Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
A recent study published at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients treated with ceftaroline fosamil (CPT-F) for MRSA pneumonia had a significantly lower mortality rate of 13% compared to standard treatment with vancomycin, which has a reported mortality rate of 32% after 28 days.
A new study found that a prescribing protocol with automatic stop dates and pharmacist support significantly reduced antibiotic use and side-effects. The protocol led to a near 20% reduction in antibiotics prescribed and a 40% reduction in related side-effects.
Researchers have identified changes in the microbiome that can predict chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and developed new diagnostics, including a breath test for fungal disease. A single dose of an antibiotic candidate has been found to be as effective as a week-long course of vancomycin for certain skin infections.
Researchers found that antibiotics create a nutrient surplus in the gut, allowing pathogens to establish themselves. The study suggests that friendly gut bacteria compete with pathogens for nutrients, and when this defense falters, harmful microorganisms can thrive.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a blood pressure medication speeds up TB treatment in mice, potentially making it easier for infected people to complete their therapy. The study suggests verapamil, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and headaches, could be an effective add-on therapy when combined with standard...
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown remarkable cure rates for recurrent C. difficile infection, with up to 92% of patients cured and an astounding 98% secondary cure rate. FMT also treats various GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
A recent study found that diabetic patients taking oral fluoroquinolones have a higher risk of severe blood sugar-related problems compared to those taking other antibiotics. The increased risk was low, but clinicians should consider this when treating diabetic patients with fluoroquinolones, especially moxifloxacin.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to estimate anthrax infection risk, estimating that inhaling 11,000 spores would be needed to reach a 50% chance of infection. The study also found the optimal time to take antibiotics is 60 days after exposure.
Dr Lindsay Hall's five-year research project will investigate the establishment of infant gut bacterial communities and their protection against infection. The study aims to explore new probiotic bacteria to restore the microbial community and enhance the body's ability to fight infection.
A large trial of nearly 3000 participants found that probiotic supplements did not reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The study also showed no difference in the frequency and severity of diarrhea between those who received probiotics and those who took a placebo.
A biodegradable plastic, dissolvable suture material has shown promise in reducing hospital stays for patients with brain infections. The material released vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that killed many microbes, including MRSA.
The article reveals that antibiotic resistance among hospital-acquired infections is much greater than prior CDC estimates, with resistance rates ranging from 11% to over 50%. The FDA's promise to reboot antibiotic development rules has fallen short, and the authors conclude that more than an FDA 'reboot' is needed to combat this crisis.
A new study published in The Lancet found that internet-based training can significantly lower antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory tract infections. Clinicians who received training in using CRP tests or enhanced communication skills reduced their prescribing rates by 47% and 32%, respectively. Combining both types of tr...
Reducing overall antibiotic consumption does not necessarily decrease resistance, particularly for MRSA, where some antibiotics like clindamycin and methicillin are more effective in reducing resistance. The success of antibiotic reduction programs depends on the targeted antibiotics that are reduced.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that HSP70 produced by supporting cells in the inner ear prevents antibiotic-induced hair cell death. Extracellular HSP70 has potential to be used therapeutically to prevent aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss, currently without treatments.
Researchers found that rapamycin increased longevity in mice by reducing cancer rates and improving memory and spatial learning. However, the drug had limited effects on age-related symptoms such as cardiovascular function, muscle mass, and balance. The study suggests that rapamycin may be useful for treating some age-related conditions.
A new study analyzed dynamical properties in antibiotic resistance enzyme β-lactamase, finding significant evolution across bacterial families without limiting new antibiotic resistance. Minor changes in the enzyme's active site can adapt it to new antibiotics.
Researchers found that bacteriophages significantly reduce C. difficile cells and toxin production without harming the gut microbiota, offering a potential new therapeutic agent to combat hospital infections. However, some bacteria may develop resistance due to lysogeny, requiring further development to control C. difficile infections.
Researchers have discovered a bacterium in South America that produces poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable compound used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The strain, Bacillus megaterium Uyuni S29, produces large amounts of PHB, making it a promising natural substitute for petroleum-based plastics.
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry poses a significant risk to human health, according to experts. A growing body of evidence suggests that routine antibiotic use in animal feed can worsen the epidemic of antibiotic resistance, with many public health authorities agreeing that it is a major concern.
Researchers discovered that bacteria like Burkholderia cenocepacia share small molecules to become resistant to antibiotics. This novel communication mechanism protects not only itself but also other susceptible bacteria.
Researchers discovered that antibiotics can cause oxidative stress, damaging human cells and leading to side effects. The team found two novel strategies: using bacteriostatic antibiotics or antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine to prevent or remediate oxidative stress.
A new study found that industrial livestock workers in North Carolina carry drug-resistant bacteria associated with livestock, including Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are resistant to multiple antibiotics and were more prevalent among workers exposed to industrial operations, which use antibiotics in animal feed and water.
A new class of antibiotic has been developed at the University of Adelaide, targeting a specific enzyme critical to bacterial metabolism. The compound, known as a protein inhibitor, binds to and inhibits biotin protein ligase, disrupting bacterial growth.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created an atomic-scale structure of a ribosome attached to a molecule that controls its motion, shedding light on how bacterial ribosomes work. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics that target the specific weaknesses of bacterial ribosomes.
New research correlates oral ingestion of antibiotics with rapid rise in resistance. Alternative routes like injection may slow the spread of resistance genes. The study found that oral administration led to faster development of resistance in mice compared to injection.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have successfully synthesized a marine compound, baringolin, which shows promising antibiotic activity at low concentrations. The team aims to improve its solubility and design more active analogues to develop a viable drug in the next 10 years.
Drusano's work in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling has been instrumental in simulating and validating dosing regimens to maximize the safety and efficacy of antibiotics. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on anti-infective pharmacology and antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.
Scientists at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have found that low doses of silver can boost the efficacy of widely used antibiotics and make previously lethal bacteria sensitive again. This discovery holds promise for treating stubborn infections and developing new therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers found that an antibiotic can trigger its own production, increasing levels by dramatically. This breakthrough could enable faster and more cost-effective production of antibiotics.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have created an electronic chip that can analyze samples for panels of infectious bacteria in a matter of minutes. The technology can identify multiple pathogens and determine antibiotic resistance, addressing the urgent need for rapid diagnosis.
Researchers discover gut viruses confer antibiotic resistance to bacteria by transferring genes that help them withstand multiple antibiotics, raising concerns about the emergence of superbugs and the need for a new approach to mitigate development of antibiotic resistance
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that patients taking probiotics with antibiotics experienced a significant reduction in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficle infection. This is likely due to the powerful effects of probiotics on population digestive tracts and immune systems.
Research suggests that 70% of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections improve within a week without antibiotic treatment. The study's findings indicate that women may be more willing to delay antibiotic use than expected, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative treatments.
Researchers found that disrupting a mechanism in mitochondria using simple antibiotics can multiply lifespan by a factor of 1.6 in worms. The study suggests that reducing protein production in these organelles may lead to increased longevity. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings in mammals.
A study found that colistin resistance in bacteria also makes them resistant to the human immune system's defense mechanisms, such as LL-37 and lysozyme. This cross-resistance increases the risk of complications for patients with life-threatening multi-drug resistant infections.
Researchers have developed a solar-powered nano filter that can remove harmful antibiotics and carcinogens from groundwater at a significantly higher rate than traditional activated carbon filters. The new filter uses two bacterial proteins to absorb 64% of antibiotics, offering an eco-friendly solution to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered that thioridazine, a drug previously used to treat schizophrenia, works against antibiotic-resistant bacteria by removing glycine from the cell wall. This interaction enables antibiotics to attack and kill the weakened bacteria, paving the way for new treatments.
A study demonstrated that an antibiotic stewardship program using Bruker's MALDI Biotyper analyzer reduced average length of stay by two days and overall costs by almost $20,000 per patient. The program improved patient care through rapid pathogen identification and accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
A study found that antibiotics are frequently prescribed for acute rhinosinusitis in the US, especially among younger adults and primary care patients. The study highlights the need to promote clinical practice guidelines to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have found a breast milk protein complex, HAMLET, that can help restore sensitivity to antibiotics in drug-resistant bacteria. The study showed that HAMLET can lower the dose of antibiotics needed by a factor of eight or more, making it a promising treatment option for superbugs like MRSA.
The lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a low-cost, microfluidic device that can quickly diagnose bacterial infections and recommend antibiotics for infantile diarrhea. The device's portability and affordability make it an attractive solution for remote areas with limited access to healthcare.
Scientists have developed solar-powered nanofilters that can pump in antibiotics to clean contaminated water, removing them twice as efficiently as existing technology. This innovation could also be adapted to remove other pollutants like hormones and heavy metals from water.
Scientists have developed a new family of selective antimicrobial agents that use synthetic colloid particles to recognize and inactivate specific types of bacteria. These 'colloid antibodies' show promise as a powerful tool against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers have gained a clearer insight into how protein components work together to transport antibiotics from cells, which could aid the development of 'pump blockers' to combat antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic overuse and misuse are creating conditions for the emergence of superbugs in border communities like Eagle Pass, Texas. Collaborating with officials to develop an outreach model to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, scientist Subburaj Kannan emphasizes the need for government action and public awareness.
Researchers develop a solar-powered nano filter that can remove 64% of antibiotics from surface waters, compared to 40% by traditional filters. The new filter uses light-driven bacterial proteins to power the absorption process and allows for antibiotic recycling.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved only one new antibiotic since the Infectious Diseases Society of America launched its 10 x '20 Initiative in 2010. Despite this, only seven new drugs are in development to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli bacteria.
Outpatient antibiotic use poses similar but sometimes more severe resistance risks as hospital cases, new study reveals. More than half of outpatient antibiotics for acute respiratory infections are unnecessary, accelerating bacterial resistance.
Researchers developed Epimorex to target bacterial weaknesses exploited by viruses that attack them. In mice, Epimorex protected against anthrax and killed MRSA with no evidence of resistance.
A study found that azithromycin improved symptoms and lung function in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, but at the cost of increased antibiotic resistance. The treatment also raised gastrointestinal side effects.
A clinical isolate of E. coli resistant to carbapenems has been studied, revealing four genetic mutations that enable the bacteria to survive and multiply despite the presence of antibiotics. These mutations involve changes to membrane proteins, regulatory proteins, and a multidrug efflux pump.
A study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of clarithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic for lower respiratory tract infections, may be associated with an increased risk of heart problems. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,300 patients, suggests that there will be an additional cardiovascular event for every eigh...
A longitudinal cohort study of 1,310 women found that even three years after being declared free of cancer, women who had a false-positive result consistently reported greater negative psychosocial consequences compared to women with normal test findings. Researchers propose annual blood pressure screening instead of checking at every ...
Researchers predict that drug-resistant MRSA strains will coexist in both hospital and community settings, with hospital strains surviving due to aggressive antibiotic usage patterns. This finding is reassuring as it suggests that the more invasive community strains will not replace hospital strains.
A new study suggests that flagellin plays a crucial role in activating the body's natural defenses against urinary tract infections (UTIs). The research found that motile Escherichia coli isolates activate NF-κB signaling pathways, indicating a key role for flagellin in up-regulating host innate defences.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology highlights the need to improve antibiotic use in outpatient dialysis facilities. Nearly one-third of antibiotic prescriptions were classified as inappropriate, with blood-stream infections being the most common misdiagnosed infection based on unmet criteria.
The UK's Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and Action Plan aims to address the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. The strategy highlights the need for a change in understanding and response to antimicrobial resistance.
A recent study challenged the long-held understanding of how antibiotics work, finding that all antibiotics induce bacterial cells to make compounds called reactive oxygen species, making bacteria susceptible. The results contradict previous findings and suggest a need to re-evaluate the mechanisms of antibiotic action.