at Imperial College London discovered that persister cells manipulate immune cells, potentially opening new avenues to clearing these cells from the body. The study found that persisters weaken the power of macrophages, a key part of our arsenal against infection.
A study by Duke University researchers shows that pathogen responses to first-line antibiotics can be distinguished, allowing for more effective treatment strategies. The researchers developed a method to quantify resistance and resilience, enabling clinicians to prescribe targeted dosing regimens.
A nationwide Danish study found a significant increase in postoperative infections, pneumonia, and community-based antibiotics after hip fracture surgery between 2005 and 2016. The risk of hospital-treated infections increased by 32% and pneumonia by 70%, with higher risks among elderly patients.
A global review of antibiotic sales in 70 high- and middle-income countries found that consumption patterns vary widely, with low levels of 'Access' antibiotics like amoxicillin. The study also highlights the overuse of 'Watch' antibiotics, which should only be used for specific indications.
Researchers found that 10 essential oils, including garlic oil, showed significant killing activity against 'persister' forms of Lyme disease bacteria. The study suggests these plant compounds may be more effective than current antibiotics in treating persistent Lyme symptoms.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that detect proteases produced by bacteria and immune cells, allowing for faster diagnosis of pneumonia. The sensors can indicate whether antibiotics are effective in treating the infection.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a virtual library of 1 million new macrolide scaffolds, which can help speed up the discovery of new antibiotics and cancer drugs. The library was created using computer simulation software that generates compounds with desirable properties.
Researchers developed a rapid diagnostic tool using a small, inexpensive biosensor to provide instant and accurate results. The device can detect bacteria and screen their interaction with antibiotics, giving healthcare practitioners more information for accurate treatment decisions.
Researchers found that certain antibiotics can alter the way bacteria divide and interact with each other, leading to increased competence and the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. Biofilms play a crucial role in this process, allowing cells to secrete higher concentrations of a peptide that triggers quorum sensing.
Researchers have discovered a new chemical process in bacteria that could lead to the development of new antibiotics. The biosynthetic pathway includes an enzyme called carboxylase, which adds CO2 to a precursor molecule producing a highly unusual antibiotic called malonomycin.
Researchers discovered an enzymatic reaction cascade generating the essential 6-membered ring in mupirocin production. The finding builds on earlier research and could lead to the development of new antibiotics with improved properties.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have identified a small RNA molecule that significantly affects antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria. Without this molecule, the bacteria are more sensitive to penicillins and produce less of the enzyme degrading these antibiotics.
Researchers found that antibiotic prophylaxis regimens are less effective at preventing surgical site infections following colorectal surgery. The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis has remained unchanged for other procedures like appendectomy and cesarean section.
A survey of 2,537 US adults found that roughly half believe the average person faces a serious health risk from food additives over their lifetime. Similarly, about half think genetically modified foods are worse for one's health. Women and those with low science knowledge tend to express more concern about these issues.
Thanatin, a natural insect antibiotic, eliminates bacteria by preventing the formation of their outer protective shield. This unprecedented mechanism offers a new way to develop effective antibiotics against dangerous pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has identified a key component of the antibiotic binding mechanism of VIM proteins, which protects bacteria from beta-lactam antibiotics. This discovery provides insights into how antibiotics can be designed to block the activity of these resistance mechanisms.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that surgery remains the best treatment option for appendicitis, despite being more expensive upfront. Patients treated with antibiotics alone had higher rates of hospital readmissions and abdominal abscesses, highlighting the risks of this alternative approach.
A new system, CAMR-R, can measure antimicrobial resistant phenotypes at single-cell resolution from clinical samples in three hours without cell propagation. The instrument uses D2O-feeding Raman Microspectroscopy to quantify AMR levels and has potential applications in diagnosing clinical pathogens.
Scientists will develop a catalogue of simplified synthetic teixobactin molecules to combat superbugs like MSRA and VRE. The project aims to create new antibiotics for human use, addressing the high failure rate in drug development.
A combination therapy of polymyxin B/trimethoprim has shown promising results against bacterial keratitis, a leading cause of blindness. The treatment eradicated infections in 70% of animal models and showed a low rate of spontaneous resistance.
Researchers have published the first estimates of antibiotic and pesticide planetary boundaries, revealing that Gram-negative bacteria are already beyond these limits. The study emphasizes the urgent need for new approaches to manage resistance, including promoting susceptibility to pesticides and antibiotics.
Research reveals Salmonella species, causing foodborne diseases, are resistant to multiple antibiotic classes. The study identified 39 genes linked to this resistance, shedding light on the epidemiology of salmonellosis in Brazil.
A new set of generic competencies has been established by ESCMID to guide healthcare professionals in using antibiotics responsibly. The competencies cover three main areas: antimicrobial prescribing, diagnosing infections, and stewardship. This framework aims to harmonize approaches to antibiotic use across Europe.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in wild giraffes most likely come from anthropogenic sources. The research suggests that young giraffes are more likely to harbor resistant bacteria, potentially due to competition between strains.
A new antibiotic, zoliflodacin, has shown promising results in treating uncomplicated gonorrhea infections with a single oral dose. The study found a cure rate of 96% for participants treated with zoliflodacin, compared to 100% for those treated with ceftriaxone.