Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
Researchers identified cultural factors influencing transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from livestock to humans in Tanzania. The study found Maasai households were less likely to follow withdrawal periods, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new national study found a 700-percent surge in antibiotic-resistant infections among children in the US, with more than 75 percent already present when admitted to hospital. The study also shows that infected children stayed 20% longer in hospital and faced greater risk of death.
A new study measures cumulative dosage over a patient's lifetime and finds that high exposure increases the risk of permanent hearing loss in cystic fibrosis patients. Researchers suggest alternative treatment strategies to mitigate this risk.
A new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society found that resistant infections caused by bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family are increasing in U.S. children, associated with longer hospital stays and a trend towards greater risk of death.
A risk prediction model developed by Kaiser Permanente has safely reduced antibiotic use in newborns by nearly 50%. The calculator uses data from over 600,000 babies to calculate the risk of early-onset sepsis and targets infants who are at highest risk for infection.
A systematic review of existing literature suggests that antibiotics are an effective alternative to surgery for acute non-complicated appendicitis in children. No safety concerns were reported, but a recurrence rate of 14% was noted.
Researchers found that 80% of online pharmacies let customers choose their own dosages and treatments, increasing the risk of serious side effects and antimicrobial resistance. This can lead to infections being undertreated or over-treated, allowing bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.
A new class of antibiotic daptomycin is effective and well-tolerated in children, offering a safe alternative to vancomycin for treating invasive MRSA skin infections. The study found no evidence of daptomycin toxicity, making it a promising option for pediatric patients.
Physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics when they expect high patient expectations, even if the probability of bacterial infection is low. This study suggests that tackling non-clinical factors, such as managing patient expectations, is crucial in reducing antibiotic overuse and addressing global health threats.
A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reveals that epidermicin is as effective as mupirocin in eradicating MRSA from cotton rats' nostrils. The results justify further development of epidermicin as an alternative to existing antimicrobial agents.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity reveals a strong association between early antibiotic exposure and an increased risk of childhood obesity in Latino infants. The research found that antibiotic use before 6 months of age was linked to rapid weight gain and obesity at 2 years of age.
Researchers have discovered a new, potent antibiotic against MRSA and VRE bacteria. The formicamycins produced by Streptomyces formicae isolated from an African plant-ant show promising activity in early tests.
Scientists have discovered a new protein that regulates gene expression and is frequently found next to antibiotic-producing gene clusters. The discovery, known as LoaP, expands the basic knowledge of processive antitermination and demonstrates its widespread presence among bacteria.
Researchers found that bacteria can quickly adapt to antibiotic treatments by evolving dormancy mechanisms. Once tolerant, they rapidly acquire resistance mutations, making it difficult for antibiotics to kill them. This discovery has important implications for the development of new antibiotics.
A large-scale study detected high levels of antibiotic resistance genes in estuaries along China's coastline, with some samples containing up to 100 million genes per gram of sediment. The study suggests that human activity, particularly inadequate wastewater treatment, is the primary cause of this environmental pollution.
A new study reveals that disease-causing bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by acquiring mutations that allow them to tolerate the antibiotic. The research found that strains with pre-existing tolerant mutations developed resistance more quickly than those without tolerance.
A recent study found that antibiotic use among travelers increases the risk of contracting antibiotic-resistant ESBL intestinal bacteria. In fact, up to 80% of those taking antibiotics brought the most resistant strains back home with them. The use of antibiotics while traveling selects for the broadest spectrum of resistance.
A new study reveals that routine antibiotic use in newborns can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to pneumonia and immune system damage. The consequences of this disruption may be permanent, affecting lung defenses for life.
Researchers studied the impact of antibiotic treatment on gut microbes and metabolites in mice, finding significant changes in bacterial populations and metabolic output. The study highlights the importance of considering both microbiota composition and metabolome in understanding human health.
Researchers have discovered a novel combination therapy that successfully treats infections caused by a pernicious form of antibiotic resistance. The treatment regimen, which includes ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam, overcomes the resistance caused by metallo-ß-lactamases, a growing global public health problem.
A long-term study found that e-cigarette users who stopped smoking cigarettes substantially reduced their intake of cancer-causing chemicals compared to those who continued to smoke. The study confirms that e-cigarettes are much safer than conventional cigarettes and may be a useful long-term quitting aid for patients.
A new study found that patients with a severe C. diff infection were less likely to die when treated with vancomycin compared to the standard treatment of metronidazole. The findings suggest that vancomycin may be a more effective treatment option for severe cases, but further research is needed to understand the cause and effect.
A UCL-led study published in Scientific Reports discovered that certain antibiotics, such as oritavancin, can still kill drug-resistant bacteria by exerting strong mechanical forces on their cell surfaces. The findings open up a promising new way to overcome antibiotic resistance and could lead to the development of more effective drugs.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln have determined the molecular structure of a new antibiotic, teixobactin, which holds promise in tackling drug-resistant bacteria. The discovery reveals that the antibiotic's disordered structure is essential for its biological activity, providing insight into how to produce effective derivatives.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction in E.coli, leading to increased resistance and faster mutation rates. The study discovered that mutated bacteria reproduced faster than before encountering antibiotics and formed populations three times larger due to mutations.
A recent study found the mcr-1 gene has spread to a wide variety of Escherichia coli strains in China, raising concerns about the emergence of multi-drug resistance. The introduction of colistin in clinical settings is crucial, but caution must be exercised due to risk factors for its spread.
A new study found that adding bezlotoxumab to standard antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infections by 37%. This reduction in recurrent infections can lead to fewer hospital admissions, reduced costs for the NHS, and possibly a decrease in deaths.
A UK study found that overuse of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak caused by antibiotic-resistant C. difficile bugs. Reducing fluoroquinolone use resulted in an 80% fall in infections, highlighting the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing.
Surgical site infections affect up to 300,000 patients annually, with an estimated annual cost of $3.5 billion to $10 billion. The new guidelines recommend measures such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, and using antibiotic sutures to reduce the risk of SSIs.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a molecule that neutralizes bacteria's genetic resistance to antibiotics. The PPMO molecule restores the effectiveness of an ultra-broad-spectrum drug, meropenem, against three different genera of bacteria with NDM-1 enzyme.
A new study reveals that hospital antibiotic management strategies, including cycling and mixing, are ineffective in combating antibiotic resistance. The researchers recommend alternative strategies like reactive cycling and individualized treatments to optimize antibiotic use.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new antibiotic for gonorrhoea by harnessing the therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules. The treatment targets the bacteria's energy production, preventing it from respiring oxygen and ultimately leading to its death.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a technique to produce chemically functionalised spider silk that can be tailored for drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and wound healing. The synthetic silk can be 'clicked' with antibiotics or fluorescent dyes using 'click-chemistry', allowing for controlled release.
Specific Technologies has developed a new paradigm for quantitative determination of antibiotic efficacy with minimal sample preparation and at a low cost. The SpeciFAST system offers phenotypic MIC matching CLSI gold standard results in most cases within 3 hours from positive blood culture.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a mutation in the relA gene of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium that enables the bacteria to tolerate normally effective antibiotic therapy. The mutation resulted in elevated levels of alarmone, priming the bacteria to survive exposure to multiple antibiotics.
Researchers found that susceptible bacteria can survive longer when resistant bacteria are present and even outcompete them. This new understanding can inform doctors on how to use antibiotics more effectively, but also highlights the need for a personalized-medicine approach.
Bacteria have been found to use a code language consisting of cryptic palindromes to determine whether to enter a dormant state or be interrupted by antibiotics. This discovery may help develop new antibiotics by understanding the code language used by pathogenic bacteria.
A landmark trial found that shortened antibiotic courses for ear infections in young children (9-23 months) resulted in more treatment failures and adverse events without reducing antibiotic resistance. The study showed a significantly higher risk of recurrent infections when residual fluid was present after treatment.
A study published in mBio found that fecal microbiota transplantation was effective in treating recurrent C. difficile infection, with cure rates over 90%. The researchers identified specific microorganisms, such as Clostridium Xia clade and Holdemania, which are key for a successful transplant.
Scientists have discovered molecular mechanisms that allow bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment and cause chronic infections. These 'persister cells' can resuscitate after treatment is abandoned, leading to relapsing infections. Understanding this phenomenon may lead to the development of novel antibiotics targeting persisters.
A team of UCLA researchers has developed an automated diagnostic test reader for antimicrobial resistance using a smartphone. The device connects to a phone and conducts testing on up to 96 wells, with results returned in under one minute.
Researchers developed antibacterial agents using usnic acid-loaded electrospun fibers, which showed controlled release and mass production of active surface. The fibers demonstrated effective bactericidal activity against different bacteria, making them a promising secondary therapy for diabetic wound healing treatment.
Researchers discovered a bacterium in Lechuguilla Cave that resists 18 different antibiotics, including 'drugs of last resort'. This finding suggests evolutionary pressure has driven resistance for millions of years, not just since antibiotics were introduced.
Bacteria carrying a transmissible carbapenem resistance gene have been detected in US farm animals, posing a risk to public health. The finding highlights the need for monitoring farms and re-examining agricultural practices that may be contributing to antibiotic resistance.
A recent study reveals that syphilis has re-emerged globally, primarily caused by a pandemic strain cluster named SS14-Ω. This cluster exhibits high levels of antibiotic resistance, particularly to azithromycin, posing a significant public health concern. The researchers hope that their findings will contribute to a better understandin...
Researchers developed electrospun fibers loaded with usnic acid, a strong lichen metabolite, to combat bacterial infections. The fibers show controlled release properties and mass production potential for antibacterial materials.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism to recycle bacterial ribosomes stalled on messenger RNAs lacking termination codons. This process, involving the protein ArfA, has emerged as a promising target for developing new antibiotics.
The American College of Physicians survey found that internists frequently prescribe high-cost treatments with little benefit to patients. Despite guidelines recommending against these practices, many physicians continue to use them, reflecting a desire to err on the side of treatment.
A Melbourne-based team has developed a vaccine for chronic periodontitis, aiming to reduce the need for surgery and antibiotics. The vaccine targets enzymes produced by a specific bacterium, triggering an immune response that neutralizes its toxins.
A national study led by Baylor College of Medicine aims to understand the link between antibiotic use and improvements in autism symptoms in some children. The research, funded by N of One: Autism Research Foundation, will examine the gut microbiome and metabolome for two years to identify potential causes and effects.
French researchers have discovered that Streptomyces bacteria can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. The bacteria promotes plant growth and controls pests in the soil. This study could lead to sustainable agricultural practices and reduce harm to human health and the environment.
A WSU research team has successfully used a mild electric current to kill drug-resistant bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, responsible for chronic and serious infections in lung diseases and wounds. The technology uses an antibiotic in combination with the electric current to disrupt biofilm matrices, damage ...
Russian scientists have developed a new technique for antibiotic efficiency testing, which measures antimicrobial activity and determines the mode of action. The system allows for the analysis of thousands of compounds per day and provides insights into the efficacy of new germicides.
Scientists at NC State University have discovered a way to make pinpoint changes to an enzyme-driven assembly line that will enable the creation of new antibiotics with desired properties. By tweaking the function of individual modules in the enzyme, researchers can design man-made molecules with precise control.
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial to assess whether a shorter course of antibiotics can effectively treat community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in young children. The study aims to reduce the need for longer antibiotic treatments and conserve the long-term effectiveness of available drugs.
A study found that adverse drug events in the US resulted in an estimated 4 ED visits per 1,000 individuals annually in 2013-2014. Anticoagulants and diabetes agents were implicated in 47% of these events, with older adults experiencing higher hospitalization rates.
Researchers have found worrying traces of resistant bacteria in the air, which could lead to the development of last-resort antibiotic-resistant infections. The study analyzed DNA from humans, animals, and environments worldwide and found a wide mix of resistance genes, including those that make bacteria resistant to carbapenems.
Antibiotic resistance increased across Europe in 2015, with EU-wide carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae rising to 8.1%. Prudent use of antibiotics is crucial to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. The European Commission will launch a new action plan to tackle antibiotic resistance.
Researchers developed a new method to identify antibiotics hidden in massive mass spectrometry datasets. By running data against a database of known antibiotics, they detected previously unknown compounds and discovered new variants of existing ones. This breakthrough aims to help combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have identified four new chemicals that disrupt bacterial proteins called efflux pumps, a major cause of antibiotic resistance. These molecules could drastically reduce the time needed to move from experimental phase to clinical trials.