Articles tagged with Antibiotics
Researchers developed a computer model to explain how antibiotic-resistant microbes develop and spread. The study reveals that even after antibiotic therapy, more bacteria may be sensitive to the effects of antibiotics than resistant ones.
Researchers at UTMB identify 94 effective non-antibiotic drugs against Yersinia pestis and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Trifluoperazine, doxapram, and amoxapine show promise in treating plague and other infections.
Scleratrophic skin lesions like morphea, lichen sclerosus etatrophicus (LSA) and anetoderma are associated with Lyme borreliosis, with Borrelia DNA detected in up to 50% of patients. The response to antibiotic treatment varies, suggesting a heterogeneous origin for these dermatoses.
Researchers develop a new mathematical framework to compare different treatment therapies, including aggressive and moderate approaches. The model considers the role of the host immune system in infection clearance, suggesting that optimized treatments can minimize drug resistance without compromising patient health.
Researchers found that combining great willow herb extracts with antibiotics can reduce antibiotic doses and minimize side effects in treating multi-drug resistant infections. The synergistic effect of the herb's phenolic acids and flavonoids with common antibiotics has potential to influence antimicrobial activity.
A new study found significant variability in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and appropriateness among children's hospitals, with a median rate of 64.6% for appropriate use across all procedures. The likelihood of Clostridium difficile infection and epinephrine administration was higher in patients receiving antibiotics
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are establishing an interdisciplinary center to define the systems biology of antibiotic resistance, a pressing global medical challenge. The program aims to develop new strategies for treating antibiotic-resistant infections by combining experimental and computational methods.
Research by Michigan State University found that large-scale swine farms in China and the US are breeding ground for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Partner genes, which can confer resistance to multiple antibiotics, were discovered in Chinese soils and manure, highlighting the need for prudent agricultural antibiotic use.
Researchers at Duke University found that antibiotics do not promote the spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance through genetic swapping, contrary to previous assumptions. The study's results suggest that differential birth and death rates, rather than DNA donation, are to blame for the spread of resistance.
Zolav®, a new antibiotic, shows promising results in treating acne by significantly reducing infection and redness. The treatment offers a low-risk alternative to current standard care, which includes isotretinoin with potential side effects.
A new study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that oral provocation tests are a more efficient and safer method for diagnosing non-life-threatening reactions to antibiotics in children. The study also showed that up to 10% of children may develop mild skin eruptions upon subsequent exposure.
A new study suggests that taking antibiotics in early childhood may disrupt the gut's microbial ecosystem and increase the risk of developing prediabetes in adolescence. The researchers found that a depletion of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcus species, was associated with higher rates of antibiotic use.
A study found that half of patients visiting their GP with dental problems were prescribed unnecessary antibiotics, despite these not providing a definitive treatment. This has raised concerns about the impact on long-term dental health and potential contributions to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have discovered a method to disrupt cell-to-cell communication and latch-on ability of bacteria, making them vulnerable to antibiotics. This breakthrough offers new treatment options for chronic bacterial infections and may help extend the lifespan of existing drugs.
A study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients with S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections took only 57% of their prescribed antibiotic doses after leaving the hospital. This led to nearly half of them getting a new infection or requiring additional treatment.
A large cohort study in the UK found that antibiotic exposure before age 2 significantly increases early childhood obesity risk. The study suggests that antibiotics may alter the gut microbiome, predisposing children to obesity.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have solved a 25-year-old question about how bacteria resist certain antibiotics. The study provides direct evidence that ABC-F proteins 'protect' the bacterial ribosome, allowing it to continue making proteins despite antibiotic presence.
A study of nearly 40,000 children found no significant association between early-life antibiotic exposure and childhood weight gain. The research suggests that limiting antibiotic use in young, healthy children is not necessary to prevent weight gain.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a previously unknown weakness in bacteria, known as an 'Achilles heel', which is a proton leak state. This discovery may lead to the development of novel antibiotics by targeting this safety valve in bacterial energy metabolism.
A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials suggests that antibiotics can be used as primary treatment for mild appendicitis, reducing surgeries by 92% within the first month. However, recurrence rates remain high at 23% and long-term follow-up is needed to determine effectiveness.
Researchers developed compound inhibitors that target ribosomes in the translation phase of a virulent bacteria's genetic process. These compounds halt the bacterial rescue operation, making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and proliferate. The study's findings offer new hope against biowarfare agents and resistant pathogens.
A global review of 58 studies involving over 77,000 E. coli samples found a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in children's urinary tract infections, particularly in non-OECD countries. Previous antibiotic use increased the risk of resistance for up to six months after treatment.
A new study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients taking oxacillin had lower rates of potassium imbalances and kidney damage compared to those on nafcillin. Oxacillin was also associated with fewer treatment discontinuations, highlighting its potential as a safer alternative.
A team of researchers is using computational models and data from actual patients to understand C. difficile colonization and infection. They aim to develop tools to prevent and treat infections that kill thousands annually.
Researchers identified two synthetic compounds that can restore the effectiveness of antibiotics against MRSA by blocking an enzyme involved in bacterial cell wall production. When paired with existing antibiotics, these compounds significantly improved survival rates and reduced infection severity in mice infected with MRSA.
A long-term study found a correlation between the use of animal manure and an increase in antibiotic-resistant genes in soil. Phasing out antibiotics led to a rapid decrease in resistant gene abundance, suggesting that stopping antibiotic use can help reduce resistance levels.
Researchers from KU Leuven found that frequent antibiotic use leads to the development of persister cells, which are dormant and tolerant to antibiotics. This phenomenon can lead to the recurrence of infections despite successful treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that electronic consultations improved access to cardiac care, with nearly two-thirds of patients not requiring a face-to-face visit. Additionally, e-consultations were completed on average almost a month sooner than traditional consultations.
A recent publication by Journal of Environmental Quality highlights the science behind antibiotic resistance in agroecosystems. Key findings include the widespread use of large quantities of antibiotics and animal waste leading to environmental contamination.
A new method of treating abscesses has been discovered, which involves adding an antibiotic to the conventional approach, resulting in improved recovery rates and reduced risk of MRSA infection spread. The study found that 93% of patients who took the antibiotic were cured, compared to 86% who received a placebo.
Duke University researchers have engineered microbes that can't run away from home; those that do will quickly die without protective proteins produced by their peers. The system could be used to reliably program colonies of bacteria to respond to changes in their surrounding environment, such as releasing specific molecules on cue.
Engineered fabrics effective against superbugs like MRSA could reduce impact of super-bacterial infections. Researchers have successfully produced anti-super-bacterial masks using violacein-based dye, blocking growth by 99.9%.
The VA has robustly implemented antibiotic stewardship practices across its facilities, with over 80% having an Infectious Disease specialist on staff. Formal policies and staffing patterns promoting appropriate antibiotic use were also widespread.
Newborns may develop severe infections from exposure to vaginal bacteria, experts warn. Encouraging breast feeding and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics may be more important than vaginal seeding for infant health.
A study of over 600,000 adults found that macrolide antibiotics were associated with a similar 30-day risk of ventricular arrhythmia as nonmacrolide antibiotics, and slightly lower risk of all-cause mortality. The findings are reassuring for healthcare providers who prescribe these antibiotics to patients at low risk of adverse events.
A nationwide trial found that providing GPs with tailored feedback on their antibiotic prescribing habits reduced prescriptions by an average of 3.3% over 6 months. The intervention resulted in over 73,000 fewer prescriptions and direct savings of £92,000.
A study published in Neurology found that certain antibiotics are associated with delirium, a condition characterized by mental confusion and hallucinations. Researchers identified three types of brain problems related to antibiotics, including seizures, psychosis, and impaired muscle coordination.
New research reveals a clear parallel between antibiotic resistance in medicine and similar genes detected in agricultural soils treated with animal manure. The study found that repeated use of antibiotics in agriculture can increase soil bacteria's capacity to acquire new resistance genes.
A distinctive gene signature discovered in white blood cells of patients infected with Lyme disease could lead to a new way of diagnosing the tick-borne illness. The study found that this signature persisted even after antibiotic treatment, suggesting potential long-term symptoms.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified DNA gyrase as a key enzyme in plants that can be targeted for the development of new, more effective herbicides. This discovery holds promise for reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and ensuring the safety of farmers and gardeners.
Researchers found that 56% of elective resections for uncomplicated diverticulitis occurred after fewer than 3 episodes, suggesting a need for further investigation into appropriate care guidelines. The study included 87,461 patients and analyzed inpatient, outpatient, and antibiotic claims.
Researchers found that dairy farm waste treated with an advanced anaerobic digestion system still contained high levels of estrogens and antibiotics, which can harm wildlife and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the need for improved treatment techniques to remove these chemicals from waste.
A new study found that behavioral interventions, such as peer comparison and accountable justification, significantly reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory infections. The study built upon prior research and resulted in a 16 percentage point reduction in prescription rates.
A study found that accountable justification and peer comparison behavioral interventions significantly reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The interventions resulted in modest changes to the practice environment without restricting clinicians' choice of treatment.
Exposure to specific antibiotics is linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile , one of the fastest growing bacteria superbugs. The study found that fluoroquinolone and macrolide exposure was more frequent in patients with a highly resistant strain, supporting targeted antibiotic stewardship monitoring programs.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered the mode of action of antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), revealing its ability to kill cancer cells. TDA's unique mechanism involves disrupting cell membrane function, rendering it a potential anticancer agent.
A new study suggests that routine antibiotics do not increase the likelihood of nutritional recovery in uncomplicated cases of severe acute malnutrition. Reducing antibiotic use would be prudent given global concern over antibiotic resistance.
A new review suggests that targeted antibiotic therapy before prostate biopsy may lower sepsis rates. The study found 27 men need to receive antibiotics to prevent one infection, paving the way for safer procedures.
Researchers found that adding azithromycin to standard antibiotics reduced post-C-section delivery infections and severe adverse events in high-risk women. The study used a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial involving over 17,000 women.
Bacteria use specific mechanisms to avoid toxic substances like antibiotics during colonization, driven by the action of flagella and chemoreceptors. The discovery reveals a crucial molecular balance between RecA and CheW proteins that enables bacteria to stop swarming movement in areas with high antibiotic concentrations.
The study found that antibiotic use in early childhood alters the composition of intestinal microbiota, reducing biodiversity and affecting age-driven development. Macrolide antibiotics were particularly associated with changes in microbiota features linked to obesity and metabolic diseases.
A team of biologists at UC San Diego has developed a new method to determine if bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics within a few hours. The approach allows doctors to rapidly identify the appropriate treatment for patients with life-threatening bacterial infections, potentially slowing the emergence of drug resistance.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a gene signature test that accurately determines whether a respiratory illness is caused by infection from a virus or bacteria. The test shows high accuracy in classifying patients with flu viruses and other common infections.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue advice on prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections, citing unnecessary use that can lead to $3 billion in excess costs. The guidelines recommend reserving antibiotics for serious illnesses only.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued advice for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections in adults. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic-resistant infections, posing a public health threat. Guidelines recommend symptomatic therapy fo...
Researchers have discovered that lasers can improve the penetration of antibiotic treatments into citrus leaves, potentially offering a new approach to treating the deadly citrus greening disease. The method uses laser etching to create microscopic indentations in the leaf tissue, allowing for more effective delivery of substances.
Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered a new strategy for bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics by adopting an 'all-for-one' approach. This allows individual cells to assume high levels of resistance while others avoid extra work, enabling colonies to hedge their bets and persist in infections like cystic fibrosis.
McGill researchers have taken 3D images of a large section from a medicine-synthesizing enzyme in action. The images reveal the intricate way these proteins function and could lead to the development of new antibiotics. This breakthrough may bring scientists closer to understanding how many antibiotics are made.
Researchers have discovered that Bacillus cereus can form small colony variants in response to aminoglycoside antibiotics, making it resistant to these therapies. This alternative lifestyle allows the bacteria to survive harsh conditions and evade traditional diagnostic methods.
A new study by UGA ecologist J. Vaun McArthur reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance in streams near the Savannah River Site due to environmental contaminants like metals. The contaminated streams have no known input from antibiotics and show that industrial legacy waste can contribute to antibiotic resistance.