Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
A Finnish study found that travelers who used antibiotics to treat diarrhea were more likely to carry drug-resistant intestinal bacteria, such as ESBL, upon return. Carriers can spread the bacteria to others, even without symptoms.
A SLU scientist has discovered an evolutionary mechanism used by bacteria to evade antibiotics like azithromycin. The discovery reveals a universal stalling mechanism, suggesting a way to improve existing drugs' effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains.
A study found that taking antibiotics for diarrhea while traveling increases the risk of colonizing drug-resistant bacteria, such as ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Travelers returning home with these bacteria can unknowingly spread them to their own countries, posing a serious public health threat.
Researchers analyzed soils from five continents to discover potential antibiotic and anticancer drugs. They identified unique gene clusters in these samples that could lead to new medicines, including ones used to combat tuberculosis and cancer.
Researchers found that antibiotics can help prevent norovirus infections by eliminating a bacterial collaborator. They also identified an immune system molecule that can cure persistent norovirus infections even in mice with partially disabled immune systems.
Researchers at Northeastern University have discovered a novel antibiotic called teixobactin that eliminates pathogens without developing detectable resistance. This breakthrough presents a promising new opportunity to treat chronic infections caused by staphylococcus aureus and tuberculosis, two highly resistant bacterial strains.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a modified version of an aminoglycoside that works effectively in mice without causing deafness or kidney damage. The new antibiotic, N1MS, was created by modifying the drug molecule to prevent it from entering the inner-ear cell's ion channels.
Researchers found that combining clarithromycin with certain statins increases the risk of acute kidney injury or high potassium levels, potentially leading to hospital admission. The study suggests that alternative antibiotics like azithromycin may help prevent these adverse events.
Researchers at UCL discovered how a protein, RcsF, triggers an alarm system in bacteria to defend against antibiotics. This discovery provides a new target for developing new antibiotics and could help combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mutations can converge on similar physical changes in bacteria, leading to resistance to multiple antibiotics. The researchers found a common set of features responsible for the development of resistance, which could help combat this growing problem.
Gut bacteria produce cephalosporinases that protect themselves and beneficial bacteria from antibiotics, while also giving protection to harmful bacteria. The researchers found genes in Bacteroides bacteria that produce an enzyme destroying certain antibiotics.
A study found that patients often believe taking antibiotics can't hurt and might make them better, even if they have a viral infection. Researchers are calling for new education tactics to address these misconceptions and reduce overprescription of antibiotics.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children treated with oral antibiotics did not experience more treatment failures than those treated with PICC-delivered antibiotics. Oral medication offers a safer alternative to IV therapy, reducing the risk of serious complications like infections and blood clots.
Researchers have identified bacterial genes that help UTIs spread, providing a potential new target for treating UTIs. The study reveals the specific genes expressed by E. coli bacteria in human urinary tract infections, which can be attacked to promote survival of the bacteria.
A treatment pioneered at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research is far more effective than traditional antibiotics in inhibiting the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. The new drug, called engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs), inhibited growth in about 90% of test bacterial strains.
Researchers discover penicillin works by setting in motion a toxic malfunctioning of the cell's wall-building machinery, which depletes cells of resources. This finding could lead to new ways to thwart drug resistance.
Researchers at the University of Houston are using a patented equation to assess the effects of antibiotics on bacteria and develop more effective treatments. They plan to use image analysis technology to automatically record data, reducing the need for physicians to run excessive tests.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found no causal link between antibiotics and childhood asthma, contradicting previous studies. The study of half a million children suggests that respiratory infections may increase the risk of asthma, regardless of antibiotic treatment.
A global study found that rheumatic heart disease is being neglected in many countries, resulting in inadequate treatment with antibiotics and oral anti-coagulants. This leads to increased maternal mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have identified a potentially life-saving antibiotic produced by good bacteria found in turkeys. The MP1 antibiotic has shown promise in targeting staph infections, strep throat, and severe gastrointestinal diseases.
Researchers have created a new method to quickly identify bacteria causing infections and determine antibiotic resistance, which could lead to timely treatment and reduced antibiotic use. The innovative approach enables rapid identification of bacterial species and resistance patterns in under four hours.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children exposed to antibiotics in the second or third trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of childhood obesity at age 7. Additionally, delivery by Caesarean section was also associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity.
A significant increase in life-threatening heart infections has been identified, alongside a notable decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for dental patients. The study, published in The Lancet, reveals 35 extra cases per month in the UK and an 89% fall in prescribed antibiotics.
A systematic review of controlled trials involving adults and children found that diarrhea was over three times as likely in people taking amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, while candidiasis was also associated with the use of this antibiotic combination. The study highlights under-reporting of harms in clinical trials.
Researchers found that smartphone apps designed for weight loss were unlikely to produce substantial weight loss in obese patients, highlighting the need for more engaging and time-efficient tools. Meanwhile, a study showed that offering a one-in-ten chance of winning $50 increased colon cancer screening rates by 20% compared to other ...
A McGill University Health Centre study found that adopting structured antibiotic time-outs led to decreased antibiotic costs and a small decline in Clostridium difficile infections. The time-out program, which involved regular re-evaluation of treatment strategies, resulted in improved prescribing practices among physicians.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease cases caused by bacteria resistant to one or more antibiotics. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in South Africa has led to substantial reductions in antibiotic-resistant invasive pneumococ...
Researchers found that 85% of antibiotic prescriptions were made empirically without culture data, leading to 65% being inappropriate treatments. Wider use of antibiograms improved prescribing by 40%, but addressing the issue requires combined efforts with better monitoring and limiting certain drug usage.
According to two studies, 94% of patients who believed they had a penicillin allergy actually tested negative. Consulting an allergist and conducting skin testing can help determine if alternative treatment is necessary before surgery. This can significantly lower prescription costs by reducing the use of high-cost antibiotics.
Researchers have identified a new treatment using specially engineered liposomes to neutralize bacterial toxins, preventing cell death and disease progression. This treatment offers an alternative to current medications for infections resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new agent in fungi that kills bacteria, known as copsin, which has the same effect as traditional antibiotics but belongs to a different class of biochemical substances. The substance was found in the common inky cap mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea and is responsible for its antibiotic effect.
Researchers have determined the structure of an ABC transporter complex, enabling targeted therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and cancer cell defense. The study's breakthrough has significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, bacterial infections, and cancer.
A new EU-funded consortium aims to develop new economic models for antibiotic R&D and define responsible use of dwindling antibiotics. The DRIVE-AB project involves 11 European countries and partners across industries to address the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding how a powerful antibiotic agent is produced in nature. They found that a special enzyme called dehydratase plays a crucial role in giving the antibiotic its final shape and function.
Researchers found that antibiotics can exacerbate Salmonella infection in mice, turning non-superspreaders into superspreaders. The study highlights concerns about the routine use of sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics in livestock.
Researchers at Arizona State University found traces of 5 antibiotics in shrimp, salmon, and other seafood samples from 11 countries. The study highlights the need for regulation on antibiotic use in aquaculture to prevent resistance development.
The incidence of early-onset and late-onset group B streptococcal disease increased in the Netherlands after guidelines were introduced, mainly due to a rise in virulent clonal complex 17 strains. Universal screening and antibiotic prophylaxis for pregnant women may be necessary to prevent all infections.
Researchers at the University of Bristol used computer simulations to study how bacteria destroy antibiotics, identifying enzymes that break down carbapenems quickly and slowly. This insight will help scientists develop new antibiotics with lower resistance rates.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that frontline health workers can accurately diagnose bacterial infections in young infants, but access to antibiotics is limited. The study suggests that improving diagnosis and antibiotic access can help reduce neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy reveals the structural changes in the bacterial ribosome that result in resistance to erythromycin. The study sheds light on how bacteria acquire resistance genes and how they interact with antibiotics.
The number of antibiotics available for clinical use has declined to 96 from a peak of 113 in 2000, with the rate of withdrawals being double the rate of new introductions. Pharmaceutical companies are leaving the antibiotic space due to financial constraints and patent law, forcing research universities to step in.
A study analyzing over 8,000 episodes of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections found no significant difference in mortality risk between patients with less and more susceptible strains to the antibiotic vancomycin. The study suggests that current standards for vancomycin MIC may not need to be lowered.
Antibiotic stewardship programs in hospitals improve care for hospitalized children by reducing unnecessary antibiotics and shortening hospital stays. Children who received program recommendations were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have studied the molecular structure of mitoribosomes, revealing new details about how proteins are synthesized. The findings will help design antibiotics that target only bacterial ribosomes, improving their effectiveness in treating human diseases.
Research at Uppsala University finds that plasmids with genes for resistance can be enriched by very low levels of antibiotics and heavy metals, suggesting environmental contamination contributes to the problem. This highlights the need to reduce antibiotic use and minimize exposure to heavy metals.
Overuse of medical tests and treatments can cause unnecessary harm to children, says a pediatrician. The Choosing Wisely campaign has identified over 250 procedures that are considered overused or inappropriate in pediatrics.
Researchers found that doctors are more likely to prescribe antibiotics for respiratory infections later in their clinic sessions due to fatigue. The study suggests that improving the work environment could lead to better patient care outcomes.
Researchers develop a novel antibiotic technique that uses the CRISPR enzyme to target specific DNA sequences in drug-resistant microbes, while leaving harmless bacteria intact. This approach shows promise in reducing the risk of secondary infections and preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that MRSA biofilms form in joint fluid, making infections resistant to antibiotics. Pre-treatment with an enzyme can inhibit biofilm formation and increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics.
A study found that selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) and selective oropharyngeal decontamination (SOD) significantly reduced antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria and ICU-acquired bacteremia. Patient survival rates were similar, but SDD showed a lower incidence of ICU-acquired respiratory tract infections.
A leading expert on respiratory medicine warns of the growing concern of antibacterial resistance in treating cystic fibrosis patients. The expert recommends further research and investigation into developing new compounds that can work against bacteria to make current antibiotics more effective.
A new class of antibiotics could be developed using the anticonvulsant drug lamotrigine, which inhibits bacterial ribosome assembly. Researchers at McMaster University discovered that lamotrigine stops ribosomes from being created in bacteria, a breakthrough in tackling antibiotic resistance.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have devised a new vancomycin analog that is powerfully effective against vancomycin-resistant strains of MRSA and other disease-causing bacteria. The new compound has two distinct mechanisms of action, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.
Research finds 70% of potential unnecessary therapies represented by three specific drug combinations used to treat anaerobic infections. This overuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and increase healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their antimicrobial usage efforts.
A new lab test, Carba NP, has been developed to detect carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in just 2.5 hours, with a specificity of 100%. The test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting carbapenemase production, making it a crucial tool for preventing the spread of CRE.
A hospital-wide program in New York reduced antibiotic use by half and saved over $600,000 annually. Antibiotic stewardship also led to a significant decrease in antibiotic-resistant infections.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund awarded nearly $750,000 in Proof of Concept grants to Washington state organizations to translate health-related technologies from the lab to the marketplace. Funding supports development of products for lupus treatment and at-home lung function monitoring.
Researchers identified a unique interaction between cyclic-di-GMP and protein BldD, which controls the developmental switch in Streptomyces, turning it into an antibiotic factory. The small molecule assembles into a molecular glue, connecting two copies of BldD to regulate development.
Rice University scientists have successfully synthesized a newly discovered natural antibiotic, viridicatumtoxin B, which shows potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The simplified synthesis of this compound may pave the way for developing more effective antibiotics against superbugs.
A nationwide population-based study in Sweden found that six percent of men filled a prescription for antibiotics within 30 days after having a prostate biopsy, with a twofold increase in hospital admissions over five years. Men with prior infections or significant comorbidities were at highest risk.