Articles tagged with Antibiotics
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria in CF patients' airways are associated with lower microbial diversity and more aggressive disease. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics is crucial to help patients live longer, but new methods can help target infectious bacteria selectively.
A study examining prescription medicines in New Zealand children found significant increases in antibiotic and pain relief use, but also decreases in systemic antibiotics. The research highlights the importance of educational campaigns and monitoring to ensure safe prescribing practices.
A randomized clinical trial found that about 60 percent of patients treated with antibiotics for uncomplicated acute appendicitis did not undergo appendectomy in five years. The study suggests that antibiotics may be a viable treatment option for this condition, offering an alternative to surgery.
A new clinical algorithm has been developed to identify eligible patients with uncomplicated staphylococcal bloodstream infections who can take antibiotics for fewer days. This reduction in antibiotic duration is significant and could help reduce antibiotic resistance on a broader scale, benefiting individual patients and public health.
Researchers found that antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria, preventing them from controlling infection and inflammation in the mouth. The study suggests that overuse of antibiotics can have devastating effects on overall health, including oral conditions.
Researchers discovered that a small portion of pathogenic bacteria can go dormant, avoiding antibiotic effects. This 'hibernation' mechanism allows them to survive and resume regular functions when safe. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new antibiotics targeting the dormant state.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a naturally occurring antibiotic called kanglemycin A that is effective against rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis. The compound was found to bind to the same groove as rifampicin but with extended structures, allowing it to maintain its affinity and inhibit the bacteria.
Researchers developed a novel immunochromatographic method to detect multi-resistant bacteria in blood cultures with 100% certainty. The new method reduces testing time from up to 72 hours, enabling faster treatment and potentially curbing the spread of resistant pathogens.
Stanford researchers identify a key bacterial molecule, pEtN cellulose, that enhances adhesion of E. coli to bladder cells, potentially leading to new treatments for urinary tract infections. The finding could break the cycle of infection by preventing bacterial adhesion.
A new test for viral infections can reduce hospital admissions by up to 25% and unnecessary antibiotics by 50%, according to new research. The quick and easy test, launched at a UK hospital in 2018, uses point-of-care respiratory viral testing (POCT) technology.
A systematic review found that healthy infants and children taking probiotics are 29% less likely to receive antibiotics. Probiotics may reduce antibiotic use by reducing the incidence and duration of infections, making them a potential tool for physicians as an alternative to antibiotics.
A review of twelve studies found that probiotics reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 29-53% in infants and children. The study suggests that probiotics may be a way to combat antibiotic resistance, with potential mechanisms including immune regulation and pathogen inhibition.
Very premature babies are more likely to harbor Ureaplasma bacteria, which can cause respiratory infections and lead to long-term breathing problems. A new study suggests that antibiotics may be effective in treating these infections and improving outcomes.
Researchers have developed a super-fast screening technology that uses bacteria in bear saliva to discover new treatments for antibiotics. They found a beneficial strain of bacteria that produces a previously known antibiotic, amicoumacin, effective against MRSA.
Scientists have discovered how bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens, pass genetic information to resist antibiotics and produce toxins. The new gene tcpK plays a critical role in this process, allowing bacteria to share genetic instructions with each other.
Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have identified a new cellular target that can weaken P. aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for thousands of deaths in cystic fibrosis patients. The discovery could lead to more effective antibiotics and improve treatment outcomes for these patients.
Despite record-high infection rates, many patients only receive treatment for their own infection, while partners are often left without access to antibiotics or a prescription. Experts highlight the need to overcome barriers, including stigma and policy hurdles, to increase the use of expedited partner therapy.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a groundbreaking new treatment for tuberculosis (TB), targeting the bacteria's defenses rather than killing it directly. The compound shows promise in animal studies, offering hope for a more effective and less toxic treatment option.
A recent study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that prescribing antibiotics to children with cough does not significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization. However, a strategy of delayed antibiotic prescribing may help reduce unnecessary return visits to the GP.
A new study challenges the effectiveness of probiotics in boosting digestive health. Researchers found that many people's gut tracts prevent standard probiotics from successfully colonizing them. Additionally, taking probiotics after antibiotics may delay the return of normal gut bacteria and gene expression.
Researchers have synthesized a phosphonium polymer that exhibits extraordinary antibacterial activity despite lacking hydrophobic alkyl chains. The polymer's hydrophilic nature and balanced display of positive charges played a crucial role in its effectiveness.
Researchers found that probiotics' effects on humans and microbiomes vary greatly from person to person. Personalized treatment was shown to have significant benefits in addressing adverse side effects of antibiotics. The study's results suggest a tailored approach to probiotic use, potentially leading to improved health outcomes.
A pilot project found that telehealth videoconferencing increased awareness of antibiotic stewardship principles and helped facilities implement more than two-thirds of recommendations. This study demonstrates how technology can provide access to expert knowledge and practices for smaller facilities.
A new study finds that countries with better infrastructure, lower corruption, and higher spending on public health have lower rates of antibiotic resistance. Improving sanitation, access to clean water, and good governance are crucial in reducing antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers used a microfluidic platform to screen the oral microbiome of Siberian brown bears and identified an antibiotic-producing strain of Bacillus pumilus that kills Staphylococcus aureus. The study also uncovered a mechanism by which Bacillus resists this antibiotic, suggesting its potential for discovering novel antibiotics.
Researchers discovered thousands of four- and five-drug combinations that are more effective at killing harmful bacteria than previously thought. The combinations work by targeting the bacteria in different ways, such as attacking cell walls or DNA.
The European Union and European Economic Area experience stable rates of gonorrhea resistance to antibiotics, with azithromycin remaining a concern. The use of dual therapy regimens may contribute to increased susceptibility.
A 3D printed fluorescence imaging box called PFIbox allows researchers to analyze massive amounts of data from bacteria samples, helping them discover new antibiotics. The open-source tool costs $200 and can be improved upon by others.
Researchers at UH University have won a $3.5M grant to develop technology suggesting the best combinations of antibiotics to kill certain resistant bacteria. The project aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.
A new treatment has been found to significantly reduce hospital stays for patients with heart infections by halving the duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment. The POET trial showed that giving patients oral antibiotics after at least ten days of intravenous treatment was as effective and safe as continued intravenous treatment, ...
A new analysis found that antibiotic use in children leads to an estimated 69,000 emergency room visits each year for allergic reactions and other side effects. The risk varies by child age and type of antibiotic used, with younger children aged 2 or under being at highest risk.
A new rat study suggests that individual variations in genetic makeup and gut bacteria may explain the different effects of antibiotics on blood pressure. The researchers treated two strains of rats with three common antibiotics, resulting in distinct responses in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings highlight the impo...
A California emergency department study found nearly 6% of urinary tract infections were caused by drug-resistant bacteria, with no identifiable risk factor for infection in many cases. The researchers urge wider use of urine culture tests and improved follow-up systems to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cheap and easy-to-use detection device that can quickly identify counterfeit antibiotics. The device uses a simple paper-based test to detect the presence of antibiotics, with a strip turning red if a falsified sample is present.
Using computer modeling, researchers have teased out the details of how an antibiotic pump works, revealing its 'lock' and mechanism. This breakthrough aims to develop new drugs that can plug the pump, potentially restoring antibiotics' effectiveness.
Researchers at MIT have discovered fragments of a protein found in the stomach that can kill certain bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The peptides show promise as new candidates for treating infections and may be used to develop synthetic antibiotics.
A 7-year trial found that continued mass azithromycin distribution prevented recurrence of trachoma but did not eliminate the infection entirely. Ocular chlamydia prevalence was significantly lower in communities with ongoing treatment compared to those discontinuing treatment.
Researchers have discovered synergy between colistin and other antibiotics, offering hope for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Combination therapy may allow clinicians to use lower effective doses of antibiotics, reducing toxicities and slowing antibiotic resistance development.
A proof-of-concept study found that antibiotic treatment prior to vaccination increased viral shedding in healthy adult men, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics showed a slight increase in early vaccine boosting. The results suggest a potential correlation between the microbiome and vaccine performance.
A new international collaborative research study has found that a four-month daily regimen of antibiotic rifampicin is as effective as a nine-month daily regimen of another antibiotic, isoniazid, in preventing people with latent tuberculosis infection from developing the full-blown disease. The study, published in the New England Journ...
A study found that ciprofloxacin exposure accelerates the progression of aortic diseases in mouse models. The antibiotic disrupts the extracellular matrix, leading to cell death and tissue damage.
A new study found that trace amounts of antibiotics in leeches' environment can increase resistant bacteria, which displaced healthy microbes. The research suggests a low threshold for antibiotic exposure to boost resistant microbes.
New research reveals that very low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to an increase in resistant bacteria, highlighting the environment as a critical battleground in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The study found that sewage waste water and natural environments can be breeding grounds for resistant bacteria, which can th...
Research by UConn microbiologists found that tiny amounts of antibiotics in chicken blood can encourage bacterial resistance. The study used leeches as a perfect test case and discovered that low levels of ciprofloxacin in poultry blood were selecting for antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas bacteria.
A single course of antibiotics early in childhood may increase the risk for Type 1 diabetes, according to a study published in eLife. The research found that four bacterial species groups were significantly more abundant in the guts of mice treated with the antibiotic, and likely involved in driving progression of the disease.
A Salk Institute study found that depleting a mouse's microbiome with antibiotics reduces glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity. The research suggests the microbiome plays a role in glucose regulation and may offer insights into treating type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are investigating snake venom compounds to treat microbial keratitis, a serious eye infection. They aim to develop anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa agents to reduce damage to the cornea and prevent sight loss.
The study found variations in antibiotic prescribing patterns among different outpatient settings, including urgent care centers, retail clinics, and emergency departments. These variations suggest differences in patient mix and the potential for unnecessary antibiotic use, particularly for viral respiratory infections.
Engineers at the University of Houston are developing nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics to reduce dosages and prevent microbiome damage. The study, supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to find alternative methods to combat antibiotic resistance.
New evidence suggests that reducing antibiotic course length can reduce the risk of resistance. Microbial communities can reach a tipping point when exposed to antibiotics, leading to an irreversible shift towards drug resistance. Stopping treatment too soon may not prevent resistance from occurring.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that a parent-focused booklet on childhood fever reduced antibiotic prescribing rates by 11% when used. The study involved 25,355 children and showed that the booklet was effective in promoting self-management strategies and reducing the need for medication.
A recent study found that antibiotic susceptibility assays may yield unreliable results due to variations in inoculum levels. The findings suggest that clinical microbiology laboratories must adhere closely to standardized methods and target inoculum levels to obtain accurate testing results.
Researchers at Lehigh University have designed a small-molecule compound to decorate the surface of Gram-negative bacteria and trigger an immunological response. The compound targets pathogenic bacteria in two distinct ways, generating a promising lead for immunotherapeutic agents against deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A large-scale screening of antibiotic combinations has identified over 500 pairs that improve antibiotic effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. These pairings could help combat antibiotic resistance by selectively targeting harmful bacterial species, reducing the development of resistance and its transmission.
A new study found that viruses are the most common cause of meningitis in adults and diagnosis is often delayed due to unnecessary brain scans. This can lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics and prolonged hospital stays. Prompt investigation with a lumbar puncture can help identify the specific virus or bacteria causing the illness.
Princeton researchers found that cells repairing DNA damaged by antibiotics before resuming growth had a better chance of surviving treatment. Cells that make repairs before resuming growth are generally the ones that survive as persisters.
A trial from Niger found that village-wide prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduced the spread of meningitis. The study showed a 60% lower number of new meningitis cases in villages with antibiotic distribution compared to those without, highlighting the effectiveness of mass prophylaxis as an epidemic response.
Researchers found a significant decrease in C. difficile infections across Canada, with the most common virulent strain, NAP1, associated with severe illness and deaths. Improved infection control practices, such as frequent handwashing and better cleaning, may have contributed to this decline.
A £3 million LSTM-led DRUM Consortium will investigate how human behavior drives antimicrobial resistance in Uganda and Malawi. The research aims to understand key drivers of resistance, including surveying human behavior around antibiotic use, water availability, sanitation, and hygiene.
New computational simulations suggest that antibiotic treatment can suppress resistant species via attack on sensitive partner species in mutualistic relationships, and spatial arrangement influences cross-protection. The study found that competing species are more susceptible to suppression than mutually interacting species.