Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
A Purdue University researcher has determined the structure of a protein that controls starvation response in E. coli, which can be targeted to combat bacterial infections. The protein is found in numerous harmful bacteria and is an excellent antibiotic target due to its high processivity.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital used computer-generated images of enzyme pantothenate kinase to unlock mysteries of antibiotic resistance and rare brain degeneration. The study found that despite differences in enzyme structure, types II and III can perform the same job as type I, leading to antibiotic resistance.
MRSA is the most common cause of skin and soft-tissue infections among patients presenting in emergency rooms across the country, according to a UCLA study. The infection was found to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics, emphasizing the need for clinicians to culture infections and prescribe effective medications.
A trachoma control programme using the SAFE strategy, which combines surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change, significantly reduced active trachoma prevalence by 92% in two districts. The study highlights the potential for this approach to also benefit other communicable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
A new tooth whitening procedure developed by Dr. Kim L. Capehart has been found to significantly lighten stubborn tetracycline stains, saving patients over $10,000 in dental restorative fees. The treatment involves a combination of prescription fluoride toothpaste, UV light, and customized trays.
The launch of Tygacil (tigecycline) in the UK marks a significant step forward in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and Escherichia Coli. The new antibiotic has been developed to overcome common mechanisms of resistance and offers a single effective therapy for complicated skin and soft tissue infections.
Researchers found that pretreatment with rapamycin induces a protective effect against heart attack injury by maintaining ATP levels in heart cells. The study suggests that rapamycin may be beneficial as a potential therapeutic strategy to limit cell death and prevent long-term heart damage.
A biomarker named procalcitonin can reduce the length of antibiotic treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. Studies found that lower procalcitonin levels could shorten antibiotic use by an average of seven days, but guidelines suggest shorter courses and caution against over-reliance on this marker.
A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that reducing antibiotic prescribing was associated with an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory infections. The research analyzed data from over 15 million hospitalizations and suggested that limiting antibiotic use may not be beneficial in all cases.
The overuse of antibiotics in fish farming can lead to increased bacterial resistance and disease risk. Consuming contaminated fish products can transfer these resistant bacteria to humans, posing a significant health threat.
Researchers discovered that an endogenous peptide called LL-37 plays a critical role in preventing urinary tract infections. Boosting LL-37 levels may provide a new way to prevent UTIs and offer a defense against the infection.
Research reveals that non-pathogenic bacteria from cow manure share antibiotic-resistance genes with multi-drug resistant Salmonella strains on the same farm. Ecology appears to play a major role in the spread of drug resistance, rather than therapeutic antibiotic use.
A new treatment using fosfomycin has shown promise in treating Listeria infections, which cause severe food-borne diseases. The drug was ineffective in laboratory tests but proved effective in the body, highlighting the need to revise testing methods.
Researchers found that a vaccine combined with short-term antibiotic treatment can protect nonhuman primates from inhalational anthrax. The study suggests that this combination may be crucial for successful defense against large-scale anthrax attacks, minimizing the risk of adverse events and improving public health management.
Researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of hearing loss when paired with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic. The study, conducted in China and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 75% lower incidence of hearing loss in patients given aspirin compared to those receiving placebos.
A study examining Campylobacter jejuni isolates from 585 Australian patients found only 2% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, a type of fluoroquinolone. This low level of resistance likely reflects Australia's policy of prohibiting fluoroquinolones for animal use.
Telithromycin shows promise in treating acute asthma attacks, reducing symptoms and recovery time. The antibiotic's anti-inflammatory properties may also help alleviate severity of asthma attacks.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered how bacterial messenger RNA is unfolded to be read by the cell's protein-making machinery. The study reveals essential factors required for this process and provides insights into developing novel antibiotics targeting these vulnerabilities.
The Franz Edelman competition recognizes outstanding O.R.-based projects that have transformed companies, entire industries, and people's lives. The finalists applied O.R. techniques to address complex issues such as antibiotic use in animals, aviation security, and supply chain optimization.
The study found that antibiotics and synthetic hormones can increase antibiotic resistance and disrupt endocrine functions. Researchers identified key metabolites from commonly prescribed medications and hormone replacement therapy, highlighting the need for optimized wastewater treatment processes to remove these compounds.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a single dose of azithromycin significantly reduces the risk of trichiasis recurring for up to one year after lid surgery. The researchers compared azithromycin to six weeks of topical tetracycline treatment and found that azithromycin resulted in one-third fewer recurrences.
Researchers found PDT to be highly effective against drug-resistant bacteria and fungus, including S. mutans and Candida species, with minimal doses of light required to kill nearly all organisms.
Scientists successfully synthesized nisin, a peptide antibiotic, in a test tube using just two enzymes. The compound's unique structure and properties make it a potential candidate for developing new antibiotics with reduced resistance.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel method to weaken Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, making them susceptible to existing antibiotics. The approach, which involves genetic modification, has shown promising results in reducing antibiotic doses needed to kill the bacteria.
A study found that a single mass antibiotic treatment does not prevent the return of eye infections in communities with high disease prevalence. Infection rates rose again after 2 years, highlighting the need for repeated treatments or other measures to eliminate infection.
A recent study indicates a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, affecting urban populations in the Atlanta area. The study reveals that 72% of community-onset skin and soft tissue infections are now due to MRSA USA300 strain.
The study found that timely antibiotic treatment was key to patients' survival, with a mortality rate of nearly 80% when treatment was delayed beyond six days. Anthrax progression to its advanced stage often leads to certain death, even with modern care.
Researchers successfully synthesized a novel vancomycin analogue with enhanced binding ability, showing promise in treating vancomycin-resistant infections. The new compound could potentially lead to the development of more effective antibiotics against these resistant strains.
Researchers genetically engineered E. coli to lack its outer protective layer, making it more vulnerable to antibiotics. Synthetic versions of natural substrates for gram-positive bacteria's membrane formation are also being developed, potentially leading to new antibiotic designs.
A study led by Dr. Antonio Anzueto found that the newer medication moxifloxacin HCI is more effective at treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in elderly patients, with a recovery rate of 97.9%, compared to 90% for the standard medication levofloxacin. The study also assessed cardiac safety and found both treatments to be safe.
Researchers report three cases of severe liver failure and hepatitis linked to telithromycin, a newly approved antibiotic. The study highlights the potential risk of idiosyncratic drug reactions at one medical center.
Researchers screened 480 strains of soil bacteria for resistance to 21 antibiotics and found that all were multi-drug resistant. The study suggests that studying resistance in the soil can help predict future clinical problems and guide the development of new therapies.
Long-term antibiotic medication does not prevent recurrent myocardial infarcts in patients without periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis are more likely to experience cardiovascular events, especially under the age of 65.
A study found that current use of proton pump inhibitors was associated with nearly 3 times the rate of CDAD; use of H2-receptor antagonists was associated with twice the rate of CDAD. The rates and severity of nosocomial CDAD are increasing, posing a significant public health concern.
A recent study published at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting found that targeted antibiotics, specifically rifaximin, resulted in a significant and long-lasting improvement in IBS symptoms. Patients who received the antibiotic experienced a 37% overall improvement in their symptoms, compared to 23% on placebo.
Scientists have captured high-resolution snapshots of the bacterial ribosome, allowing them to build more detailed models and gain insights into how specific antibiotics work. The new data reveals the ribosome's structure and function during protein manufacturing, including its ability to withstand stress and neutralize negative charge.
Researchers have discovered additional sites on ribosomes that could be targeted by antibiotics to combat bacterial resistance. The study provides new potential targets for pharmaceutical companies to create novel antibiotics, keeping pace with the evolving threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a custom small molecule inhibitor that can prevent cholera bacteria from setting up an infection. The approach uses virulence protein expression and has potential to be widely applicable against other important pathogens.
A team of researchers has isolated a new defensin, plectasin, from fungi that is highly effective against drug-resistant bacteria. Plectasin targets specific strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, including those resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Sheila West and colleagues found that yearly mass treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis infection in a Tanzanian community. However, infection re-emerged after 1-year, highlighting the need for sustained antibiotic coverage.
A study suggests a possible link between amoxicillin use in early infancy and an increased risk of dental fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure. The research found that the duration of amoxicillin use was related to the severity of fluorosis on permanent teeth.
A review by Stephen Gillespie and Philippe Gay finds no evidence of antibiotic resistance from GM crops being transferred to bacteria, which would be dwarfed by the impact of human antibiotics use. The authors conclude that while it's possible for transfer to occur, its contribution to antibiotic resistance is low.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have developed a bonding method to create a permanent chemical bond between antibiotics and titanium, allowing it to kill bacteria and prevent infection. This technique has the potential to combat implant-related infections by creating an antibiotic surface that prevents infection from starting.
Researchers report a disturbing convergence of drug-resistant bacteria and virulent new strains of Staph. aureus, leading to severe illness and death in previously healthy children. The study highlights the need for better treatments and a vaccine to combat this growing threat.
Researchers discovered four mutations that increase the efficiency of a bacterial enzyme rendering penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics useless. The mutations influenced the enzyme's active site, allowing it to survive on a drug dose 64 times higher than the original enzyme.
A study found that patients with acne treated with long-term antibiotics were more likely to develop upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The researchers identified individuals diagnosed with acne between 1987 and 2002, comparing the incidence of URTIs in those who received antibiotic treatment versus those who did not.
Researchers discovered that low doses of azithromycin can halt and reverse lung function decline in the majority of lung transplant patients with BOS, offering a new hope for treatment.
A new single-dose ciprofloxacin treatment has been shown to be effective in treating childhood cholera, with 60% of cases cured within 48 hours. However, the new treatment is less effective at eradicating the cholera bacteria from stool compared to a 12-dose course of erythromycin.
Researchers in France tested two intervention methods to reduce antibiotic use in kindergarteners, resulting in a 15% decline in antibiotic use. The study found that reduced antibiotic pressure allowed drug-susceptible bacteria to re-establish themselves as dominant colonizers of the respiratory tract.
Bon Appétit is recognized for its 'Circle of Responsibility' program, incorporating environmentally responsible and sustainable practices such as farm-to-fork sourcing, organic food options, and fair trade choices. The company's commitment to sustainability promotes the health of people and the environment.
A new study found that patient-delivered partner treatment reduces STD recurrence and transmission. The method involves giving patients antibiotics to offer to their partners, resulting in higher referral rates and reduced unprotected sex.
A new study shows that taking antibiotics within two months increases the likelihood of developing resistant bacteria. GPs are responsible for most antibiotic prescriptions in the UK, but may underestimate the individual risk.
A panel of experts judged the relevance of 15 quality indicators, which combined evidence and expert opinion to assess care aspects. The final list included recommendations such as timely initiation of antibiotic therapy and switching to focused antibiotics.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans through contaminated food and handling practices. The European Union ban on agricultural antibiotics has led to a decline in resistant bacteria, suggesting that transmission from agriculture can have a greater impact on human populations than hospital transmission.
A recent study found that outpatient care in the US has made modest improvements in some areas, but still lags behind evidence-based recommendations. The research highlights significant disparities in care, particularly for racial and ethnic minority groups.
Researchers found that doxycyclin effectively killed micro-filariae and adult Wuchereria worms, reducing symptoms of elephantiasis. The antibiotic's low side-effect profile and affordability make it a promising treatment option for this disease.
A randomized trial found that antibiotic treatment does not significantly improve cure rates in children with conjunctivitis. The researchers suggest parents treat children themselves without medical consultation unless symptoms persist or worsen.
A recent review confirms a moderate effect of antibiotics on illness course in acute lower respiratory tract infection. However, the debate continues about the role of antibiotics due to limited evidence. The study found that adopting delayed or no antibiotic strategies reduces both antibiotic use and belief in their effectiveness.
A recent study found that an 8-week course of doxycycline effectively eliminated adult Wuchereria bancrofti worms, a key cause of elephantiasis. The treatment also reduced larval offspring populations, suggesting a promising approach for mass treatment.
A new study suggests that minor surgery plus antibiotics can prevent foot-bone infections and amputations. Patients with diabetes are at high risk, especially those with poor circulation and kidney problems.