Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
A recent study found that a 'watch and wait' approach to treating kids' ear infections could significantly reduce the overuse of antibiotics. The study surveyed over 2,000 parents in Massachusetts communities, revealing mixed attitudes towards this treatment method.
A study by the American Thoracic Society found that measuring hormone levels can reduce antibiotic use in pneumonia patients. The study showed that patients with low procalcitonin levels were not given antibiotics and recovered similarly to those who received a full course of antibiotics.
Researchers found that rifaximin significantly improved disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. The analysis of 8 patients showed a mean decrease in Harvey Bradshaw index of 7.1, indicating potential effectiveness as a treatment.
Researchers at Scripps Institute find a protein called LexA promotes mutations in bacteria, enabling them to evolve resistance to antibiotics. By inhibiting this protein, the bacteria's ability to evolve can be halted, potentially prolonging the potency of existing antibiotics.
Researchers found rifaximin significantly reduces mild diarrhea in travelers, while updated guidelines advise against hormone replacement therapy (HT) for postmenopausal women after hysterectomy. A study also discovered that slightly elevated blood sugar levels do not increase the risk of new heart attacks in women with established cor...
A clinical trial found rifaximin effective in preventing travelers' diarrhea, with only 14.74% of participants experiencing symptoms after two weeks of daily dosing. The antibiotic lacks side effects and does not stimulate resistance in bacteria, making it a promising preventive measure.
Researchers have discovered the structure of a membrane transporter protein used by bacteria and human cancer cells to evade drugs. This finding could lead to improved cancer therapy and more effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. The protein, MsbA, plays a crucial role in bacterial cell growth and is now being studi...
Researchers propose that antibiotic-mediated DNA damage triggers a bacterial repair mechanism, increasing the likelihood of mutations leading to antibiotic resistance. Blocking this pathway could provide a promising strategy for controlling the spread of superbugs.
Two studies document a significant rise in superbugs, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), affecting people worldwide. The prevalence of MRSA has more than doubled, with 76% of community-acquired isolates being resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a key mechanism behind antibiotic resistance in bacteria. By analyzing the structural changes caused by a single nucleotide mutation, they found that this alteration reduces the ability of antibiotics to bind to ribosomes, allowing resistant bacteria to rapidly cause infections.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, including macrolides and lincosamides. The study revealed new details about the structural basis of drug resistance and identified potential targets for developing new hybrid antibiotics.
A recent US study found no benefit from treating C. pneumoniae bacteria with an antibiotic in reducing the risk of heart attack or improving overall cardiac outcomes. The Azithromycin coronary events study (ACES) assigned over 4,000 participants to receive either antibiotics or a placebo for one year.
A new study found that antibiotic treatment with azithromycin did not reduce the risk of heart attacks, unstable angina, or other cardiac events. The study enrolled over 4,000 participants and followed them for nearly four years, with no significant difference in outcomes between those receiving antibiotics and placebo.
Researchers found that combination therapy with antibiotics and vaccination is the best strategy for preventing death and disease, while also being the least costly option. The study suggests that widespread pre-attack vaccination is not particularly effective due to high costs, emphasizing the need for rapid distribution systems.
Researchers have found that a key clone of community-acquired MRSA has evolved from the 1950s pandemic-causing strain, developing resistance to meticillin antibiotics. The highly-virulent toxin Panton-Valentine leucocidin is shared by both strains, posing a serious public health challenge.
A study suggests that community acquired MRSA has evolved from a 1950s pandemic-causing strain, developing resistance to treatment by powerful antibiotics. The new strain shares the same highly-virulent toxin and poses a serious public health challenge.
Conventional poultry producers like Tyson and Perdue have higher rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter contamination than completely antibiotic-free brands like Eberly and Bell & Evans. The study's findings suggest a long-term threat to public health from using antibiotics in poultry production.
Max Planck scientists have developed a novel therapeutic strategy against anthrax using defensins. These molecules can neutralize the lethal toxin of anthrax bacilli, preventing its deadly effect and protecting against fatal consequences.
Kao's research uses DNA microarrays to measure gene expression and identify a mutation that increases the production of erythromycin by five days. By recreating this mutation, she aims to develop new antibiotic-producing bacteria, revolutionizing the field of antibiotic synthesis.
University of Florida researchers have developed a patent-pending method to improve antibiotic development, combining testing of various drug concentrations at the site of infection with laboratory analyses and mathematical models. This approach aims to reduce the lengthy and expensive trial-and-error process that can take years.
A randomized trial found that 3-day regimens of amoxicillin-clavulanate were less effective than ciprofloxacin in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis in women. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was also less effective among susceptible bacterial strains, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
Despite advances in molecular biology, microbes have outpaced pharmaceutical companies in developing resistance to antibiotics. Dr. Julian Davies highlights over 300 known genes that confer resistance, and notes the need for a deeper understanding of microbial evolution.
A study led by Hopkins researchers found that providing packets of antibiotics or mailing medication directly to partners significantly reduced re-infections with gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The expedited approach resulted in a 68% decrease in re-infections with gonorrhea and an 18% decrease overall, when results for both diseases were co...
A new study found that a once-daily treatment of the antibiotic tobramycin is effective in treating cystic fibrosis patients, particularly in reducing kidney-related side effects. The trial recruited 219 patients and showed similar results in both children and adults.
A study found significant variations in antibiotic use across European countries, with higher rates in southern and eastern regions. The research suggests that population-based studies are needed to understand the motivations behind antibiotic use and develop effective strategies to reduce resistance.
A novel sensor has been developed to measure tiny changes in cell volume, providing real-time results for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The technology, known as 'cell volume cytometry,' is highly sensitive and can detect changes in cell dimensions never seen before in living cells.
Dr. Walsh will focus on his research on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesize a variety of biologically active peptides. He will discuss the molecular logic of enzymatic assembly lines and tailoring enzymes that modify the peptides.
A randomized controlled trial found that amoxicillin was more effective than placebo in treating middle ear infections in children, but showed no significant difference in adverse events or recurrence rates. The study suggests that antibiotics may be a useful treatment option for this common childhood illness.
A large multi-center clinical trial is planned to test the safety and efficacy of antibiotics in treating ALS. Daily injections of ceftriaxone delayed nerve damage and extended survival by 10 days in mice with a Lou Gehrig's disease model.
A recent study explores the issue of antibiotic misuse, finding that more than half of patients in the US are taking unnecessary antibiotics for colds and flu. The study aims to educate providers and patients on proper use of antibiotics, highlighting the risks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Research suggests that changes in gut microflora can intensify immune reactions to common allergens, increasing the risk of chronic allergies or asthma. A mouse model study found that antibiotic treatment led to an overzealous allergic response in the lung.
A randomized trial involving over 650 participants found that OTC acne treatments were as effective as oral antibiotic tablets. Benzoyl peroxide was identified as the cheapest and most cost-effective treatment, with a significant difference in cost-effectiveness between regimens.
Evolutionary adaptation leads to permanent antibiotic resistance in fungi, making it difficult to prevent its spread. Researchers focus on reducing dependence on antibiotics to combat this growing issue.
Researchers developed a probability model to predict how many cases of anthrax could be prevented under varying conditions. The study found that antibiotics distributed within 6 days after exposure and taken for 60 days can prevent up to 70% of anthrax cases.
Scientists have identified a promising new antibiotic target in diphosphomevalonate (DPM), which can inhibit the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and prevent its survival. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel antibiotics to cure pneumonia and other streptococcal diseases.
A recent study published in Journal of Bacteriology has identified the HipA gene responsible for making persister cells resistant to antibiotics. Biofilm infections, which can cause fatal lung infections, periodontal disease, and other serious health issues, are notoriously difficult to treat.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Enterococcus and staphylococci, were found airborne in concentrated swine operations. The study highlights the importance of environmental pathways in transmitting antibiotic-resistant bacteria from animals to humans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new molecular switch that can transform bacteria into working sensors. The device, created using a novel fusion technique, shows promise for detecting cancer cells, releasing drugs, and monitoring chemical or biological agents.
A randomized trial found that daily doses of cheap antibiotic co-trimoxazole nearly halved the mortality rate compared to placebo among HIV-infected children in Zambia. The study suggests that all children with clinical features of HIV infection in Africa should receive co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, regardless of age or CD4 count.
A mathematical model suggests that antibiotic use in chickens can decrease the risk of food-borne illness while potentially increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but the benefits outweigh the risks according to researchers.
A study of 2,279 patients found that hand washing was a key factor in preventing MRSA infections. Patients who received antibiotics were more likely to be infected with MRSA due to unclean hands among healthcare workers.
Researchers found no statistically significant increase in antimicrobial resistance among patients with CRS over time. In fact, many patients showed reversion to lesser degrees of resistance, suggesting a possible decrease in antimicrobial use and its impact on resistance patterns.
A new study identifies actinonin-based antibiotics as a potential treatment for cancer. Human mitochondrial peptide deformylase is found to be a key target in this approach, offering new avenues for cancer research and therapy.
Despite widespread concern about bioterrorism, only one in five patients who discussed anthrax with physicians received antibiotics or vaccines. Antibiotic prescription was most highly associated with patient requests and report of potential exposure.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a new mechanism in bacteriophages that allows them to rapidly evolve new variants to target bacterial resistance. This discovery has the potential to create
The Azithromycin and Coronary Events Study (ACES) found no reduction in cardiovascular events among participants treated with azithromycin. The study suggests that Chlamydia pneumoniae may not play a significant role in the late-stage development of coronary heart disease.
The landmark PROVE IT-TIMI 22 trial found that a long-term regimen of antibiotics designed to kill Chlamydia pneumoniae does not reduce the risk of heart attacks or cardiovascular disease. Researchers recommend focusing on proven therapies like high-dose statin therapy and ACE inhibitors instead.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a method to generate potentially hundreds of aminocoumarin variants, which are inhibitors of bacterial type II topoisomerases. The approach uses bacterial enzymes to add different chemical moieties to the coumermycin A1 backbone, resulting in compounds with tailored properties.
The study found that USAMRIID's biosafety and medical management program effectively prevented laboratory-acquired infections, with only five confirmed cases in a fourteen-year period. The review emphasized the importance of vaccination and early evaluation of potential exposures.
A new model shows that antibiotic cycling, alternating between classes of antibiotics every few months, probably won't work in stopping the spread of hospital-acquired antibiotic resistance. Instead, a mixing approach, where patients receive different antibiotics randomly, may be more effective in reducing resistance levels.
Researchers at University of Texas found no benefit to restrictive diets for travelers with diarrhea, contrary to traditional advice. The study suggests that simple carbohydrates may aid in gut repair and symptom alleviation.
Researchers at The Burnham Institute have determined the crystal structure of the anthrax-cell binding complex, offering new leads for the discovery of antitoxins. This breakthrough also provides insights into using anthrax toxin as an anti-tumor agent, with potential applications in treating cancer.
Scientists visualize bacterial ribosome recycling factor (RRF) structure using three-dimensional cryo-electron microscope, shedding light on its role in protein synthesis. RRF is a promising target for designing new antibiotics as it differs between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Patients with diabetes, females over 70, or obesity are more likely to develop postoperative mediastinitis caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Identifying these risk factors enables the design of preventive strategies.
Researchers found that antibiotic therapy can promote allergic airway responses in mice, particularly when Candida albicans colonization occurs. The study suggests a potential link between antibiotic use and human allergies.
Researchers found that antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to increased lung sensitivity to allergens. This disruption can trigger a hyperactive immune response, producing allergy symptoms or even asthma. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbes is crucial in regulating the immune system.
A new study isolated a compound called dodecenal from fresh cilantro leaves, which is found in salsa, and showed it to be twice as potent as the antibiotic gentamicin at killing Salmonella. The researchers believe that eating more fresh salsa could help prevent foodborne illness.
A double-blinded trial with 270 children aged 2 months to 23 months found that zinc therapy reduced severe pneumonia symptoms and signs, and overall hospital stay. Zinc also showed promise in reducing antibiotic-resistant infections.
A team of chemists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a key enzyme essential for the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Disrupting this enzyme could lead to the development of a new family of antibiotics, providing hope for millions of people affected by multidrug-resistant TB.
Despite a growing need for new antibiotics, only six are being developed out of 506 drugs, with FDA approvals declining by 56% over the past 20 years. Researchers have identified a novel structural signature in antimicrobial peptides that could accelerate development of new treatments.