Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
Researchers will test NC State-created molecules against different types of animal cells infected with bacteria, aiming to develop effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. The project aims to identify leading candidates that both revive antibiotics' effectiveness and have a low toxicity profile.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that doctors often prescribe antibiotics to patients with viral respiratory tract infections, despite the lack of clinical benefit. This overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of resistant bacterial strains.
Trius will use its proprietary Focused Antisense Screening Technology (FAST) to identify antibacterial compounds from marine natural product libraries discovered by Scripps researchers. The goal is to develop novel antibiotics directed against microorganisms causing serious infections.
Researchers have developed a new generation of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA. By harnessing the enzymes that inactivate antibiotics, the team created modified drugs that are effective against resistant bacterial strains.
A Stanford study found that repeated use of a benign antibiotic can alter the composition of beneficial microbes in the human gut. The research involved three healthy adult females who received two courses of ciprofloxacin, revealing persistent changes in their gut microbiomes.
A team from Case Western Reserve University has identified a novel dual recognition mechanism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that may contribute to immune evasion. The discovery could aid in the design of new vaccines and antibiotics to combat the disease.
A historic conference at Uppsala University marked a turning point in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Global leaders agreed on joint action and shared data to monitor and limit unnecessary use of antibiotics, as well as improve access to affordable medicines in developing countries.
A new report suggests that conserving and wisely using existing antibiotics is key to slowing the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. The proposal would reward pharmaceutical companies for marketing drugs in a way that keeps resistance rates low by setting 'effectiveness targets' and coordinating with physicians and hospitals.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that longer antibiotic treatment courses in children with middle ear infections slightly reduce the risk of treatment failure. However, this benefit comes at a significant cost to society, as overuse of antibiotics contributes to drug resistance and increased healthcare expenditure.
Scientists have identified powerful antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, effective against MRSA and E. coli without harming human cells. These novel molecules could lead to new treatments for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.
A survey of Connecticut primary care physicians found that only 2.1% diagnose and treat patients with chronic Lyme disease, contradicting claims by 'Lyme literate' groups. The study's findings suggest that chronic Lyme disease may not be as common as previously thought.
Researchers have found evidence that ancient Nubians regularly consumed tetracycline, a powerful antibiotic, most likely through their beer. This discovery suggests that the art of making antibiotics was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago and challenges traditional views on the origins of modern medicine.
A study suggests that current treatment theories need to be expanded to account for a more dynamic quitting process. Successful quitters can achieve abstinence despite periods of smoking before the end of treatment. Continued cessation treatments without interruption may increase 'real-world' quit rates for motivated smokers.
A new study reveals that resistant pathogens can trigger protective mechanisms in non-resistant neighbors, increasing overall colony survival. The team identified an enzyme called tryptophanase, which produces indole, a signaling molecule offering protection against antibiotics.
Fungus-farming ants use multiple antibiotics produced by actinomycete bacteria to control unwanted fungi and bacteria in their cultures. This discovery has identified a new antibiotic with potential medical applications, highlighting the importance of studying insect agriculture.
Scientists have identified over 100 antibiotic substances in frog skin secretions, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more powerful and less toxic than existing ones.
A large, randomized controlled trial found that a surgically implanted antibiotic sponge did not reduce the rate of sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery. The study contradicts previous results and suggests ethnic and regional differences may have contributed to the differing outcomes.
A study found that infection with malaria parasites during antibiotic treatment developed a vaccine-like immunity against re-infection. Antibiotics can prevent malaria parasite replication in the liver, allowing the immune system to mount a robust defense against future infections.
A new gene that enables bacteria to resist almost all antibiotics has been found in patients from India, Pakistan, and the UK, posing a serious global public health threat. The rapid emergence of these multi-drug resistant bacteria highlights the need for close international monitoring and surveillance.
A new experimental antibiotic has been shown to be effective against bacteria that are resistant to existing treatments. The compound works by targeting a specific enzyme in the bacteria's internal machinery, preventing it from reproducing.
Scientists used genome mining to discover a novel antibiotic in Streptomyces coelicolor, effective against several bacterial strains. The approach also unlocks potential for discovering new antimicrobials and antitumor agents from other micro-organisms.
Two middle school students from Wisconsin have co-authored a study revealing the innermost structure of a key bacterial enzyme that activates antibiotics and anti-cancer agents. The researchers identified the 3D structure of the methyltransferase, a crucial step in determining its function.
The study found that smaller hospitals in Kentucky and Indiana adopted quality improvement measures quickly and implemented the expanded surgical time-out checklist with high rates of adherence. Surgical specialists committed to accepting safety parameters, and clinicians provided an extremely high standard of care to patients.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics to mice infected with malaria prevents the disease and induces long-term immunity. The treatment targets the apicoplast, a bacterial organ necessary for parasite reproduction, allowing the immune system to develop robust protection.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics during the liver stage of malaria infection generates strong protective immunity in mice. The treatment prevents malaria parasites from infecting red blood cells and builds long-term immunity against subsequent infections.
Duke University researchers have developed a computer program that can predict the next moves of a dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA. The algorithm identifies potential resistance mutations before testing begins, allowing for more effective drug design and potentially saving lives.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have identified the molecular forces that enable cranberry juice to fight off urinary tract infections. The study suggests that fimbriae on E. coli bacteria are essential for infection, and that cranberry juice can weaken their attachment to human cells.
Researchers have identified the genes necessary for producing a highly potent and clinically unexploited antibiotic, microbisporicin. The study enables the engineering of bacteria to produce similar but better molecules, improving pharmacological properties.
A study found that antibiotics prolong survival but do not improve comfort for patients with terminal dementia and pneumonia. Aggressive treatment can cause greater discomfort, suggesting a need to balance survival and comfort goals.
Researchers found that home care equivalent to hospital care for patients with cystic fibrosis does not compromise lung function recovery, with optimal duration of therapy ranging from 7-10 days. Longer treatment courses do not offer additional benefits.
A new method of antibiotic prophylaxis has been developed to reduce the risk of infection in patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) operations. The routine involves giving a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim directly into the PEG-catheter after surgery, resulting in equivalent results with reduced ...
A recent study found that the TMP-SMX antibiotic combination significantly increases the risk of severe hyperkalemia in older adults, a potentially deadly adverse drug reaction. The risk is five times higher in patients prescribed TMP-SMX compared to those taking amoxicillin.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing new medical technologies to combat the anthrax threat. Promising new treatments include a long-sought inhalable vaccine that can be self-administered without a needle, as well as new antibiotics and medicines that can block the effects of anthrax toxin.
Buruli ulcers, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, require more attention to early diagnosis and treatment. The World Health Organization's guidelines need to be adapted due to low accuracy and high relapse rates in some regions.
A new study found that daily use of probiotics reduced VAP infections by almost half and decreased antibiotic consumption, leading to fewer Clostridium difficile infections. The probiotic therapy was found to be safe with no side effects.
Scientists have found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in seven species of sharks and redfish, with the highest occurrence rates in nurse sharks from Belize and Florida Keys. The study highlights a growing problem for human health due to the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in marine environments.
Researchers elucidated the basic principles of bacterial transport channel assembly, a mechanism used by pathogens to deliver virulence factors. The discovery opens doors to developing anti-infective drugs that can target this process before antibiotics, offering a major advantage in infection treatment.
Plectasin disrupts the forming of the cell wall in bacteria, preventing division and ultimately leading to bacterial death. Despite its potential, the authors caution that no permanent solution exists to antibiotic resistance.
A study published in JAMA found that patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received antibiotics within the first 2 hospital days had improved outcomes, including lower likelihood of mechanical ventilation and fewer readmissions. Antibiotics also reduced hospital costs.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that boosting interleukin-10 levels can protect against lethal E. coli K1 infection without antibiotic side effects. Researchers seek to determine its safety and efficacy in human infants infected with the bacterium.
A fully automated minilab developed by Munich researchers can quickly identify antibiotic residues in milk, providing a fast and simple solution to the current laborious and expensive testing method. The system takes just under six minutes to produce a result, reducing production losses and disposal costs for the dairy industry.
Researchers have created a two-in-one formula combining an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug, delivered via nano-sized particles that extend medication duration. This development holds promise for easier treatment of bacterial keratitis, potentially reducing hospitalization rates.
Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis who received azithromycin did not experience improved lung function compared to those receiving placebo. However, they showed a significant reduction in pulmonary exacerbations and weight gain.
Researchers highlight underdiagnosis of pediatric hepatitis C, increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease from antibiotic use in infancy. Gastroenterologists must consider unique health needs of women and children when prescribing medication.
Researchers confirm rifaximin antibiotic provides long-lasting relief of IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. The study suggests targeted antibiotics can effectively treat IBS by altering gut bacteria.
Researchers found a combination of antibiotics to be an effective treatment for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, with significant improvements seen in patients receiving a 6-month course of combination antibiotics. The results suggest potential for eradication of the persistent infection and improvement in clinical sequelae.
A multicenter NIH trial led by the University of South Florida found combination antibiotics to be effective in treating Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis. The study showed significant improvement in patients treated with combination antibiotics, with 22% experiencing complete remission and no adverse side effects.
Researchers have discovered a new avenue to overcome tuberculosis drug resistance by targeting an enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics. Clavulanate and meropenem combination shows promise in sterilizing TB bacteria, including XDR-strains.
A physics strategy called resonant activation is being tested as a solution for antibiotic resistance, targeting dormant persister cells. The approach involves repetitive antibiotic treatment to accelerate sterilization of bacterial colonies.
Bacteria recognize and develop resistance to vancomycin through a specific sensing mechanism. The discovery provides new understanding of the molecular basis of vancomycin resistance and represents an essential first step in developing new antibiotics that can evade bacterial sensing mechanisms.
A chemical compound, when combined with antibiotics, effectively destroys biofilms produced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The compound also re-sensitizes resistant bacteria to antibiotics, making it a promising treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
Researchers analyzed 52,153 Twitter tweets mentioning antibiotics and found that misinformation can travel rapidly through the network. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthy behaviors and disseminating trustworthy information on social media platforms.
Researchers found that thyme essential oil can almost completely eliminate bacteria within 60 minutes, with high efficacy against Staphylococcus species. The study suggests that essential oils could be a cheap and effective alternative to antibiotics, reducing the risk of new strains of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant gonococcal bacteria threatens to make gonorrhoea extremely difficult to treat. Current treatment antibiotics may soon lose effectiveness due to rapid resistance development.
Researchers have identified a molecule that blocks a key signaling pathway in pathogenic gut bacteria, reducing toxin production and preventing infection. This breakthrough discovery represents a novel class of antimicrobial agents with broad-spectrum efficacy.
A 15-year French hospital program using surveillance, precautions, training, and feedback led to a 35% decrease in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) burden. The program was most effective in intensive care units, with a 59% decline in MRSA cases.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America calls for the development of 10 new antibiotics by 2020 due to rising antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The urgency is underscored by heartbreaking patient stories of those who have suffered and died from these infections.
University of Alabama scientists find that ampicillin enhances the normal function of torsinA protein in cells affected by dystonia and Parkinson's disease. The drug restored normal movement to mice and improved cellular protection against stress, leading to potential new treatments for these debilitating conditions.
Researchers found that oxytetracycline breaks down more quickly in cattle manure than in soil, due to its higher organic material and moisture content. Temperature and moisture levels also play a crucial role in degradation rates.
Beewolves have evolved a symbiotic relationship with bacteria of the genus Streptomyces that produce nine different antibiotics, providing effective protection against various pathogens. This natural defense mechanism, known as combination prophylaxis, has been used by beewolves for millions of years to safeguard their offspring.