Articles tagged with Antibiotics
A patient diagnosed with advanced, incurable lung cancer was found to have early stage, curable lung cancer after stopping a rare antibiotic that caused liver and lung damage. The team's findings suggest that toxicity due to the antibiotic may be mistaken for cancer spread.
Researchers discovered antibiotic resistance genes in all 71 environments tested, including soil, oceans, and human feces. The most common types of resistance uncovered were efflux pumps and genes conferring resistance to vancomycin, tetracycline, or beta-lactam antibiotics.
A new NIH-funded study provides evidence that treating children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with long-term low-dose antibiotics reduces the risk of frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Children with VUR who received antibiotics were 50% less likely to develop recurrent UTIs.
Researchers discovered that 'lonely' microbes are more likely to mutate, resulting in higher rates of antibiotic resistance. The rate of mutation varies according to the number of bacteria present, with more 'lonely' bacteria developing greater resistance to antibiotics like Rifampicin.
Rutgers University has secured a five-year, $26 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to lead the development of new antibiotics. The research effort aims to combat rising cases of antibiotic-resistant infections, which claim at least 23,000 lives annually in the US.
A new study reveals that gut microbes play a crucial role in fostering the rapid production of infection-fighting white blood cells in newborns. Exposing mothers and neonatal mice to antibiotics reduced diversity of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to impaired resistance to infection.
Cornell scientists developed the first vaccines that can prevent metritis in dairy cows, reducing incidence by up to 83% and alleviating symptoms. The research could help curb antibiotic resistance and save the US billions annually.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics improve growth in pre-pubertal children living in low and middle income countries, particularly in terms of weight. The study analyzed data from 10 trials involving over 4,300 children and showed a positive effect on both height and weight.
A UK awareness campaign has shown some success in delaying the onset of drug-resistant gonorrhea by prompting healthcare professionals and policy-makers to change treatment practices. However, resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone is still a concern, and continued vigilance is necessary to prevent widespread emergence.
Researchers at University of South Carolina develop a new method to restore antibiotics' power, using protective polymers to combat bacterial defenses. The approach has shown promise in lab tests, particularly against hospital-associated strains of MRSA.
Research finds that long-term antibiotic treatment with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine can cause significant changes in gut microbiota, leading to weight gain in nearly one quarter of patients. The study highlights the need for reduced calorie diets during long-term antibiotic treatment.
A pilot study found that children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis improved significantly with antibiotic treatment, with 93% showing improvement within 24 hours. The research suggests that antibiotics may be a successful alternative to surgery for this condition.
Researchers may be able to design and synthesize stronger, more adaptable antibiotics from less expensive natural compounds using a specialized enzyme. By modifying an enzyme called KirCII, scientists hope to turn it into a set of wrenches that can install different molecular pieces to create new antibiotics.
Researchers have found metallopolymers that can evade MRSA's defensive enzymes and destroy its protective walls, causing the bacteria to burst. The metallopolymers mostly left red blood cells alone, suggesting minimal side effects.
Scientists have discovered the atomic-scale mechanism of action for NpmA, an enzyme that imparts chemical changes to bacterial ribosomes, making them resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics. This finding poses a significant threat to public health, but also reveals potential targets for developing new drugs.
The Joint Programme on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR) has presented a strategic research agenda to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The initiative brings together 19 countries and aims to improve current antibiotics, diagnostics, and prevention strategies to minimize the spread of resistance.
A global study reveals that E. coli clone ST131 originated from a single ancestor prior to 2000 and has spread rapidly due to genetic exchange with other bacteria. The research provides insights into the development of effective screening and vaccination strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers found that MP196 peptide disrupts bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and cell respiration, preventing growth. The study suggests MP196's potential in developing new antibiotics without harming human cells.
The study found an increase in community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections due to ESBL-producing bacteria, with high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Many strains of E. coli are also becoming increasingly resistant.
Researchers found that combining chitosan with antibiotics reduced reservoir populations of bacteria in mouse bladders, making them susceptible to treatment. The compound might one day serve as an augmentation therapy for recurrent UTIs.
Scientists create peptide mimetic that can be controlled by light, increasing antimicrobial effect and reducing side effects. The development opens new options for treating local bacterial infections and may lead to new agents against cancer.
Researchers find trimethoprim to be an effective antibiotic against streptococcal infections in some regions, with a lower frequency of resistance than previously believed. The study also identifies three causes for rapid spread of resistance, highlighting the need for responsible antibiotic use.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 56% of bloodstream infections were healthcare-associated, but symptoms began prior to hospital admission. The most common pathogens were S. aureus and E. coli, with multidrug-resistant pathogens occurring in 23% of patients.
Researchers from UCLA have updated guidelines for managing skin abscesses associated with community-acquired MRSA. The new guidelines focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment options, including the use of ultrasound and preferred antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a promising antibiotic, PBTZ169, effective against multi-resistant strains of tuberculosis. The IM4TB Foundation will bring the new treatment to market, addressing limitations in industrial model development costs and accessibility.
Recent studies suggest that antibiotic use in childhood can lead to changes in growth and metabolic development. Low-dose antibiotics have been shown to alter body fat and tissue composition in laboratory animals, highlighting the potential impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiota.
Emmanuel Fordjour, a UT Arlington undergraduate, has won the Council on Undergraduate Research's 2014 Posters on the Hill competition for his research on Clostridium difficile infection. He found that combining rifaximin and fusidic acid was effective against different strains of CDI in lab tests.
A team of researchers from Notre Dame has discovered a new class of oxadiazole antibiotics effective against MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising treatment option. The discovery is based on the inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins and shows promise in mouse models of infection.
A new sensor can measure antibiotic levels in blood with high sensitivity, enabling individualized treatment and reducing potential toxic effects. This development has the potential to improve clinical regimes and combination therapies.
A simple change in urine culture reporting reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions by 76% among hospitalized patients at low risk for UTIs. The study suggests that modifying how test results are reported to clinicians can improve prescribing practices and patient safety.
A new study in Health Affairs found that combining pay-for-performance with capitation in China's Ningxia Province significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions and total spending per visit. The intervention led to a near-15% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions and a small decline in total spending.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that viral infections are the primary cause of febrile illnesses in Tanzanian children. In most cases, no treatment with antimalarials or antibiotics is required. This finding has significant implications for improving the rational use of antimicrobials and reducing c...
Researchers at LA BioMed are developing novel anti-infectives designed to disarm methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), reducing its resistance to antibiotics and promoting effective treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a self-resistance mechanism in Streptomyces platensis bacteria that can bypass antibiotic fatty acid synthesis inhibition. This discovery could lead to the development of new, potent antibiotic drug candidates.
Researchers found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in river water during peak pilgrimage season, linked to overcrowding and poor waste management. The study emphasizes the importance of protecting sacred sites while preventing the spread of 'superbugs', highlighting the need for improved sanitation and waste treatment.
The €85 million ENABLE project aims to develop novel antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, addressing a growing epidemic of resistance. The public-private partnership will create an anti-bacterial drug discovery platform and deliver at least one new candidate into Phase 2 clinical trials by 2019.
Female Pacific salmon that mate with their chosen partner produce healthier babies than those with selected mates, according to research by the University of Waterloo. This allows for a more robust stock, reducing the use of antibiotics and vaccines, which benefits both producers and fish health.
A €85 million program will develop novel antibiotics against Gram-negative pathogens with expertise from universities and industry in Europe. Scientists will assess new compounds to determine their potency and molecular basis of action.
Researchers used live ticks to detect Lyme disease bacteria in people with persistent symptoms after antibiotic treatment, but found only two positive results. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.
A federally sponsored plan has been successful in addressing the challenges of prioritizing and coordinating strategies to curb health care-acquired infections. The plan has also been associated with reductions in the rates of health care-associated infection rates, with progress made toward most targets where data are available.
Scientists developed a novel method to identify microbes producing large amounts of bio-oil, which can replace crops in fuel production. This technique could speed up the discovery of new biofuel sources, such as Streptomyces bacteria.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a new class of antibiotics called spectinamides that are active against difficult-to-treat tuberculosis and show promise in treating drug-resistant strains. The drugs work by disrupting the function of a part of the cell known as the ribosome.
A new study at the University of Southern California found that a signed commitment letter in exam rooms lowered inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for cold symptoms by nearly 20%. This simple intervention, displayed in both English and Spanish, saved $70 million/year in drug costs alone.
Researchers have developed modified forms of spectinomycin that can act against TB bacteria, showing activity against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains in mice. The new compounds, called spectinamides, are targeted to TB bacteria without harming mammalian cells.
The evaluation found measurable progress in reducing some targeted HAIs, prioritizing HAI preventing practices and coordinating national data sources. However, a steady flow of resources remains a challenge, slowing progress in identifying effective approaches to preventing HAIs.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new genetic platform that enables efficient production of natural molecules, including a novel antibiotic compound called taromycin A. The study demonstrates the potential for this technology to unlock the drug discovery potential of countless new microbes.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to evaluate the effectiveness of drug alternatives to antibiotics in limiting disease spread. These treatments can prevent infections from evolving too quickly, but also increase the risk of disease transmission.
Acute respiratory tract infections account for nearly 10% of ambulatory care visits in the US. Despite efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, it remains a problem among adult patients, with no decrease seen in emergency room visits from 2001-2010.
A Virginia Tech engineer is studying the impact of the recent Colorado flood on antibiotic resistance genes. The researcher aims to understand how floodwaters can transport and disseminate these genes, which could have significant implications for human and animal health.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which bacteria can evade antibiotics, forming 'persisters' that are tolerant to many drugs. The study found Salmonella bacteria forms large numbers of persisters after being engulfed by immune cells, allowing it to survive antibiotic treatment and cause recurrent infections.
A new study by LA BioMed finds that daily antibiotic use is the most effective method for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections, reducing recurrence rates to 0.4 per year. Cranberry pills and estrogen therapy also showed benefits, with acupuncture treatments reducing recurrence rates to 0.7 per year.
Research found that adult nomograms for Vancomycin dosage calculations are not accurate for children over 10, highlighting the need for personalized dosing regimens. The study's authors recommend further studies to determine the most effective dosing methods for teenagers between 10 and 18 years old.
The agriculture and aquaculture industries' overuse of antibiotics is creating a global health crisis by promoting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A new proposal suggests implementing user fees to reduce non-human use of antibiotics, encouraging more efficient farming practices.
A new study found that preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. SSIs were less common among patients who received prophylaxis during the optimized period than those who received it at a different time.
A single strain of Escherichia coli, known as H30-Rx, has become the main cause of bacterial infections worldwide, spreading from urinary tract to blood and causing lethal sepsis. The study's findings suggest that this superbug may be responsible for 1.5 million UTIs and tens of thousands of deaths annually in the US.
Scientists at the University of Houston are studying E. coli evolution to understand how bacteria adapt to changing conditions. By analyzing genetic changes over 7,000 generations, they aim to predict which bacterial strains will become resistant to antibiotics, ultimately leading to better vaccines and treatments.
A recent study funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that restricting antibiotic use may not stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant typhoid. In laboratory tests, resistant strains of Salmonella Typhi bacteria outcompeted sensitive strains even without antibiotics.
Researchers in Denmark investigated oral fluoroquinolone use and found no association with an increased risk of retinal detachment. The study analyzed data from a nationwide register and compared fluoroquinolone use to nonuse, concluding that current use would account for only 11 additional cases per 1,000,000 treatment episodes.
UC Irvine and Northwestern researchers develop inhibitor compounds that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase, enhancing the ability of antibiotics to treat bacterial diseases. The compounds demonstrate potential in combating diseases such as MRSA and anthrax by suppressing pathogenic bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
Researchers found that surgical patients in US children's hospitals account for 43% of all antibiotic use, with pneumonia, appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, and skin infections being high-usage conditions. The studies provide insights into antibiotic resistance patterns and opportunities for targeted antimicrobial stewardship efforts.