Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
A literature review suggests that spontaneous knee effusion, also known as 'water on the knee,' can be an early symptom of Lyme disease, which can progress to more severe symptoms if left untreated. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial in preventing long-term damage.
Researchers found that patients were left on ineffective antibiotics for too long before receiving potent therapy, such as isotretinoin. The study highlights the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the need for early switching to more effective treatments.
A comprehensive review of 135,000 pregnancies found that two most commonly prescribed macrolides have no adverse effects on child's physical development. The study used data from Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and failed to find any meaningful association between macrolide use and major congenital malformations.
A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the mechanism of action of HigB, a bacterial toxin that contributes to antibiotic resistance. The researchers found that HigB selectively degrades specific mRNAs, leading to the formation of persister cells that are tolerant to antibiotics.
A new study finds that antibiotics create conditions for bacterial demise by stressing their metabolism, leading to oxidative stress that breaks down DNA and other key molecules. This understanding could lead to more effective treatments for patients fighting infections.
A new study suggests that antibiotic use during childhood can lead to faster weight gain and higher body mass index (BMI) over time. The research analyzed data from over 163,000 children and found that those who received antibiotics multiple times weighed about three pounds more than those who did not.
A nationwide study found a significant increase in CRE infections among US children aged 1-5, with rates rising from 0% to 4.5% between 1999 and 2012. The greatest increase was seen in intensive care units, where isolates of CRE in the bloodstream increased from zero to 3.2% during the study period.
Faecal transplants have shown an 85% success rate in treating severe infections like C difficile, outperforming standard antibiotic treatment. However, experts warn of potential risks and call for proper screening of donors, long-term trials, and monitoring to ensure safe and effective use.
Researchers at Newcastle University have created a synthetic model of the bacterial outer membrane, providing unprecedented access to its structure and dynamics. The model allows for the testing of antibiotic molecules and has the potential to overcome resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli.
Researchers at the University of York have developed novel genetic engineering tools to manipulate genes required for antibiotic biosynthesis, enabling scientists to create new antibiotics. The technique has the potential to unlock the antibiotic potential of a significantly larger number of biosynthetic pathways than traditional methods.
Researchers report that up to half of surgical site infections and over a quarter of infections after cancer chemotherapy are caused by resistant bacteria. The study predicts that reducing antibiotic efficacy could lead to 120,000 more infections and 6,300 infection-related deaths annually in the USA.
UCSF scientists call on hospitals to oppose the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture, citing concerns about human health and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Experts say switching to antibiotic-free meat could create a market and drive down prices.
Hospitalized children are three times less likely to contract C. diff after implementing antibiotic stewardship programs, which also result in significant cost savings. The programs involve reviewing antibiotic use and providing feedback to physicians, leading to a more than three-fold reduction in C. diff rates.
Researchers discovered that approximately 70% of different antibiotic sequences lead to resistance, highlighting the importance of careful ordering. The approach may help prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria and could be tested in laboratory trials.
A commentary published in CMAJ argues that prescribing antibiotics after joint surgery has little evidence to support it. Research suggests that bone cement impregnated with antibiotics is a more effective practice, but its use is not widespread.
Researchers compared clinical outcomes between patients receiving nafcillin and cefazolin for MSSA bacteremia, finding that cefazolin had similar treatment failure rates but fewer adverse events. The study suggests that cefazolin may be a cost-effective alternative to nafcillin due to lower costs.
Researchers developed a DNA sequencing device that can detect bacteria and antibiotic resistance in urine samples four times faster than traditional methods. The new method allows for quicker treatment and better stewardship of diminishing antibiotic reserves.
Research found that depleting the microbiome with antibiotics can reduce neutrophil activity in sickle cell disease, preventing acute crises and reducing organ damage. The study also suggests antibiotics may help treat septic shock by eliminating pro-inflammatory neutrophils.
Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully isolated 19 unique phosphonate natural products, including those with antibiotic properties, using genome mining. The discovery could potentially lead to new treatments for diseases such as malaria and other bacterial infections.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing new 'inhaled antibiotics' to manage chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. The €50 million project will improve patients' quality of life by reducing lung infections and flare-ups, and overcoming antibacterial resistance.
A study by American Society for Microbiology found that decontamination protocols effectively eliminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria from a pig farm. The protocol involved high-pressure cleaning, disinfection, and treatment with complex solutions.
A recent study by American Chemical Society found that wild blueberry extract has antibacterial properties against Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria associated with periodontitis. The extract successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum and its ability to form biofilms, blocking a molecular pathway involved in inflammation.
A new microfluidic technology enables rapid separation of antibiotic-resistant from susceptible bacteria, offering a game-changing solution for patients. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more effective treatment, reducing mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.
The new ESC guidelines recommend a multimodality imaging approach for diagnosing infective endocarditis, incorporating techniques such as PET-CT. A multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and infectious disease specialists, is crucial for effective management.
A new study found that people with Type 2 diabetes took more antibiotics in the years leading up to their diagnosis compared to healthy controls. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin V were particularly associated with a higher risk of diabetes.
A recent study found that labeling a child's symptoms as 'pink eye' can mislead parents into wanting antibiotics, even when they're not necessary. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of the effect of words on parents' expectations for treatment.
Researchers discovered a significant increase in antibiotic resistance genes among Swedish exchange students returning from India and central Africa. The study highlights the role of human gut microbiomes in dispersing resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for societal-level interventions to reduce further spread.
Bacteria can become highly resistant to antibiotics when exposed to their environment in the body, not just in lab tests. The study suggests incorporating animal models and biochemical environments into antibiotic development to improve accuracy.
The Wyss Institute has developed an improved blood-cleansing device that can treat sepsis by removing pathogens and toxins from the bloodstream. The new device uses a genetically engineered pathogen-capturing protein to bind all types of live and dead infectious microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins.
Researchers have discovered how bacteria convert phosphonate compounds into phosphate, using a complex of fourteen proteins. This mechanism could be used to develop techniques for removing pesticide residues from drinking water and understanding the greenhouse effect.
Researchers have discovered how an emerging class of antibiotics targets bacterial membranes, showing promise in combating superbugs. The study reveals that these antimicrobial lipopeptides form micelles that stick to the bacterial membrane, selectively killing cells while sparing mammalian host cells.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a method to simultaneously localize bacteria and antibiotic production in environmental samples. Using mass-spectrometric imaging, they visualized the distribution of antibiotics piericidin A1 and B1 across the outer surface of beewolf cocoons.
Researchers at Leuphana University developed a new screening-based procedure to assess environmental risks caused by veterinary antibiotics. The Usage Pattern-Based Exposure Screening (UPES) method aggregates data on antibiotic usage patterns and models consumption to predict environmental impact.
Researchers are uncovering how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance genes through conjugation, a process that involves exchanging genetic material with other microbes. Understanding this mechanism could lead to the development of more effective treatments, such as phage therapy, which uses viruses to target bacterial infections.
Researchers offer knowledge on reducing antibiotic usage and implementing growth technologies in beef production. Drs. Daniel Thomson, Clint Krehbiel, and Chris Calkins presented their findings at the ADSA-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting.
A web-based programme to encourage frequent handwashing reduces respiratory tract infections in UK households, with a 14% risk reduction and lower demand for consultations and antibiotic prescriptions. The study suggests PRIMIT could play an important role in reducing flu spread and strain on NHS services during winter months.
Researchers at Rice University have identified a genetic mechanism that enables bacteria to become more resistant to antibiotics while also spreading their resistance rapidly. The discovery highlights the need for new strategies to predict and prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potentially halting or slowing down t...
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that aminoglycoside antibiotics increase susceptibility to hearing impairment due to inflammation from bacterial infections. The study suggests that targeted alternatives are needed to treat life-threatening infections without sacrificing patients' ability to hear.
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria were widespread among African wildlife, including species with high exposure to antibiotics through diet. These findings suggest that wildlife may serve as sentinels for antimicrobial resistance in ecosystems, providing clues to the spread of resistant microbes.
A $4.8 million NIH study will provide essential information to clinicians on the proper intravenous dosing of polymyxin B in critically ill patients. The study aims to minimize unnecessary toxic side effects and preserve the drug's efficacy against superbug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that 47% of grocery store-bought meat products contained Klebsiella bacteria, with many strains resistant to antibiotics. This increase poses a significant risk to human health, particularly for urinary and blood infections.
Researchers have discovered a potential new class of antibiotics inspired by sugar molecules produced by bacteria, offering a new hope in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs. The modified sugar molecules target a crucial part of the bacterial cell wall, killing the bacteria without developing resistance.
Researchers found an association between dicloxacillin treatment and decreased international normalized ratio (INR) levels among patients taking warfarin or phenprocoumon. This finding suggests that physicians should be aware of potential interactions and monitor INR levels accordingly.
A study found that antibiotic exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing juvenile arthritis in children, particularly those with upper respiratory tract infections. Researchers suggest that antibiotics may be a marker for abnormal immunity rather than a direct cause of the disease.
Cystitis affects half of women at least once in their lifetime, causing 1% of UK GP consultations. Women should be allowed to access safe treatment, like nitrofurantoin, without a prescription to improve autonomy and reduce healthcare burden.
Researchers discovered that multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii can voluntarily relinquish its antibiotic-resistance genes, making it susceptible to existing antibiotics. This finding provides new strategies for combating the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is leading a national trial to examine methods to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics in post-acute and long-term care facilities. The trial aims to develop comprehensive guidelines and tools to help facilities better manage urinary tract infections.
A pilot program at a pediatric long-term care facility achieved significant reductions in antibiotic use, with a 59% decrease in topical antibiotics and an 83% decrease in orders without proper documentation. The program improved antibiotic prescribing practices through increased staff support and electronic medical record system changes.
A new study suggests that restricting specific antibiotics could lead to an increased frequency of multi-drug resistance. The study found that using restricted antibiotics can facilitate the spread of resistant pathogens, despite potential short-term benefits in treatment effectiveness.
A study found that ERs misdiagnosed UTIs and STIs in women nearly half the time, resulting in unnecessary antibiotic use. The misdiagnoses were often due to similar symptoms and abnormal urinalysis results.
Researchers detected MRSA bacteria in UK supermarket sausages and minced pork through a survey of frozen meat products. The bacteria were identified as LA-MRSA CC398, associated with pigs and poultry, and pose a potential route of transmission from farms to the wider population.
The Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery aims to screen over 50,000 chemical compounds in the next 18 months to combat superbug-resistant bacteria, with the goal of preventing millions of deaths by 2050.
A meta-analysis of 14 medium- to high-quality studies found that gentamicin-collagen sponges significantly reduced the incidence of sternal wound infections by 38% compared to controls. The use of sponges also reduced the risk of life-threatening inflammation of mid-chest tissues (mediastinitis).
Researchers found that growing bacteria in mammalian tissue culture media instead of standard bacteriologic media makes them more sensitive to azithromycin. The drug is also effective when paired with colistin or antimicrobial peptides produced by the human body during infection, reducing bacterial counts by up to 99% in mouse models.
A new program at Johns Hopkins Hospital implemented consistent use of experienced medical teams, preemptive antibiotics, and early patient mobilization to reduce complications and accelerate recovery in colorectal surgery. The approach resulted in a significant reduction in hospital stays, surgical infections, blood clots, and costs.
Researchers have found that administering antibiotics for only four days is as effective as treatments spanning eight days for complicated abdominal infections. This breakthrough suggests that doctors can provide treatment that is both effective and conservative in its antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers introduce a two-pronged system to combat antibiotic resistance by eliminating genes that cause resistance and conferring protection against lethal phages. The system, based on bacterial viruses called phages, has the potential to turn the tide on untreatable infections.
A multifaceted intervention targeting MRSA carriers significantly reduced complex surgical site infections (SSIs), with a modest decrease in rates of 36 vs 21 per 10,000 operations during the pre- and intervention periods, respectively.
A new University of Michigan and VA study suggests that hospital stays can increase the risk of sepsis in older adults by disrupting their gut microbiome. The research found that older adults are three times more likely to develop sepsis within 90 days of hospitalization, especially after care that alters the balance of microbes.