Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
Researchers have successfully adapted a modified drug molecule to selectively bind to a protein in bacteria, rather than human cells, making it more effective against bacterial infections. This breakthrough could provide a new avenue for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
A Purdue University researcher has received a $2.4 million NIH grant to develop novel inhalation therapeutics for resistant lung infections, which have established resistance to antimicrobial drugs and affect over 2.8 million individuals annually in the US, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths.
Researchers identify critical genes and transport systems in E. coli that enable rapid growth despite sterile urine environment. ABC transporters appear crucial for infection, with inhibitors potentially slowing bacterial growth and complementing antibiotic efforts.
A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.
Scientists identify crucial protein PicA in jumbo phages that selectively transport proteins to replicate inside bacteria. This discovery sheds light on the complex biological makeup and mechanisms within these mysterious viruses.
Researchers found that altering a male mouse's gut microbiota increases the probability of low birth weight and premature death in their offspring. The study suggests a 'gut-germline axis' exists, connecting the gut microbiota to the germline and potentially influencing inherited traits.
Researchers developed a ten-minute breath test to monitor antibiotic concentrations, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood tests. The study found that exhaled breath samples can detect specific metabolites associated with antibiotics, paving the way for potential therapeutic drug monitoring.
Research found high levels of resistance to critically important antibiotics in uncooked meat, including chicken, lamb, beef, and pork. Uncooked dog food samples also showed similar resistance patterns.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Network Open found that over one million newborns were given unnecessary antibiotics for suspected sepsis despite a reduction in sepsis cases. The researchers argue that the treatment burden is too high, suggesting potential to reduce antibiotic use.
A pilot study found that targeted gut-microbiota therapy improved symptoms in almost all patients with post-infection IBS, with 38.5% achieving total remission. The treatment involved a personalised blend of antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics tailored to each patient's unique microbiome.
New therapies aim to strengthen the body's immune responses and restore antimicrobial functions to combat TB. Researchers have identified small molecule compounds that reduce Mtb growth inside immune cells by up to 50-75%, suggesting a potential complement to standard therapy.
A German study of over 1,300 hospitalised adults with moderate COVID-19 found that antibiotic treatment was associated with a five times greater likelihood of clinical deterioration. The researchers highlight the need for improved antibiotic stewardship interventions and rational use of antibiotics during viral pandemics.
A recent US study found that hospital-acquired antimicrobial-resistant infections increased by 32% during the COVID-19 pandemic and still exceed pre-pandemic levels. The study highlights the urgent need for solutions to address difficult-to-treat gram-negative infections, which are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.
A recent study found that infants born via C-section have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while antibiotic use and prematurity fuel resistance. Infants from Africa had more resistant genes than those from Europe. Probiotics may help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in infants by targeting their gut microbiome.
A Cleveland Clinic study uses reinforcement learning to design antibiotic regimens that minimize resistance and maximize susceptibility. The AI model predicts the most efficient treatment plans for multiple strains of E. coli, informing hospital-wide infection management.
A new study finds that antibiotic prescriptions have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 4 prescriptions going to patients who don't need them. This trend threatens to fuel antimicrobial resistance, which kills 48,000 Americans annually.
The American College of Physicians recommends adding SGLT-2 and GLP-1 agonists to metformin in adults with Type 2 diabetes for improved cardiovascular outcomes. The guidelines prioritize shared decision-making, considering individual patient characteristics and values.
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
Researchers have identified a novel class of antimicrobial toxins, dubbed umbrella toxins, produced by soil bacteria Streptomyces. These toxins are large protein complexes that specifically target other Streptomyces species, making them a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
A large study found that antibiotics provided no measurable impact on cough severity or duration in patients with lower-respiratory tract infections. Advanced lab tests confirmed bacterial and viral infections, but treatment didn't affect resolution time.
Researchers evaluated different pig farming systems, finding that none performed well across all four areas: land use, greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use, and animal welfare. However, some individual farms did excel in all domains, highlighting the potential for trade-offs to be minimized.
Researchers have developed novel antibiotics based on protein building blocks with fluorous lipid chains to fight resistant pathogens. The compounds were shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in mouse models, killing bacteria without developing resistance.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with a reduced risk of infective endocarditis in high-risk individuals following invasive dental procedures. However, its effectiveness in moderate-risk individuals is unclear.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers developed Accelerated SuFEx Click Chemistry to create over 150 new molecular compounds, including derivatives of complex natural molecules. These compounds show promise as leads for developing antibiotics and cancer therapies.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new class of antibiotics targeting LpxH protein in Gram-negative bacteria, showing potent activity against multidrug-resistant strains. The discovery holds promise for treating bloodstream infections and has potential for future clinical trials.
A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum shows that an enzymatic cocktail can effectively kill a variety of mycobacterial species, including those causing tuberculosis. The research delivers the enzymes inside host macrophages where mycobacteria grow, increasing efficacy and reducing toxicities associated with current treatments.
Researchers have developed a new antibiotic candidate, COE-PNH2, which demonstrates high efficacy against Mycobacterium abscessus and shows a blend of potency and safety. The molecule targets both replicating and dormant forms of the bacteria, exhibiting robust bactericidal activity and reducing the likelihood of relapse.
A study of 17,000 hospitalized adults found that inappropriate pneumonia diagnoses were common among older adults and those with dementia or altered mental status. Full-course antibiotic treatment for these patients may be detrimental to their health.
Researchers have developed an AI model called SyntheMol that can design new antibiotics against deadly bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii. The model identified six potent antibacterial compounds with non-toxic properties, offering a potential solution to the global crisis of antibiotic resistance.
A team of scientists discovered new fusion sites in protein evolution that enable faster and more targeted drug development. By combining evolutionary processes with synthetic biology, they created customized biological drugs with improved therapeutic properties.
Researchers found that early antibiotic treatment accelerated recovery in COVID-19 patients. The study used a combination of antibiotics, including amoxicillin and rifaximin, within the first three days of infection. This treatment significantly reduced the risk of long-term COVID symptoms.
A new trial demonstrates that non-allergy specialist healthcare professionals can safely assess and remove penicillin allergy labels in low-risk patients, with no serious hypersensitivity reactions reported. This approach has the potential to improve quality of clinical care and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at MIT and University of Helsinki discovered a protein in human sweat that can protect against Lyme disease. A genetic variant of this protein is associated with increased susceptibility to the disease.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC found that primary care telemedicine visits are associated with lower antibiotic prescription rates for children compared to virtual-only direct-to-consumer providers. The study highlights the importance of integrated telemedicine within primary care settings.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers demonstrates that heteroresistance, a common transient resistance in bacteria, can facilitate the development of antibiotic resistance. The study found that heteroresistant bacteria carrying more resistance gene copies result in slower growth and increased risk of treatment failure.
Researchers have identified five LpxC inhibitors that can bind to and inhibit the enzyme, leading to accumulation of inactive enzyme and bacterial cell death. Compound-specific differences were observed in membrane composition and stress responses.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.
A team of international scientists has developed an effective treatment for preventing infection in chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics. The new method involves the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings, producing a unique mix of chemical oxidants that are effective in decontaminating and aiding healing.
A CABI-led study found that 55-89% of respondents answered correctly about antibiotic risks and safe use. Despite this, certain knowledge gaps remain, posing a significant threat to effective infection treatment.
A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.
A new study published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance found that pathogenic bacteria E. coli and A. baumannii employ shared and unique mechanisms to acquire resistance to antibiotics ciprofloxacin and GP6. The researchers developed a method to track the acquisition of drug resistance using whole genome sequencing, which revealed t...
A new cellphone app developed by physician-scientists uses artificial intelligence to accurately diagnose ear infections in young children, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The AI tool is more accurate than trained clinicians and offers a simple solution for healthcare providers.
A new material has been developed that can degrade the widely used antibiotic levofloxacin, considered an emerging pollutant in aqueous environments. The material, comprising iridium dioxide and niobium oxide films on a titanium substrate, showed excellent photoelectrocatalytic activity and stability.
Researchers found duplicated antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria from environments with higher antibiotic use, increasing the likelihood of evolution and resistance to new treatments. The study suggests using antibiotics more efficiently could address the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
Researchers used AI tool AlphaFold to predict and model over 1,400 protein-protein interactions essential for bacterial survival. The study reveals previously unknown details and offers potential targets for developing new antibiotics.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.
Rumbaugh's lab aims to understand the effects of dispersing bacteria from a biofilm on their susceptibility to antibiotics and on the host. They will use enzymes as tools to break up biofilms, allowing researchers to better comprehend the relationship between bacterial dispersal and infection outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
Researchers found an association between the number of ciprofloxacin prescriptions and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. Typhi isolates with QRDR mutations. The study suggests that increased antimicrobial use contributed to the emergence of resistance, highlighting the need for better diagnostics and vaccines.
A team of scientists has developed a new treatment for chronic wounds that uses ionized gas plasma to decontaminate and heal wounds. The technology shows promise in treating diabetic foot ulcers, internal wounds, and potentially cancerous tumours.
A rapid diagnosis protocol using a luminescent paper-based platform has been developed to detect the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The approach uses a supramolecular hydrogel matrix containing terbium cholate that emits green fluorescence when UV light is shined on it.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new antibiotic compound, cresomycin, that effectively targets and kills multiple strains of drug-resistant bacteria. The breakthrough demonstrates improved ability to bind to bacterial ribosomes, overcoming resistance mechanisms.
Scientists at UIC and Harvard developed an antibiotic that effectively suppresses pathogenic bacteria resistant to many commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs. The new antibiotic, cresomycin, binds strongly to ribosomes, disrupting their function and overcoming several common types of drug resistance.
A study found that antibiotic use and high-fat diets reduced Clostridia gut microbes, leading to sorbitol intolerance. Restoring the balance with mesalazine may treat the condition.
Researchers use bacteriophages to target and kill drug-resistant bacteria, with a patient experiencing complete resolution of infection after combination therapy. However, immune response may lead to recurrence, highlighting need for further clinical trials.
Research at Duke University reveals that sex hormones allow Neisseria gonorrhoeae to produce more pumps to fight off antibiotics, increasing the risk of infection. The bacteria can sense its hormonal environment and colonize during specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
A new study found that one bacterial species, Streptococcus mitis, dominates in IPF patients not treated with antibiotics and is associated with better lung function and survival. This protective relationship does not apply to patients who received antibiotics.
A study found that a common food preservative called nisin, which kills pathogens in food, also harms beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers identified six different lantibiotics produced by the gut microbiome and tested their effects on both pathogens and commensal bacteria.