Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
Highly drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are on the rise among US children, with increasing antibiotic resistance rates reported over the last decade. The study highlights the need for better tracking and prevention strategies to address these concerning infections.
A study published in Pediatrics found that oral antibiotics are as effective as intravenous therapy in managing residual disease in children with complex pneumonia. This approach avoids the risk of infection and medical complications associated with PICC lines, providing a safer care option for families.
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.
Researchers have identified a new treatment strategy for MRSA infections that uses a combination of modern-day antibiotics and old-fashioned penicillin to weaken the virulence of the bacteria. This approach has shown promising results in reducing the duration of MRSA sepsis from 3 days to 1.9 days.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered two promising new antibiotics, humimycin A and humimycin B, produced by bacteria in the human body. The compounds work by inhibiting an enzyme that builds bacterial cell walls, offering a potential solution to antibiotic resistance.
Surgeons must take a leadership role in promoting antimicrobial stewardship to address the urgent problem of antibiotic overuse. The World Society of emergency Surgery and the Surgical Infection Society have issued a call to action, urging surgeons to standardize antibiotic use and support multidisciplinary collaborations.
Researchers at LA BioMed have discovered a low-cost eye drop solution that is equally effective to expensive antibiotics in treating bacterial keratitis. The povidone-iodine solution has the potential to save thousands of lives by preventing blindness in developing countries.
A new generation of teixobactin-based antibacterial drugs has been discovered by HKU Chemists. The researchers successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance.
Researchers found that genetic background affects response to antibiotics on gut microbiome, insulin sensitivity, tissue inflammation, and metabolic functions in mice. This study suggests that genetic susceptibility plays a role in predicting the usefulness of microbiome therapies for obesity and metabolic disease.
A new study found that misdiagnosis of cellulitis leads to significant healthcare costs, with estimates suggesting between 50,000 and 130,000 unnecessary hospitalizations. The study also reveals that misdiagnosed patients would not have required antibiotics or prolonged hospital stays if they had been diagnosed correctly.
Researchers have engineered a new antimicrobial peptide that can destroy many types of bacteria, including those resistant to most antibiotics. The peptide also suppresses the overactive inflammatory response and destroys biofilms, making it a promising alternative for treating infections.
A study of over 260,000 infants found that untreated infections during infancy increased the risk of childhood obesity by 25%. The research suggests that reducing infant infections may be a key strategy for preventing childhood obesity.
Researchers found that chloramphenicol and linezolid attack the catalytic center of the ribosome, but stop protein synthesis only at specific checkpoints. This new understanding could lead to better drugs and more efficient treatment of human and animal diseases.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine found that social media platforms can effectively inform young physicians about proper antibiotic use, improving their knowledge and behavior. The strategy successfully directed medical residents to relevant clinical pathways, resulting in a significant increase in correct usage.
A first-of-its-kind study of 900,000 hospital admissions found a significant increase in ESBL positive organisms (322%) and C. difficile cases (222%), while MRSA rates decreased by 32%. The study highlights the need for new diagnostic tests to address the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Scientists have developed a new class of small molecules that prevent bacteria from causing urinary tract infections by interfering with a critical factor on the surface of UTI-causing bacteria. The treatment, called C-mannosides, has shown promising results in animal testing and may move to clinical trials.
Scientists at Imperial College London discovered that MRSA releases decoy molecules to escape being killed by daptomycin. The decoys are made of the same type of fat as MRSA cells and allow the bacteria to evade destruction. Further experiments showed that a second antibiotic, oxacillin, can partially prevent decoy release.
A team of researchers has successfully developed liquid-crystalline nanostructures that protect antimicrobial peptides, allowing them to target and destroy bacteria without being degraded. This innovative approach could provide a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Researchers have revealed the bilayer properties of 21 distinct Lipid A types from 12 Gram-negative bacterial species through biomolecular systems simulation. This study provides crucial information for developing new antibiotics against 'bad bugs' like superbugs, with the goal of accelerating drug development and improving treatment o...
A new study from Intermountain Medical Center found that antibiotic use rates in small community hospitals are similar to those in large hospitals. The lack of antimicrobial stewardship programs in smaller facilities poses a significant challenge in addressing the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers found that the patient's intestinal microbiota resembled the donor's microbiota and remained stable throughout a 1-year follow-up period. The study suggests that intestinal microbiota can be modified relatively permanently, paving the way for bacteriotherapy products.
A study found that using the same hospital bed as a prior patient who received antibiotics increases the risk of Clostridium infection in subsequent patients. The risk was 0.72% when the prior occupant had recently used antibiotics, compared to 0.43% when they hadn't.
A team of researchers has unraveled the mechanism of a key enzyme involved in bacterial antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and PLOS One, reveals the structure of Rifampicin monooxygenase and provides detailed information on its mechanism of action.
A US university is testing an intervention to reduce antibiotic prescriptions for viral infections, a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. The study focuses on adult acute bronchitis and children's upper respiratory tract infections, aiming to promote better use of antibiotics and reduce resistance.
A study found that disease-causing gut bacteria, Enteroaggregative E. coli, are prevalent in 14% of children, even in industrialized countries with mild symptoms. The researchers hope to investigate factors contributing to diarrheal disease and explore probiotic agents for maintaining gut balance.
A randomized trial found no significant differences in rates of complications between observation and antibiotic treatment groups for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Patients who received antibiotics had shorter hospital stays compared to those who underwent observation.
A recent UCLA-led study found that nearly 12% of people diagnosed with pyelonephritis had antibiotic-resistant infections, up from 4% a decade ago. The emergence of ESBL-producing E. coli strains limits treatment options, highlighting the need for new medications and guidelines.
Scientists discovered that a common intestinal microbe produces an enzyme called SagA, which protects worms and mammals from harmful bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium. The findings could lead to the development of probiotics against Clostridium difficile, a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
A new study reveals that bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics by adapting to intermediate concentrations, and that spatial location plays a role in their success. Mutations that increased resistance often came at the cost of reduced growth, which was subsequently restored by additional compensatory mutations.
Researchers created a device called MEGA plate to observe bacteria adapting to increasing antibiotic doses, revealing key insights into the spread of resistance. The study provides a powerful visualization of bacterial movement and evolution.
Researchers have discovered a connection between antimicrobial chemicals and antibiotic-resistance genes in indoor dust. The study, conducted by the University of Oregon, found six strong associations between triclosan levels and antibiotic-resistance genes.
Dr. Richard Rosenfeld suggests a pragmatic approach to diagnosing and treating bacterial sinus infections in adults, emphasizing symptomatic treatment over antibiotics. The recommended 'watchful waiting' approach involves monitoring symptoms and reserving antibiotics for worsening cases.
Researchers found that a repurposed drug, pirfenidone, increased lung lesions and prevented antibiotics from targeting TB bacteria. The study suggests caution when using host-directed therapies for TB, emphasizing the need for careful vetting of new treatments.
Research reveals that early exposure to antibiotics is associated with a higher risk of developing eczema and hay fever. The study found that the use of antibiotics in early childhood can lead to a stronger immune response, disrupting the balance of gut microbiome.
A Rochester Institute of Technology professor has received a $436,989 grant to study the efficacy of using the DapL enzyme in creating narrow-spectrum antibiotics. The research could lead to breakthroughs in targeting pathogenic bacteria and help combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Scientists have made detailed atomic-level images of a peroxiredoxin protein and found its peculiar characteristic may form the foundation for a new class of antibiotics. The research reveals that selectively blocking peroxiredoxin function in bacterial cells could kill them without harming normal cells.
Research from the University of South Carolina suggests that antibiotic treatment within the first year of life may increase food allergy diagnosis in children. The study analyzed data from 2007 to 2009 and found a strong association between antibiotic prescription and development of food allergies.
A new study identified seven key predictors that can help doctors identify low-risk children who are less likely to need antibiotics. The proposed tool, STARWAVe, uses these predictors to estimate a child's risk of future hospitalization and provides guidance for antibiotic prescribing.
A randomized controlled trial of 795 UK dentists found that receiving a personalized report detailing past prescription rates reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 5.7%. Dentists who received additional written behavior change messages showed an even greater reduction in antibiotic prescribing rates.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong have successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance. The team's strategy enables the generation of multiple derivatives with promising properties.
A simulated patient study sheds light on antibiotic misuse in Indian pharmacies, revealing that only a minority of urban Indian pharmacies correctly managed patients with presumed tuberculosis. The study found that pharmacies frequently dispensed antibiotics to patients presenting with TB symptoms without prescriptions.
Scientists have identified two genes that are switched on only when a child is suffering from a bacterial infection. A rapid test based on these genes has been developed to diagnose bacterial infections, which could help combat antibiotic resistance and save lives.
Research published in Nature Microbiology suggests that antibiotic treatment can alter the microbiome and increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study used NOD mice and found that short pulses of antibiotics increased disease incidence by 53% compared to control mice.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive paper-based device to screen suspicious medications, detecting signs of adulteration or degradation. The device uses a $1 paper card with 12 lanes of reagents to identify potential quality issues, offering a cheap alternative to expensive analytical instrumentation.
Researchers developed a rapid 5-minute test to detect C-reactive protein, reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections. The study showed significant reductions in antibiotic use among adults and children with viral infections.
The Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) brings together industry, philanthropy, government, and academia to rejuvenate the antimicrobial pipeline. The partnership aims to deliver a growing portfolio of new antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines to tackle untreatable bacterial infections.
Researchers found that contact with infected patients, mechanical ventilation, and infections with multidrug-resistant organisms increase the risk of acquiring CP-CRE. Cephalosporin antibiotic use may also reduce the risk of transmission compared to other antibiotics.
Researchers found that combining three different antibiotics can often overcome bacterial resistance, with some combinations killing 100% of bacteria. The study's findings could be a major step toward combating drug-resistant infections, and the team plans to make open-access software available for other scientists and clinicians to use.
Research found that patients hospitalized for mania were more likely to be on antibiotics to treat active infections than healthy controls. This link between infection, antibiotics, and manic episodes adds evidence to the gut-brain axis theory, suggesting that a person's microbiome plays a role in psychiatric symptoms.
A randomized controlled trial found that nasal irrigation improved symptoms of chronic sinus congestion in patients, while steam inhalation did not alleviate symptoms. Nasal irrigation was also associated with reduced use of over-the-counter medications and fewer doctor visits.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society recommend a 7-day or fewer antibiotic course for most hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections. Hospitals should create antibiograms to determine causative strains and ensure effective treatment.
Researchers have discovered a rare fungus that produces compounds effective against both normal and resistant Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The six most active compounds, including the previously unknown cyclo-(L-proline-L-methionine), boost the activity of other antimicrobial compounds.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a simple and versatile method using inkjet printing technology to test bacteria for susceptibility to antibiotics. The method has been shown to be accurate and reproducible, significantly decreasing the antimicrobial testing gap.
Global experts are calling on the UN to create and implement a four-part global action plan to reduce deaths due to limited access to antibiotics. The plan aims to improve access, monitor progress, mobilize resources, and coordinate multisectoral action to tackle antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at CWRU discovered how bacterial resistance enzymes spread and avoid destruction by anchoring themselves in cell membranes. This mechanism allows bacteria like NDM-1 to resist destruction triggered by low zinc levels, enabling their widespread dissemination and antibiotic resistance.
The new platform uses genomic technologies and bioinformatics tools to identify bacteria that produce effective antibiotics. The researchers aim to improve the efficiency of natural product discovery, which has been hindered by bottlenecks in the past.
A study found that 14% of patients kept a stash of antibiotics at home and 40% used them without a prescription. Self-prescribing can lead to antibiotic resistance and serious side effects, highlighting the need for proper medical guidance.
A new study found that reducing antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections does not increase the risk of serious bacterial complications. However, it also suggests that practices with lower rates of antibiotic prescribing had slightly higher rates of pneumonia and peritonsillar abscess.
A new study found that individual mycobacteria respond differently to antibiotics based on growth and timing, shedding light on the complexity of antibiotic tolerance. Bacteria in different stages of their cell cycle and size are susceptible to varying degrees.
Research reveals bacteria adaptation influences antibiotic spectrum, leading to increased sensitivity to some antibiotics while resisting others. This study paves the way for targeted treatments.