Articles tagged with Antibiotics
A comprehensive review confirms the safety and efficacy of Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) as a treatment for corneal endothelial diseases, which affect 85% of corneal transplants in the US. In contrast, a type of antibiotic fluoroquinolone has been linked to double vision in some patients.
A study found that children in Ethiopia who received azithromycin for trachoma had a 49% lower odds of death compared to those who didn't receive the antibiotic. The treatment may have reduced mortality from pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, major causes of death in children in trachoma-endemic areas.
Researchers have discovered a way to regulate gene therapy for Parkinson's disease by introducing an 'off switch' using the antibiotic doxycycline. This breakthrough addresses safety concerns and paves the way for safer treatment options.
A Princeton-led team has discovered how some antibiotics kill bacteria by jamming the translocator, a protein-producing machine. The researchers also found that a specific protein called YccA protects the translocator from destruction, similar to a human protein of interest in cancer research.
A new study found that universal influenza vaccination in Ontario, Canada, led to a 64% decline in antibiotic prescriptions and a 39% reduction in influenza-associated mortality. This suggests that increasing flu vaccination rates could help combat antibiotic overuse and related public health concerns.
Widespread misuse of fluoroquinolones is creating a strain of fluoroquinolone-resistant TB, according to new research. Patients who use fluoroquinolones within 12 months of diagnosis are almost five times more likely to have resistant TB.
Scientists used a whole-animal infection model to screen 37,000 potential drugs on infected C. elegans worms, identifying 28 new antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action.
Researchers at Duke University have solved the structure of Ramoplanin A2, a candidate antibiotic that can kill pathogenic bacteria by interrupting cell membrane formation. The molecule forms U-shaped structures that bind to Lipid II, preventing its participation in membrane synthesis and leading to bacterial death.
A clinical trial of kefir in young children using antibiotics found no benefit in preventing diarrhea. However, the study suggests that kefir may help healthier children, and more research is needed to confirm this finding.
Innovotech's bioFILM PA test helps doctors select effective antibiotic treatment for serious, chronic infections. The test has shown positive results in selecting proper antibiotic treatment for patients with Cystic Fibrosis and other chronic infections.
Research reveals that bacteria's survival rate increases when resistant to two antibiotics, contrary to expected outcomes. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding genetic interactions in determining antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have found that antibiotic treatment can induce the transmission of C. difficile by creating a 'supershedder state' in mice, where they shed high levels of spores even without symptoms. This suggests widening infection control measures to include all patients receiving antibiotics could be necessary.
Researchers at TUM have identified a unique pathway in aggressive microorganisms, such as tuberculosis and malaria pathogens, that may be vulnerable to custom-tailored antibiotics. The discovery opens a promising approach for developing new reaction steps vital to microorganisms but irrelevant in humans.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that two types of antibiotics can cause moderate to wide-ranging changes in the ranks of helpful guardians in the gut. The armada of good bacteria did not recover its former diversity even many weeks after a course of antibiotics was over.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers has discovered nearly half of Mediterranean gulls in southern France exhibit antibiotic resistance. The bacteria in question are capable of spreading rapidly and have broken down powerful antibiotics.
Researchers studied DNA from 1,930 pneumococcus strains and found a link between bacterial recombination and antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that undergo sex with other species are more likely to develop resistance to antibiotics, making treatment increasingly difficult.
A recent review of contaminated waters found high concentrations of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, in natural and drinking waters. The study warns that increased farm usage of anti-infectives may augment levels in future agricultural wastewater, posing a risk to aquatic biota and human health.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a synthetic DNA binding compound that effectively kills bacteria within two minutes. The compound's ability to target and coil DNA makes it a promising approach to combatting drug-resistant bacteria.
A nationwide French public health campaign from 2002 to 2007 led to a marked reduction of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, particularly in children, with a decline of over 25% compared to the preintervention period. The greatest decrease was observed among young children aged 6–11 years.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a 'surprising link' between three processes in cell wall synthesis, which could lead to the development of a new antibiotic. This breakthrough provides a novel method for searching for small molecule drugs targeting these pathways.
Delivery of antibiotics via nanoparticles has shown promise in treating pulmonary infections. Treated mice had a significant survival advantage, decreased lung bacterial burden, and spread compared to control mice. The once-daily dosing regimen increased compliance, offering a potential means to improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals a mechanism to delay the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Inhibiting drug efflux pumps can mask the effect of mutations that reduce antibiotic binding, providing clues to delaying resistance development.
Researchers found that within-household transmission of trachoma is more efficient than community transmission, accounting for almost three quarters of new infections. Treating all infected household members during mass antibiotic administration can prevent rapid re-infection and slow community spread.
Researchers have developed a new generation of natural antibiotics using bioengineering, targeting harmful micro-organisms like MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes. These enhanced nisin variants possess greater activities against clinical pathogens and could become acceptable alternatives to current antimicrobials.
Repeatedly, molecular microbiological techniques have found changes in soil bacterial communities after antibiotic use in intensive livestock production. Bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle are particularly affected, with persistent changes even after antibiotics break down.
A randomized trial found that frequent treatment of children under 10 years old with azithromycin can decrease infection prevalence in older individuals and adults, demonstrating herd protection. Treatment frequency four times a year is comparable to treating the entire population once a year.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed new antimicrobial agents to combat hospital-acquired infections. The agents, made of ionic liquids, kill colonies and prevent bacterial growth in biofilms, providing a promising solution for MRSA and other resistant microbes.
The study developed three transition state analogs that disrupt quorum sensing in Vibrio cholerae and E. coli 0157:H7, reducing the risk of bacterial resistance. The compounds were tested on 26 successive generations and showed no signs of resistance development.
UT Southwestern researchers Dr. Jennifer Kohler and Dr. Joseph Ready have been awarded Sloan fellowships to support their research in chemistry. They will each receive $50,000 over two years to pursue innovative projects in carbohydrate interactions with cancer cells and antibiotic development.
Researchers developed a virus that knocks out bacterial defense systems, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics. The engineered virus targets specific bacterial genes, preventing resistance from developing and increasing survival rates in mice infected with resistant bacteria.
A recent study in mice found that high levels of EAAT2 protein decreased abdominal pain by 50-70%. The protein acts on glutamate, preventing it from interacting with receptors that send pain signals. Researchers hope EAAT2 may treat visceral pain associated with gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.
Scientists have found a two-drug combination that inhibits the growth of susceptible laboratory strains and 13 XDR-TB strains, offering a new hope for treating this deadly form of tuberculosis. The drugs work together to target a bacterial enzyme, β-lactamase, which shields TB bacteria from antibiotics.
Researchers have developed new techniques to quickly identify bacterial infections and determine the best antibiotic treatment. A nanoparticle-based method can detect bacterial strains in hours, while scientists also uncovered genetic basis of morphological differences in anthrax letter material.
A Duke University-led team has developed a computer program that can redesign enzymes to produce natural antibiotics. The algorithm, called K*, sorts through possible shapes and changes of the key enzyme that produces gramicidin S, a natural antibiotic. This new technique may pave the way for more automated redesign of old drugs.
Researchers have found several compounds exhibiting strong antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties, as well as anti-cancer and angiogenesis activities. These novel antibiotics demonstrate no cytotoxic responses to human cells, minimizing negative side effects associated with current drugs.
A large study found that early transition from intravenous to oral antibiotics in children with acute osteomyelitis is as effective as continued IV therapy. The study, conducted by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, showed a reduced risk of treatment failure and complications related to central venous catheters.
Researchers have developed a nanoemulsion that effectively kills a wide range of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including those causing cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses ultra-fine oil-and-water emulsions that disrupt bacterial outer membranes, making resistance unlikely and offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers at UBC discovered a mimic of nature's antibiotic that can protect surfaces from bacteria and fungi, potentially reducing medical problems like degeneration or rejection of implants. The synthetic peptides are active when attached to surfaces, killing harmful bacteria and fungus.
The lack of new antibiotics is exacerbating the antibiotic resistance crisis, with 'super bugs' becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The divide between research and development, and real-world application is hindering efforts to combat these life-threatening infections.
Resources for the Future launches Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership to explore incentives for slowing antibiotic resistance development and spread. The three-year initiative will build on the Extending the Cure project, focusing on five emerging economies with rapidly rising antibiotic use.
A new study suggests that a twist on old medical technology could save limbs by treating infections in soldiers with compound bone fractures. Colistin-laced bone cement may prevent the spread of deadly A. baumannii infections, which are widespread among US troops in Afghanistan.
Researchers have visualized the molecular structure of the LtaS enzyme, a key player in MRSA's growth and spread. The team hopes to develop a new antibiotic targeting this enzyme to combat the superbug.
Experts urge grocery stores to promote free flu vaccinations instead of free antibiotics during cold and flu season. A recent study shows that workers who received flu vaccine lost fewer days of work due to illness.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics as a preventive measure to patients in intensive care units increases their chances of survival, with a reduction of 3.5% in ICU deaths. The study involved nearly 6,000 patients and showed that using antibiotics resulted in fewer deaths compared to standard ICU care.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that bismuth compounds were associated with a low risk of adverse events, with the exception of dark stools, which has little clinical significance. The study suggests that bismuth-containing regimens may be a safe alternative to PPI-based triple therapies for H. pylori eradication.
A combination of prophylactic antibiotics, barrier isolation, and air quality control measures significantly reduces mortality risk in immunocompromised cancer patients. The intervention shows a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality at 30 days post-treatment, with improved survival only seen when antibiotic and anti-fungal prophylaxis a...
The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that new drugs are desperately needed to treat six drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and gram-negative pathogens. The society outlines steps to tackle the shortage and urges cooperation among industry, academia, and government.
A year-long study found that long-term use of a macrolide antibiotic reduced COPD exacerbations by 35% in patients with moderate to severe disease. The treatment also decreased the severity and duration of exacerbations, but its benefits are offset by concerns about growing antibiotic resistance.
A study found that antibiotic treatment can cause pervasive and persistent changes to the human gut microbiota, affecting the balance of bacteria in the gut. The researchers identified over 3,300 different types of bacteria in the human distal gut and found that antibiotic treatment influenced the abundance of about a third of those taxa.
A new study finds that antibiotics like ciprofloxacin significantly affect the diversity and abundance of health-associated bacteria in the human gut. The study reveals that even after treatment is stopped, some strains of beneficial bacteria may take up to four weeks or longer to return to pre-treatment levels.
Researchers reveal a surprising mechanism of action for certain antibiotics, finding that they trigger the production of hydroxyl radicals, contributing to bacterial cell death. The study identifies potential new targets for antibiotic development and could help rejuvenate older antibiotics.
Researchers use advanced microscopy techniques to image the structure of peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. The study reveals that glycan strands wrap around the cell like a belt, allowing scientists to better understand how bacteria grow and respond to antibiotics.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases review highlights the growing concern of Acinetobacter baumannii infections, which can be caused by environmental exposure, skin colonization, or hospital-acquired conditions. Researchers emphasize the need for strict hygiene compliance and further research on antibiotic treatment options to prevent major...
Researchers from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston have discovered two new clones of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, MRSA and VREF, in Colombia. These super bugs are causing severe skin and soft tissue infections, with 20% mortality rate, and are resistant to common antibiotics.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found a novel signalling molecule that could stimulate hundreds of new antibiotic pathways in up to 50% of Streptomyces bacteria. The discovery was made using NMR technology and genome mining, and has potential to unlock new antibiotics to combat growing bacterial resistance.
Phase III trials demonstrate iclaprim's effectiveness in treating complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA. The antibiotic showed a high clinical cure rate similar to linezolid and was well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how a specific antibiotic, myxopyronin, kills bacteria. The study found that the antibiotic binds to RNA polymerase, interfering with its ability to use DNA to start gene expression, effectively creating a road block that halts bacterial growth.
Researchers from HZI and Rutgers University discover new mode of action against pathogenic bacteria, inhibiting RNA polymerase. The natural substances also kill bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics, making them promising candidates for development as novel medicines.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a new antibiotic target and mechanism that may lead to new treatments for tuberculosis. The study found that three antibiotics block the action of bacterial RNA polymerase, an enzyme essential for bacterial survival.
A Bayesian network model developed by Stefan Visscher distinguishes between patients with and without ventilator-associated pneumonia, predicting the probability of pneumonia, causative bacteria, and optimal antibiotics. The model uses electronic patient file data to enhance reliability and supports ICU physicians in making decisions.