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New weapon targets antibiotic resistance

A new class of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules developed by Rice University scientists kill specific Gram-positive bacteria and their biofilms. The molecules induce reactive oxygen species that chemically attack and destroy drug-resistant cells, offering a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

First-of its-kind study of antimicrobial stewardship programs sheds light on how health systems can enhance care and reduce overuse of antibiotics

Researchers identified four categories of antimicrobial stewardship programs: Collaborative Model, Centrally Coordinated Model, Centrally Led Model, and Collaborative, Consultative Network Model. The study aims to enhance patient care and reduce antibiotic resistance by understanding best practices in these models.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeSurvey·DateAug 24, 2022

New antibiotic resistance genes identified in tuberculosis

A massive analysis of over 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates revealed new genes associated with resistance to 13 antibiotics. The study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the genetic mechanisms of resistance and identifying diagnostic gaps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Managing phage therapy to help save lives

Researchers at Texas A&M University's Center for Phage Technology have completed a study on phage therapy, identifying potential applications to fight multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The study showed promise in treating Acinetobacter baumannii, a deadly pathogen found in hospital settings and the Middle East.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2022

New tool uncovers ‘elegant’ mechanism responsible for antibiotic tolerance in golden staph

Researchers used a new tool to capture hundreds of undiscovered mechanisms of gene regulation in MRSA, revealing a previously unknown layer of gene regulation. The study identified a regulatory RNA that promotes an enzyme involved in cell wall thickening, potentially identifying new targets for antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2022

Researchers lift the veil on stubborn probiotic

NC State researchers discovered a new way to make the difficult-to-characterize gut bacterium Bifidobacterium more responsive to antibiotics. They also found tiny changes in different strains that reflect large differences in their characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Acknowledgment of antimicrobial resistance in regulatory frameworks for accelerated drug approval could improve access to new antibiotics

A new report highlights the importance of acknowledging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in regulatory frameworks for accelerated drug approval. The analysis provides recommendations to improve access to new antibiotics in Brazil, India, and South Africa, where antibiotic development is hampered by regulatory hurdles.

Could a phytochemical derived from vegetables like broccoli be the answer to antibiotic resistant pathogens?

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have found a phytochemical derived from broccoli that breaks down biofilms protecting antibiotic-resistant pathogens, enabling eradication rates of up to 94% when combined with antibiotics. The compound also accelerates wound healing and is being further developed for commercialization.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

A closer look into the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bioaerosols and its monitoring

Researchers explore the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols, including sources and detection strategies. The study highlights the need for monitoring and understanding the relationship between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes to counter the spread of AR.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalReviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2022

New strain of extensively drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae detected in Austria

Scientists detect a highly resistant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Austria, causing treatment failure with current antibiotics. The discovery highlights the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial surveillance and development of novel treatments to combat this growing public health concern.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Louisiana team approach prevents harmful infection from spreading among vulnerable patients

A state health department's swift action halted a nursing-home outbreak of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Improved hand hygiene, enhanced environmental cleaning protocols, and colonization screening helped contain the spread of the organism, with no additional cases detected after implementation of infection control recommenda...

Mechanism of expanding bacteria revealed

Gram-negative bacteria rely on cell wall to synchronize outer membrane building, but a new study identified 'old' peptidoglycan as the key factor controlling this process. Disrupting this mechanism makes Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable to targeted antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

Scientists show how fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics

A study published in eLife has shown that fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics by displaying higher ribosome expression, allowing them to avoid macrolide accumulation. This finding highlights a new survival strategy for bacteria and offers potential avenues for developing improved antibiotic compounds.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJun 7, 2022

New antibiotics could tackle drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria

A new class of antibiotics has been discovered that is highly effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis, with low toxicity and a high level of safety. The new drugs, called PPs, are targeted at the PE_PGRS57 gene and show promise as an alternative to current treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Drug resistance molecule can spread though bacterial 'communities'

A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

New insights into antibiotic resistance

A study by Flinders University researchers reveals how hospital bacteria adapt and resist antimicrobial medications, including colistin. The findings provide potential new therapies for treating multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, highlighting the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMicroorganisms·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

SDSU researchers identify rare genetic markers of drug-resistant tuberculosis

Researchers at San Diego State University have identified rare genetic markers in M. tuberculosis that could improve early detection of drug-resistant strains of the disease, helping prevent their spread. These markers may help block common TB drugs from interfering with the pathogen's ability to synthesize proteins.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Danish study finds superbug C. difficile can jump between pigs and humans, providing evidence of zoonotic spread

A Danish study found that the superbug C. difficile can be transmitted from pigs to humans, suggesting a link between animal agriculture and human infections. The study identified multiple antibiotic-resistant genes shared between pig and human isolates, highlighting the potential for zoonotic spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Scientists use machine learning to identify antibiotic resistant bacteria that can spread between animals, humans and the environment

A ground-breaking software combines DNA sequencing and machine learning to identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmission between humans, animals, and the environment. The study found antimicrobial genes shared across animals, farm workers, and environments, including unknown genes associated with resistance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

New tools against hospital infections?

A synthetic peptide has been shown to block the communication and virulence of resistant Staphylococcus bacteria in an animal model. The peptide, encapsulated in biodegradable microparticles, effectively inhibited skin wound infections.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Bacterial soundtracks revealed by graphene membrane

A team of researchers from Delft University of Technology has captured the sound of a single bacterium using a graphene membrane. The graphene drum detected tiny oscillations caused by the bacteria's flagella, which can be converted into a 'soundtrack' and listened to. This technology has enormous implications for detecting antibiotic ...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 18, 2022

A pre-Easter surprise: massive recall of chocolate products due to outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium in 10 European countries

A multistate outbreak in 10 European countries linked to chocolate products has been linked to monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium, primarily affecting young children. The outbreak strain demonstrated a multidrug-resistant profile, highlighting the importance of including uncommon AMR profiles in early international communications.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022