Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
Scientists have developed an enzyme that degrades the capsule surrounding the bacterium that causes anthrax, reducing virulence and protecting mice from infection. The treatment, known as PEG-CapD-CPS334C, is a promising avenue for treating multidrug-resistant anthrax and other bacterial infections.
Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.
A new white paper shares practical strategies to inform stewardship efforts and ensure appropriate use of antibiotics, citing the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance leading to 23,000 preventable deaths each year. Implementation science principles can bridge the evidence-practice gap.
A new study led by Rice University engineers finds that microplastic pollution contributes to the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. The researchers discovered that aging polystyrene breaks down into microplastics with high surface areas, trapping microbes and leaching chemicals that enhance gene transfer.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin investigate the epidemiology and population biology of Enteroccocus faecium, a high-priority pathogen. They found that Irish isolates have evolved independently and are diverse, with a unique genetic transposon element encoding vancomycin resistance.
A recent study found that antibiotic resistance rates for Helicobacter pylori are decreasing in European countries. The use of three antibiotics over 10-14 days resulted in success rates of over 90%. The researchers hope to reduce antibiotic consumption to prevent further resistance.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to manipulate key assembly line enzymes in bacteria using CRISPR-cas9 gene editing. This approach could lead to the production of improved antibiotics with potentially improved properties, addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
A study led by New York University researchers found that the FDA-approved hepatitis C treatment telaprevir can increase bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and reduce antibiotic resistance. The antiviral blocks the function of essential proteins in bacteria, revealing an opportunity to repurpose the drug to use alongside antibiotics.
Researchers have found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial spores, reducing their numbers by over 1,000 times. The technology has the potential to be used to sterilize wounds and disinfect blood products, and may also be used to treat bloodstream infections.
The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a vaccine method against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) using metal-organic frameworks. The new approach produces substantially enhanced antibody production and significantly higher survival rates in mice compared to standard vaccine preparation methods.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new group of small antibacterial compounds that inhibit the formation of bacterial cell walls, showing promise against antibiotic-resistant strains. The molecules work by binding to lipid II, a crucial molecule for bacterial cell wall construction.
Researchers have identified compounds that interfere with fungal enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis, potentially overcoming resistance to current treatments. These compounds show promise as antifungal agents, effective even against drug-resistant strains of fungi.
A rapid same-day test has been developed to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients on intensive care, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance. The test uses nanopore sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal pathogens present in patient samples.
Scientists used computational strategies to evaluate antibiotic candidates, identifying a promising new variant that is up to 56 times more active than existing antibiotics. This approach enables faster and more affordable development of new antibiotics, helping to combat resistance.
Research identifies way of using nanoparticles to target and disrupt bacterial cells, making them more susceptible to standard antibiotic treatments. Laboratory studies show a strong effect in killing a range of bacteria, including some linked to hospital-acquired infections.
A new study found that most pregnant women with a penicillin allergy label are not allergic, but rather have Group B Strep or need antibiotics for labor. Testing for penicillin allergy can help reduce antibiotic exposure and ensure safer treatment options.
The need for new antibiotics is critical due to rising antibiotic resistance, which kills over 35,000 people annually in the US. Research by Harvard Medical School aims to develop better antibiotics by targeting essential bacterial proteins.
A new technique measures bacterial metabolic activity with an electric probe to identify antibiotic resistance in less than 90 minutes. This rapid method enables doctors to quickly determine which antibiotics will or won't work for a patient's infection, improving treatment decisions and potentially saving lives.
Researchers have made a giant leap in fighting antibiotic resistance by using supercomputers to redesign existing antibiotics. The new approach shows that the redesigned antibiotic is up to 56 times more active than two existing antibiotics on the World Health Organisation's list, and potentially effective against three top-ranked bact...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that interleukin-26 plays a critical role in bacterial pneumonia by directly killing bacteria and modulating the immune system. This finding positions IL-26 as a new potential target for biological treatment of pneumonia, an increasing global health threat.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that temocillin was effective in treating febrile urinary tract infections with fewer resistant bacteria. Temocillin acts specifically against E. coli and other intestinal bacteria, reducing the risk of treatment failure.
A new study reveals that iboxamycin effectively fights both gram-negative and gram-positive drug-resistant bacteria in mouse models. The researchers discovered the molecular mechanism that allows this drug to overcome resistance, which is important for developing new antibiotics.
A study found that infant formula is associated with a 70% higher occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in newborns. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, reduces the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, potentially lessening the risk of difficult infections.
Researchers have recorded the sharpest images of living bacteria, revealing a complex architecture that makes them harder to kill by antibiotics. The study found that bacteria with protective outer layers may have stronger and weaker spots on their surface.
Researchers revealed that β-lactam antibiotics like penicillin kill MRSA by forming small holes in the cell wall, which gradually enlarge and lead to bacterial death. This discovery provides new avenues for treatment developments against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Researchers at Cornell University used machine learning to predict the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, identifying potential networks of exchange and driving factors. The approach could help control the spread of antibiotic resistance and develop new targets for novel antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a novel resistance mechanism in Staphylococcus aureus, which protects the bacteria from vancomycin. By binding vancomycin to its cell wall, the strain prevents the antibiotic from reaching the membrane and killing the bacteria.
Researchers have developed new qPCR assays to quantify the transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using water and wastewater samples. These methods provide a more exact way to determine AMR by measuring DNA in wastewater samples.
Researchers identified a bacterium on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections in humans and pets. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MRSP infections in dogs and potentially other inflammatory skin diseases.
A new study suggests that a novel treatment involving the administration of an enzyme that degrades neutrophil nets may prevent brain swelling and improve waste clearance in rats with bacterial meningitis. The treatment could be combined with antibiotics if needed.
A new hydrogel treatment kills drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, and induces the expression of naturally-existing antimicrobial peptides in human skin cells. The gel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and scalable.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have contributed to a study on a new antibiotic that may cure Lyme disease and eradicate its occurrence from the environment. The antibiotic, hygromycin A, targets the ribosomes of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and shows promise in treating the disease.
The cost of establishing laboratories to track antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asian hospitals is substantial, making it challenging for many countries to implement such programs. Financial support is crucial to overcome these costs and provide effective antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Exeter develop a new method to mimic microenvironments in the human body, overcoming a major obstacle to using phage therapy. The study finds that phage can effectively kill bacteria in these environments without promoting genetic resistance.
A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
A large trial found that antibiotic amoxicillin has little effect on relieving symptoms in children with uncomplicated chest infections. The study also highlights the need for 'safety-netting' advice to parents, explaining illness course and when re-attendance may be necessary.
A new study from Cornell University has found that the antimicrobial properties of certain stem cell proteins can effectively reduce the viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in skin wounds. The treatment also stimulates the surrounding skin cells to build up a defense against the bacterial invader.
Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...
A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.
Researchers found that human antibiotic use increased resistance to antibiotics in bears' bacteria, affecting even those far from civilization. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic use can help decline resistance rates.
A whole genome analysis of a Staphylococcus aureus collection recovered from Cape Verde reveals high genetic variability among isolates. The study identifies three primary genetic clusters associated with lineages ST152, ST15, and ST5, commonly found in S. aureus infections worldwide.
A research team at HKU has developed a framework to evaluate the risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) based on three factors: human-associated environments, gene mobility, and host pathogenicity. The framework provides a risk hierarchy for ARGs, allowing for informed decision-making on tackling environmental ARGs.
Scientists detect early resistances to new antibiotic combination in Germany, limiting its potential as a treatment option for carbapenem-resistant pathogens. The study highlights the importance of genome-based surveillance for early detection of new resistance developments and emerging pathogens.
A virulent Salmonella Enteritidis strain has been sequenced from two consecutive poultry flocks in North Carolina State University. The strain, SE_TAU19, exhibits seven antimicrobial resistance genes and 120 virulence genes, posing a threat to human health. Genome sequencing provides valuable data for tracing outbreaks and preventing f...
A CDC analysis of National Healthcare Safety Network data revealed a significant increase in four types of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with central line infections rising by 46-47% compared to pre-pandemic rates.
Using sequential antibiotic treatment with similar but swapped antibiotics slows down bacterial adaptation to drugs, reducing cross-resistance. The study used Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found that fast switching between antibiotics constrained bacterial evolution.
Researchers have identified a unique sequence essential for efficient multidrug efflux function of the MtrD protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a key mechanism for antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.
A study found that commercial composts contain more airborne pathogens than backyard composts, while immature compost samples have high levels of antibiotic resistance genes. The researchers hope to improve their detection method to assess the threat to humans.
Researchers analyzed oral bacteria of wild brown bears to track history of human antibiotic use and find significant decrease in antibiotic resistance after national policies were implemented. The study highlights the effectiveness of governmental policies in mitigating a major health threat on a national level.
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
Researchers discovered that human milk oligosaccharides can prevent GBS infections in cells and tissues, and in mouse models. The sugars may act as anti-adhesives and prebiotics to support good bacteria growth, making them a potential substitute for antibiotics.
A study found that COVID-19 restrictions led to a 36% drop in antibiotic dispensing rates in Australia, primarily for respiratory tract infections. The decline continued into winter and was seen across all age groups, suggesting it was not due to reduced access to healthcare.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases documents the person-to-person transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pneumonic plague in an outbreak in rural Madagascar. The AMR strain was resistant to streptomycin but susceptible to co-trimoxazole, and all patients treated with antibiotics survived.
A study by Duke University researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the guts of lemurs living close to humans. The closer the contact, the more resistant bugs were found. Proximity to humans determined the type and abundance of resistance genes acquired.
A six-month observational study found significant MRSA shedding during outpatient visits and appointments, with 38.5% of carriers shedding MRSA to the environment. The presence of a culture-positive wound was the only factor significantly associated with shedding.
Dr. Jitender Mehla has received a National Institutes of Health Grant to study small molecule-based inhibition of multidrug efflux pump in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a serious threat to hospital-acquired infections. The proposed research aims to develop antibacterials effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.
A new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that preoperative urinalysis screening for asymptomatic patients undergoing surgery has little or no benefit. However, the test may lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and exposure to potential harms, including Clostridium difficile infection.