Articles tagged with Antibiotics
Research suggests that antibiotic use in late adulthood is associated with a higher risk of death from heart disease and overall mortality. Women who take antibiotics for extended periods, particularly in middle adulthood, are more likely to experience increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular-related deaths.
A new clinical study led by Sheela Swamy of University College London found that antibiotics can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic bladder pain and urinary tract infections. The study analyzed 624 women who had suffered from long-term symptoms for over six years, with no relief from previous treatments.
Researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology identified a family of D-stereospecific peptidases (DRPs) that are involved in combating widely-distributed antibiotics. These genes are phylogenetically widespread and pose a significant threat to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at KU Leuven have identified a protein, LIpA bacteriocin, that targets and kills the deadly Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The protein's mechanism of action involves binding to the bacterial cell wall protein BamA, effectively shutting it down and allowing the bacteria to die quickly.
A study published in BMJ Open found that GP surgeries with GPs trained in complementary and alternative medicine have lower antibiotic prescribing rates. This reduction is associated with a decrease in some antibiotic resistance. The authors suggest exploring additional treatment strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have discovered a promising approach to treating multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae infections using antibodies that target the bacterial capsule polysaccharide. This method enhances the ability of immune system cells to kill the bacteria, providing a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified potential compounds that could inhibit the virulence of Listeria by targeting an enzyme involved in bacterial cell surface modifications. Inhibiting this enzyme renders Listeria less virulent, making it a promising approach for combating severe food poisoning and listerio...
Current initiatives to improve antibiotic use in outpatient settings may be insufficient, researchers say. A study found that antibiotics are prescribed at alarming rates in these locations, with seasonal variation in prescribing rates observed.
A new Yale study reveals that gut bacteria can travel to other organs and trigger an autoimmune response. Researchers found that suppressing the growth of Enterococcus gallinarum with an antibiotic or vaccine can suppress autoimmunity in mice with chronic autoimmune conditions.
A new study found that antibiotic prescriptions continue to be prescribed at high rates in outpatient settings, contributing to drug-resistant infections and excess healthcare costs. The researchers analyzed data from Express Scripts Holding Co. and found no decline in overall antibiotic prescription rates over a three-year period.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have discovered a way to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) without using antibiotics. By targeting specific sugar-protein interactions, they found that decoy molecules can trick E. coli bacteria into releasing their grip on the bladder and kidneys.
A new special publication compiled by leading hearing experts highlights the latest research on drug-induced hearing loss. The study reveals that ototoxicity affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those age 75 or older, and emphasizes the need for better monitoring and detection of hearing loss over time.
Researchers found that antibiotics can hinder the efficacy of some cancer treatments, particularly adoptive T-cell therapy, by impacting the gut microbiota. However, CAR T-cell therapy appears to be less affected by antibiotic use.
Scientists developed a model predicting methylmercury presence in small headwater ecosystems. They also discovered a new combustion strategy to increase gasoline-powered car fuel efficiency. Researchers successfully wrote precise metallic structures narrower than a cold virus for nanofabrication applications.
Researchers at VIB have devised a novel approach to develop antibacterial drugs using protein aggregation technology, which can effectively target Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli. The technology has shown strong antibacterial activity against these resistant bacteria and will be further explored by biotech company Aelin Therapeutics.
Researchers highlight the need for more evidence on video consultation's impact on patient access and GP workload. The study found that some private companies using video consulting prescribe antibiotics without proper guidance, raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
Research estimates that at least 20% of antibiotic prescriptions in English primary care are inappropriate, with higher proportions prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infections. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic coding and prescribing guidelines to reduce antibiotic misuse and preserve their effectiveness.
A study by Georgia State University found that carbon monoxide improves the efficacy of antibiotics like metronidazole against H. pylori, a type of bacteria causing peptic ulcers. By making bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics, carbon monoxide could help combat drug resistance and allow for smaller doses or increased effectiveness.
Researchers are developing synthetic antimicrobial materials that target toxic bacteria while being biocompatible with healthy mammalian cells. The goal is to create new therapeutic platforms to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
A study published in mBio reveals that a strain of typhoid acquired an additional piece of DNA encoding multiple antibiotic resistance genes, making it extensively drug-resistant. This outbreak highlights the urgent need for preventive measures, including vaccines, to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at Stanford University are using the vibrational Stark effect to measure an enzyme's electric field as it evolves into antibiotic-resistant form. They aim to understand the correlation between electric field changes and antibiotic resistance, with potential implications for developing new antibiotics.
A new study finds that only 18% of children with sickle cell anemia receive daily antibiotics to reduce the risk of deadly infections. The condition affects racial and ethnic minority populations and can lead to serious complications like meningitis or death if left untreated.
Patients in low-income nations have higher rates of surgical infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Infection complications can prolong recovery times and be fatal, highlighting an urgent need for global healthcare action.
A study of over 12,500 patients across 66 countries found that surgical site infections are a significant global health issue, with 22% of cases resistant to pre-surgery antibiotics. The incidence of infections varied greatly depending on the country's income level, with low-income countries being most at risk.
A new clinical trial aims to determine if low procalcitonin levels indicate a viral lower respiratory tract infection that won't improve with antibiotic treatment. The study will enroll patients with suspected LRTIs and low PCT blood levels, and test whether they respond differently to azithromycin or placebo.
Beewolves have successfully used a combination of antibiotics produced by symbiotic bacteria to protect their offspring from mold fungi for over 68 million years. The antibiotic cocktail has remained surprisingly stable despite the emergence of new pathogens.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new method called hyperthermophilic composting that kills bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes. This process can reduce the spread of these genes in agricultural environments, making organic fertilizers safer for use.
Research highlights graphene oxide's exceptional antibacterial properties, which differ from traditional antibiotics. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding structure-activity relationships and molecular initiating events to improve biosafety.
A new study suggests adapting the WHO eradication strategy for yaws by implementing multiple rounds of mass drug administration and targeting a broader geographic area. The research found that this approach can capture those not present during the first round and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study reveals that the WHO strategy to eradicate yaws is inadequate due to high rates of antibiotic resistance and relapse of latent infections. The research found that even with high coverage rates, mass treatment alone may not be sufficient to achieve elimination, highlighting the need for adapted strategies.
Researchers are re-examining old antibiotics to find new ones, applying modern science and technology to test their potential. A compound identified in the 1940s is now being considered as a realistic contender for a new antibiotic drug, with the potential to combat certain types of bacterial infections.
Researchers identified powerful antimicrobial agents in some ant species but found that many others don't produce them, challenging conventional wisdom. The study suggests ants could be a future source of new antibiotics to fight human diseases.
A new study reveals that millions of unapproved antibiotics are sold in India each year, posing a significant threat to global antibiotic resistance control. Multinational pharmaceutical companies manufacture dozens of unapproved formulations, contributing to the country's high rates of antimicrobial resistance.
A new study found that millions of unapproved antibiotics are being sold in India, with multinational companies manufacturing nearly 20% of the unapproved formulations. The researchers argue that banning the sale of unapproved FDC antibiotics and improving access to healthcare are crucial steps to controlling antimicrobial resistance.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that patient age, insurance, and race are associated with risk of receiving an unneeded antibiotic prescription. Advanced practice providers were 15% more likely to prescribe antibiotics than physician providers, highlighting the need for tailored education.
Researchers have re-evaluated an overlooked antibiotic, increasing its effectiveness against extensively drug-resistant bacteria. Octapeptin showed superior antimicrobial activity to colistin against resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
A study by MUSC Health found that using a mechanical ISDD and educating staff led to a nearly four-fold decrease in contaminated blood cultures. This reduction resulted in improved accurate diagnoses, decreased antibiotic use, and cost savings.
The DRIVE-AB consortium recommends a market entry reward of $1 billion per antibiotic globally to increase innovative antibiotic development and sustainable use. The report estimates up to 16-20 new antibiotics could be developed in the next 30 years, addressing priority pathogens identified by the WHO.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a specific position on TatC that can be chemically altered by DCCD, inhibiting contact with the Tat substrate. This finding reveals the mechanism of how TatC and TatB components assemble into an active transporter, creating a cavity for protein insertion.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine suggests that premature births are associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the mother's reproductive tract. The researchers found that subtle changes in vaginal microbiota were strongly linked to early water breakage and preterm birth, which can increase the risk of sepsis for newborns.
A team of computer scientists developed an algorithm called VarQuest to rapidly search massive databases for new antibiotic variants, discovering over a thousand new variants.
A new algorithm, VarQuest, has been developed to identify naturally occurring antibiotics, revealing an order of magnitude more compounds than previous studies. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of new medicines and help combat rising antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Aarhus University have determined a fundamental mechanism by which staphylococci bacteria handle stress when exposed to antibiotics. The discovery reveals that bacteria produce an enzyme capable of modifying DNA building blocks into signal molecules, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatment.
A recent study found that one in five nursing home residents received antibiotics within the last 30 days, with urinary tract infections accounting for 40% of all infections treated. New or worsening confusion was a strong factor associated with antibiotic treatment for suspected UTI.
A team of scientists has developed SAAP-148, a compound that effectively targets and eliminates drug-resistant bacteria in biofilms. The peptide-based treatment shows promise in treating MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii infections, with plans for a clinical trial in 2018.
A survey of 1,728 participants found that most preferred surgical treatment over antibiotics for appendicitis. This contradicts the idea that antibiotics alone can be a suitable alternative to surgery for many patients.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel method called SLAY to screen hundreds of thousands of potential antibiotics. The method involves genetically engineering bacteria to produce and test molecules that are potentially toxic to themselves, allowing for rapid screening and efficient testing.
Scientists have discovered predictable sensitivities to other classes of antibiotics in Pseudomonas infections, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. The findings suggest that targeting specific mutations could lead to more effective treatments for cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers at University of Queensland developed a new supercharged antibiotic called vancapticins that target bacterial membranes, potentially revitalizing old antibiotics. The rebooted vancomycin has the potential to treat MRSA and VRE, addressing the growing threat of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Researchers at TUM and Harvard University discovered a substance that interferes with the formation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' mycomembrane. Combining this beta-lactone inhibitor with known antibiotics increases effectiveness by up to 100-fold, making it a promising new therapy for TB.
Researchers propose alternative therapies for mild infections to slow antibiotic resistance development, maintaining effectiveness for severe infections. This approach involves targeting milder bugs that can indirectly hinder the spread of resistant strains.
Researchers have identified 'sleeper cells' that can survive antibiotics and lie in a dormant state. These cells can evade detection using traditional methods, making them a significant public health concern.
A study by the Dairy Herd Health Group at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science found that 25% of UK dairy farms used over half of all antibiotics in the sample. The research also identified factors associated with high antibiotic use, including oral antibiotics and digital dermatitis treatments.
Researchers developed a mouse model where the FXN gene defect causing Friedreich’s ataxia can be turned on or off, revealing that many early symptoms are reversible. The study found that reducing frataxin levels led to symptoms similar to those seen in humans with the disease, which disappeared when frataxin levels returned to normal.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have found that an old antibiotic candidate, pentyl pantothenamide, can stop E. coli growth but not kill it, making it effective against a specific type of bacteria. The discovery opens up the possibility of designing new drugs using the same mechanism to attack other disease-causing bacteria.
Scientists from Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed nanoparticles that transport antibiotics more efficiently to their destination, killing off pathogens without problems. The particles are able to penetrate thick layers of mucus and biofilms, making them a promising solution against antibiotic resistance.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE and American Journal of Pathology suggests that Lyme bacteria can survive a 28-day course of antibiotics for months after infection. The study found living B. burgdorferi spirochetes in ticks and multiple organs of primates treated with doxycycline, as well as persistent infections in some subjects.
MIT researchers discovered a way to make bacteria more vulnerable to quinolones, enabling existing drugs to kill bacteria that cause chronic infections. Delivering quinolones along with glucose and fumarate can eliminate several types of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Researchers found that certain bacterial strains can produce factors that increase or decrease the susceptibility of another bacterium to antibiotics. The study identified three specific factors: LasA, rhamnolipids, and HQNO, which could be used to create new antibiotics or develop genetic tests to detect antibiotic resistance
Researchers at University of Warwick and Francis Crick Institute discovered a deeper understanding of how D-cycloserine works against bacteria, opening up possibility of developing new antibiotic drugs. The study highlights the need for more effective antibiotics to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections.