Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that tweaking pH balance and oxygen in a CF lung model can help eradicate pathogenic bacteria while minimizing antibiotic resistance. The study found two distinct communities of microbes in CF lungs: anaerobes thriving in low-oxygen and low-pH regions.
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...