Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
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.
A study found that clarithromycin, a widely used antibiotic, is associated with an increased risk of heart deaths in people over 40-74 years old. The absolute risk difference was 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with clarithromycin.
Researchers found that a free fatty acid compound is equally effective as antibiotics in treating certain catheter-related bloodstream infections. The study suggests that these compounds could provide an alternative treatment option for preventing and treating intravenous catheter infections.
Researchers found that antibiotics can alter the gut's bacterial ecosystem, increasing susceptibility to diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The study suggests that probiotics could be used to boost helpful bacteria and prevent disease.
A new study suggests that early antibiotic exposure disrupts the gut microbiome, permanently altering metabolism in mice. Researchers found that mice exposed to low-dose penicillin during pregnancy or nursing were more susceptible to obesity and metabolic abnormalities than those exposed later in life.
Long antibiotic treatments are ineffective against slowly growing bacteria that persist in tissues, leading to ongoing disease. Slowly growing pathogens dominate treatment, posing a risk for relapse despite effective initial therapy.
Research reveals that altering the intestinal microbiota during infancy can have lasting metabolic consequences, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes in adulthood. Disrupting beneficial gut bacteria with antibiotics during critical developmental windows may lead to obesity and metabolic problems.
A highly virulent, multidrug-resistant form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been discovered in patient samples in Ohio. The strain contains a gene for a drug-resistant enzyme called metallo beta-lactamase, making it resistant to multiple antibiotics.
A Canadian hospital reduced cardiac surgical site infections (SSIs) by 77% through a comprehensive safety program. The hospital implemented best practices in prophylactic antibiotic use, wound care, and patient warming to lower the SSI rate from 7% to 1.6%.
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Urology found that for most children with antenatal hydronephrosis, continuous antibiotics are not needed. The research suggests that prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary for those with severe conditions, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that less than 1% of UK public and charitable funding was allocated to bacteriology projects, with only around 0.7% dedicated to antibiotic research. This inadequate funding poses a significant threat to tackling the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
A study of 6,800 outpatients found antiviral therapy was given to only 19% of those at high risk for complications, while antibiotics were prescribed to 30%. The findings suggest a need for increased education on appropriate use in outpatient settings.
Researchers develop new technique to quickly uncover novel products produced by bacteria, reducing screening time from thousands to just a few dozen. The method uses genomics and mass spectrometry to detect reactive compounds, enabling the discovery of new antibiotics and anticancer drugs.
Despite limited evidence, antibiotics are still widely prescribed to terminal hospice patients, with 27% continuing use in final week of life. This raises concerns about unnecessary side effects, adverse events, and antibiotic resistance.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a Phase I clinical trial of CRS3123, an investigational oral antibiotic aimed at treating Clostridium difficile infection. The study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the medication in healthy adults.
Researchers found that low-dose antibiotics can strengthen bacterial biofilms, leading to chronic lung, sinus, and ear infections in children. The study suggests developing routine screening methods to test the effects of antibiotics on biofilms.
A study published in JAMA found that patients who underwent gall bladder removal without postoperative antibiotic treatment did not experience a higher incidence of infections compared to those who received antibiotics. The lack of antibiotic treatment was associated with similar length of hospital stay and readmission rates.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that 50 pregnant women develop life-threatening maternal sepsis, often progressing rapidly, while antibiotics do not prevent progression to severe sepsis. The authors recommend closer monitoring of symptoms and follow-up for pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected infections.
Researchers found that a low-dose gentamicin/citrate solution reduced mortality by 68% and bloodstream infections by 73% compared to heparin. Bloodstream infections are a leading cause of hospitalization and death in hemodialysis patients.
Scientists have discovered that bacteria can develop a biological timer to survive under antibiotic exposure, adapting their dormant period to match the treatment duration. This breakthrough has significant implications for slowing the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully developed a new compound with improved antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains of tuberculosis. The findings offer an important new avenue for treatment of the disease, which is responsible for over 1 million deaths annually.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a fungus-derived molecule called AMA that can stop the spread of the deadly antibiotic-resistant gene NDM-1. Testing revealed that the molecule rescues carbapenem antibiotics' activity, providing a new way to combat superbugs.
Researchers used experimental evolution to study E. coli populations under strong and mild antibiotic selection conditions. They found higher cross-resistance in strongly selected strains with increased pathway-specific mutations.
Scientists at the University at Buffalo are developing novel dosing regimens for polymyxin antibiotics to combat 'superbugs' like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research aims to maximize antibacterial activity while minimizing resistance and toxicity.
A study published in mBio found that fecal transplants partially restored a diverse community of healthy gut bacteria to recipients, reducing the amount of infectious Proteobacteria and increasing Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes bacteria. The transplants also improved metabolic pathways, including those involved in stress response.
Researchers have discovered that populating GI tracts with Bacteroides species producing beta-lactamase enzyme protects good commensal bacteria from antibiotics. This finding suggests a potential new strategy for preserving the gut microbiome during antibiotic treatment.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute have successfully generated new plant species through grafting, allowing for the transfer of entire genetic material between two species. The resulting plants exhibit improved growth rates and increased fitness compared to their parent species.
A new antibiotic, oritavancin, has shown effectiveness in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other skin infections with a single dose. The study found that the prolonged activity of oritavancin allows for a single-dose treatment, which could potentially prevent hospitalizations and reduce healthcare costs.
A study of nearly 65,000 older patients with pneumonia found that azithromycin reduced mortality by 17.4%, while increasing the risk of heart attacks by 5.1%. The treatment also had a slight increase in cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that nearly seven million Americans seek medical attention for sore throats each year, with one in 10 cases being strep throat. The researchers concluded that performing a laboratory culture can help doctors and patients avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of sore throats.
The OU research team will investigate three specific antibiotic resistant pathogens, focusing on their structural components and physico-chemical properties. The goal is to develop a realistic predictive model that facilitates the design of effective antibiotics capable of penetrating the cell wall of these bacteria.
A small molecule peptide destroys biofilms and prevents their formation in various bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The discovery offers a promising strategy to target bacterial biofilms and combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Growing resistance to antibiotics demands a united global response, with experts calling for an independent body to oversee surveillance and set evidence-based targets. The world faces a future where simple infections become deadly diseases, with treatment relying on just one or two drugs.
A recent study found that antibiotics were prescribed at a high rate for acute bronchitis in the US between 1996 and 2010, contrary to guidelines. The rate of antibiotic prescribing increased significantly during this time period, from 60-80% in the early 2000s to 71% by 2010.
A new strategy to quickly screen whole libraries of compounds has been developed to find elicitors that turn on silent gene clusters. Two silent gene clusters were successfully activated, leading to the discovery of a new metabolite.
Researchers have developed a class of chemical agents that targets new biological receptors in bacteria, changing their multicellular behaviors. These disaccharide derivatives mimic natural rhamnolipids and have potential applications in treating bacterial infections and inhibiting horizontal gene transfer.
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.
A study found that C-section deliveries and early antibiotic treatment may alter a child's microbiota, increasing the risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis. The condition is marked by irritation, inflammation, and constriction of the esophagus, and its symptoms mimic garden-variety gastritis.
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.
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.
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.
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.