Articles tagged with Antibiotics
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that zoliflodacin cured most cases of uncomplicated gonorrhea, with cure rates ranging from 98% to 100%, depending on the dose. The antibiotic also showed promise in treating rectal and throat infections, although performance varied between doses.
Two Virginia Tech professors, Amy Pruden and Marc Edwards, are leading studies on antibiotic resistance in recycled water and plumbing. Their research aims to identify effective disinfectants and designs for preventing the spread of resistant bacteria in water systems, a growing concern that affects public health.
Most cystic fibrosis patients do not achieve high enough antibiotic concentrations in their blood to effectively fight bacteria responsible for pulmonary exacerbations. Real-time monitoring of serum antibiotic concentrations could help improve clinical outcomes and reduce worsening pulmonary function.
Researchers attach molecular attachment r8 to conventional antibiotics, helping them penetrate bacterial outer defenses and linger, increasing effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The approach demonstrates potential for treating other drugs and infections with existing modifications.
A survey found that nearly three-quarters of parents keep leftover antibiotics and give them to others, including siblings and unrelated adults. The practice, called prescription diversion, increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers found kanglemycins, a group of natural antibiotics similar to rifamycin, which can target mutated RNAPs. These antibiotics may have emerged as a result of evolutionary pressures in nature, providing a potential solution to the rising problem of antibiotic resistance.
A nationwide network study has found a small association between early antibiotic exposure and weight gain in young children. The research, published in Pediatrics, suggests that antibiotic use at less than 24 months of age may lead to slightly higher body weight at 5 years of age.
A large study of over 333,000 infants found that exposure to antibiotics and acid suppressants in early childhood may increase the risk of obesity by age 3. The research suggests an association between these drugs and altered gut microbiomes linked to weight gain.
Patients with drug-resistant urinary tract infections are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes and relapses within a week. The study highlights the importance of close follow-up and proper antibiotic treatment to curb antibiotic resistance.
Research suggests that human hosts are starving their microbial communities of nutrients, potentially undermining the benefits of the microbiome. This could lead to a shift in the balance of power between humans and microbes, with implications for our health and well-being.
A new investigational antibiotic, cefiderocol, has been found effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a phase 2 randomised trial. The study suggested that patients treated with cefiderocol had a higher and more sustained level of pathogen eradication compared to those treated with imipenem-cilastatin.
Scientists at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have isolated a membrane protein from E. coli bacteria and shed light on its molecular structure. The study reveals how the bacterium manages to rid itself of antibiotics by using a pump mechanism, providing insights into the development of resistance.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that tetracycline antibiotics target human cytosolic ribosomes, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating cancer and pathological inflammation. The study provides a crucial foundation for further drug discovery and treatment development.
Researchers have developed a new method for administering the antibiotic ceftriaxone through rectal delivery, which could save thousands of newborn lives annually. The approach builds upon earlier work and has been shown to be effective in treating critically ill patients with sepsis.
Case Western Reserve researchers discover small molecules that block toxin formation in bacteria, allowing infected mice to survive. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
A subset of T cells known as Th17 cells contribute to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. The study identifies these cells as key mediators of the condition and finds that inhibiting their development holds promise as a new therapeutic approach.
Infants who were breastfed for at least six months had a smaller number of resistant bacteria in their gut than babies who were breastfed for a shorter period. Antibiotic treatment of mothers during delivery increased the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the infant gut.
A new study found that of 25 newly introduced antibiotics between 1999 and 2014, only 12 had sales in over 10 countries, highlighting the need for improved global distribution.
A new test, DETECT, can diagnose patients with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in a matter of minutes. The technique identifies the molecular signatures of antibiotic-resistant bacteria directly in urine samples.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel small ligand, ATMND-C2-NH2, with the tightest binding affinity for the bacterial A-site among non-aminoglycoside ligands. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics with reduced toxicity and resistance
A new study suggests that surface water dynamics are a crucial contributor to the global health concern of antibiotic resistance. The research team found that land use and season were statistically significant predictors of antibiotic resistant bacteria presence in surface water.
A study of 500,000-plus outpatient antibiotic prescriptions found that nearly half were given without an infection-related diagnosis. The research suggests a huge problem with antibiotic misuse, regardless of symptom, and highlights concerns about 80% of antibiotics prescribed on an outpatient basis.
Researchers have developed a new antibiotic that can target Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria hiding in macrophage immune cells. The peptide-based drug kills the bacteria by weaponizing copper ions, which are toxic to them.
Researchers developed a new algorithm to search vast repositories of compounds produced by microbes, identifying over 5,000 promising unknown compounds that merit further investigation. The algorithm, called Dereplicator+, analyzes mass spectra data to eliminate known compounds and focus on potential new pharmaceuticals.
Researchers found that polymers in airway mucus physically push on bacterial cells, causing stress responses that make them tolerate higher levels of antibiotics. This stress response is triggered by mild DNA damage, slowing down bacterial growth and making it harder to kill with antibiotics.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland found ciprofloxacin inhibits topoisomerase 2, impairing mitochondrial DNA replication and transcription. This leads to impaired energy production and cellular differentiation.
Patients with respiratory tract infections receiving antibiotics had significantly shorter telemedicine encounters than those not receiving antibiotics. Researchers found that antibiotic prescriptions were about 33 seconds shorter, while non-antibiotic prescriptions resulted in longer encounters of approximately 1 minute and 12 seconds...
Researchers found gallium effective in curbing bacterial growth in mice and patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic lung infections, including those infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gallium's slow development of resistance makes it a potential alternative to standard antibiotics.