Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
New research shows that low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to high antibiotic resistance in bacteria, with mutations occurring mainly in genes previously not regarded as typical resistance genes. This highlights the need to prevent further development of resistance.
A new study found that patients with cellulitis treated for six days experienced faster and more frequent relapses at 90 days compared to those treated for 12 days. The study suggested that elderly hospitalized patients with comorbidity may benefit from shorter therapy duration.
A seven-day antibiotic course was shown to be non-inferior to a 14-day course for treating Gram-negative bacteraemia, with similar patient outcomes and faster recovery. The study found reduced antibiotic days and improved return to daily activities in the shorter treatment group.
Researchers found piperacillin-tazobactam significantly less effective than meropenem in treating BSI caused by ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The study concluded that piperacillin-tazobactam should be avoided when treating these organisms due to its inferior efficacy.
Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.
Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, an antibiotic commonly used in personal care products, into other molecules. The study suggests that these metabolites may have negative health effects, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of environmental triclocarban exposure on human health.
Ear infections, especially in children, can cause severe complications such as meningitis, brain abscesses, and facial paralysis. Modern antibiotic treatments have significantly reduced mortality rates from these conditions, but it is essential to remain vigilant about potential neurologic complications.
Research reveals that advanced treatment technologies on dairy farms do not fully remove antibiotics from manure, leaving behind concerning levels of antibiotic residues. Composting and multistep processes may help reduce these levels, according to lead researcher Diana Aga.
Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, a personal care product antibiotic, leading to potential health concerns. The study's results suggest that the plant's ability to convert the substance into other molecules affects its safety assessment.
Researchers discovered that a common topical antibiotic triggered an antiviral resistance in mice infected with herpes and other viruses. The study found increased expression of genes stimulated by interferons, suggesting a new mechanism for antiviral response.
A new point-of-care test measures CXCL13 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose neuroborreliosis, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing unnecessary treatments. The test provides quick results, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation.
A study of over 792,000 children found that acid-suppressing medications and antibiotics used in the first six months of life were associated with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases. The study suggests that these medications may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis, leading to allergies.
A study found that antibiotic use can increase the risk of severe West Nile disease in mice by weakening their immune response. The research suggests that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to fight off viral infections.
A new study found that antibiotics used to treat Chlamydia in koalas can alter the balance of gut microbes necessary for digestion, according to researchers at UC Davis. The study suggests a need to develop antibiotic-free treatments, such as a vaccine, to address this issue.
Antibiotic use surged globally between 2000 and 2015, with defined daily doses increasing by 65% and the consumption rate rising by 39%. The trend was most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where antibiotic use rose by 114% and the consumption rate increased by 77%.
Most antibiotic courses for acute sinus infection in adults exceed five days, despite guidelines recommending a maximum of seven days. The study analyzed over 3.7 million visits by private practice physicians and found that nearly 70% of prescribed treatments lasted longer than 10 days.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotic stewardship (AS) programs are intrinsically linked to achieve patient safety. Implementing both IPC and AS measures together is more effective than AS measures alone.
A new study reveals that global antibiotic use increased by 39% between 2000 and 2015, with significant increases in low-income and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for strategies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and support alternatives to address the growing threat of drug resistance.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.
Scientists have successfully created a simplified version of teixobactin, a natural antibiotic discovered in 2015, which has been shown to kill superbug-causing bacteria. The synthetic form was used to treat a bacterial infection in mice, demonstrating its potential as a new class of antibiotic drug.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.