Research on how bacteria evade antibiotics. Covers adaptive metabolism, water-source resistance, drug-efflux pumps, and microplastic pollutant shuttles.
Resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins is geographically widespread in Southeast Asia, with overlapping distributions in eight countries. The study highlights the urgent need for robust antimicrobial resistance surveillance and improved infection prevention and treatment practices globally.
Researchers extracted genetic programs for glycopeptide antibiotic production from Actinobacteria, revealing precursors date back over 1 billion years. The study shows that resistance co-evolved with production as a means of self-protection for producing bacteria.
Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered that vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) can develop resistance to daptomycin in more than one way. The study's findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which could lead to the development of new treatment strategies or 'co-drugs' targetin...
Researchers found that cigarette smoke can change the DNA and characteristics of pathogenic microbes like MRSA, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This stress response sparks an emergency mutation, resulting in hardy variants that are better equipped to resist drugs.
Antibiotic-resistant genes were found in London's freshwater sources, with the River Thames having the highest levels. The genes come from human and animal waste, which contaminates water bodies through wastewater discharge. Researchers are now experimenting with slow sand filtration to remove these genes.
A recent study found that nearly 9% of healthy women carried multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains in their guts, which can transfer to the female urinary tract and cause disease. The study also showed that these strains persist in the gut for a long time and can be detected in the urine without symptoms.
A recent study found that kissing is a significant route of transmission for gonorrhoea, with rates of infection higher among men who kiss their partners compared to those who do not. The researchers argue that increased awareness and control measures are needed to address the rising global incidence of gonorrhoea.
Researchers at Inserm and Université de Rennes 1 have created new antibiotics effective against Gram-positive and negative multi-resistant bacteria. The compounds, known as peptidomimetics, also appear to prevent the development of resistance when used in mice models.
A new study from King's College London found that GP antibiotic prescribing has decreased overall, but at a slower rate for older patients and those with unclear diagnoses. The study analyzed data from 102 general practices in England from 2014 to 2017 and showed a 6.9% decline in total antibiotic prescribing per year.
Researchers discovered that multiple antibiotic resistance mutations in E. coli acquired simultaneously, rather than through gradual evolution. This finding suggests a recent emergence of the pandemic multidrug-resistant strain, possibly within the last 12 years.
Research reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance among E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae species in Ghana, posing a significant threat to the healthcare system. The spread of these resistant bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces and person-to-person contact is a major public health concern.
Researchers have identified a combination of penicillin and clavulanic acid that can overcome resistance in some MRSA strains, making them potentially effective against the superbug. The study suggests that existing medicines could be used to treat one of the world's major strains of MRSA.
The University of Liverpool and LSTM have received £3.54m funding to develop a personalized approach to prevent and treat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The project aims to use AI, deep learning, and real-time monitoring to provide individualized treatment options for patients.
Researchers found Cannabidiol effective in killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains, and disrupted biofilms. The compound retained its activity under extended exposure conditions that lead to resistance against other common antibiotics.
Researchers found that six probiotic Bacillus strains are resistant to various types of drugs and can still grow in their presence. The study aims to determine if these bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance to harmful bacteria, posing a threat to human health.
Scientists found high levels of clinically relevant AMR bacteria in urban wildlife in Nairobi, carrying a significant risk to human health. The study highlights the importance of taking an ecological approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance by improving urban planning and waste management practices.
Scientists at Emory Health Sciences have found that combining certain antibiotics can effectively target and defeat bacteria with heteroresistance, a previously underappreciated form of antibiotic resistance. This approach may offer a new strategy for treating resistant infections in hospitalized patients.
An observational study found that human contact was responsible for 90% of the spread of one species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to new patients. However, the same level of transmission was not seen with another species, highlighting the need for multiple prevention strategies.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a gene that makes Salmonella resistant to colistin, the drug of last resort for treating multidrug-resistant infections. The mcr-3.1 gene was found in a human patient who had traveled to China two weeks prior to becoming ill with a Salmonella infection.
A systematic review of government policies aimed at reducing human antimicrobial use identified 17 types of interventions, but most were not rigorously evaluated. The authors recommend that governments ensure AMR policy interventions are tested using rigorous study designs to avoid future waste of public resources.
Scientists explore the emergence of novel genes and functional proteins from random DNA sequences, revealing peptides that confer high resistance to aminoglycosides. The study demonstrates how de novo evolution can be studied experimentally in the laboratory.
Researchers discovered a new class of antibiotics produced by the microbiome that kill bacteria by disrupting their energy metabolism. Fibupeptides, such as lugdunin, have shown promise in treating multidrug-resistant infections, including those caused by MRSA.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University studied how Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops resistance to bedaquiline, a new anti-TB drug. The study found that resistance can emerge despite adherence to the standard treatment regimen, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and diagnostic tools.
Researchers at Swansea University have found that Manuka honey is effective in killing antimicrobial resistant bacteria by 39%, improving the activity of some antibiotics. This could provide an alternative treatment for cystic fibrosis patients struggling with deadly, antibiotic-resistant respiratory infections.
A new study has helped develop a treatment option for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections, including complicated urinary tract infections. The treatment, tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide, is an oral antibiotic agent that may facilitate earlier discharge from hospital or treat complex infections in the community.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have discovered a new compound that kills antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli. The compound's unique properties make it difficult for resistance to emerge in the bacteria, paving the way for new treatment options.
Researchers observe DNA transmission between resistant and sensitive Escherichia coli bacteria, discovering a generalist efflux pump facilitating minimal protein synthesis activity. This study opens new avenues for understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers discovered that previously drug-sensitive bacteria can survive exposure to antibiotics long enough to express resistance genes, rendering them immune. The mechanisms underlying this process involve a drug-jettisoning pump and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms like bacterial conjugation.
A new modeling study suggests that rapid tests for drug-resistant infections could turn the tables against bacteria, allowing doctors to target resistant strains with precision. However, the researchers found that asymptomatic carriers must also be screened and treated to reverse the spread of resistance.
A leading scientist proposes five rules to tackle antibiotic resistance, including protecting new drugs and using diverse antimicrobials. The World Health Organisation warns of a post-antibiotic era, and the study aims to provide a roadmap for integrated microbial management.
BioBits Health, a Northwestern University-led project, introduces CRISPR and antibiotic resistance to high school students. Students perform experiments using freeze-dried cell-free reactions, visualizing DNA editing and drug resistance, and exploring ethics.
A new compound, C10, was discovered to increase the effectiveness of frontline antibiotic isoniazid against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a deadly disease. The study suggests that antibiotic resistance in Mtb may be reversible.
A new drug combination of gentamicin and azithromycin shows promising results in treating treatment-resistant gonorrhoea, with a cure rate of 91% compared to 98% for the current ceftriaxone treatment. The study suggests that gentamicin could be used as an alternative for patients who are allergic or intolerant to ceftriaxone.
A team of scientists, led by microbiologist Marjon de Vos, conducted a review to explore the application of evolutionary theory in clinical microbiology. By analyzing microbial communities and genetic data, they identified potential solutions for treating cystic fibrosis patients and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers analyzed over 850 drug-resistant E. coli genomes to identify survival strategies, finding that clones use niche separation and NFDS to evolve and succeed in the host environment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding bacterial ecology to develop effective prevention methods.
Researchers found that a 'superbug' clone of E. coli called ST131 has evolved to prevent itself from becoming the sole dominant clone, allowing it to colonize the human gut more competitively than other strains. The discovery provides insight into how this process happens and may help develop strategies to prevent it.
Researchers developed a drug resistance index to track global trends in antibiotic therapy effectiveness. The study found that high-income countries generally have lower rates of resistance, while low- and middle-income countries face greater challenges due to limited access to newer drugs.
Scientists have created a genetically engineered bacterium that can specifically kill multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria without harming beneficial bacteria. The novel tool, based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system, has shown a minimal rate of emergence of new resistance and has potential applications in treating infectious diseases.
Researchers discovered a gene that enables bacteria to resist linezolid in cats and dogs at a UK animal hospital, suggesting potential transmission between animals and humans.
A study of 230 travelers found that staying in hotels increases the risk of contracting multi-drug resistant bacteria by four times. Younger travelers aged 20-30 are particularly at risk, and people visiting certain regions face a higher risk of infection with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
A European study finds associations between antibiotic resistance and seasonal temperature, with significant contributions to MRSA variance. Climate change may increase AMR transmission, particularly carbapenem resistance, in various healthcare systems.
A UK study found that only one-third of patients with suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) actually have evidence of the infection. In reality, nearly all patients receive antibiotics, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance. The study suggests implementing antimicrobial stewardship initiatives could reduce unnecessary antib...
Researchers at the University of Washington tested the impact of water disinfection methods on antibiotic resistance genes. Three disinfectant methods showed greater than 90% degradation or deactivation, while two others had little to no effect.
A cluster of four NYC hospital patients harboring highly resistant E. coli with the MCR-1 gene were identified, highlighting the risk of spread and need for ongoing surveillance of this rare antibiotic resistance gene.
A novel technology developed by Professor Douglas Kell uses flow cytometry to detect and count individual bacteria in urine samples. This allows doctors to determine the most effective antibiotic for treating specific bacterial infections, potentially reducing the reliance on last-resort antibiotics.
Researchers discover how bacteria evolve mutations that confer antibiotic resistance and find a way to inhibit this process with FDA-approved drug edaravone. The study reveals that low doses of ciprofloxacin induce DNA breaks, leading to mutations in bacterial populations.
A research team led by Natalia Korotkova has identified a potential target for developing a vaccine against Group A Streptococcus, which causes strep throat and other serious infections. The gacH gene, which enables the bacteria to reinforce its resistance to the immune system, is a promising candidate for vaccine design.
Scientists found that certain antibiotics trigger the generation of toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to new mutations and antibiotic resistance. ROS-reducing drugs like edaravone can prevent these mutations, suggesting a potential new strategy to combat resistance evolution
An international study found that wastewater treatment plants in seven European countries have varying levels of antibiotic resistance, with southern Europe showing higher rates. The study suggests that modern treatment plants are effective in removing resistant bacteria, but older or poorly managed plants may contribute to the problem.
Research finds that high levels of hygiene promote resistance to antibiotics, with microbiome diversity decreasing in areas with strict controls. Regular measures such as airing, houseplants, and reducing antibacterial cleaning agents may counteract this trend.
A comprehensive analysis of sewage from 74 cities in 60 countries has yielded comparable global data on antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study found that North America, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have low levels of antimicrobial resistance, while Asia, Africa, and South America have high levels.
Researchers found that even low concentrations of single antibiotics lead to resistance in multiple classes. The team believes alterations in treatment processes can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
The ABATE Infection Trial found that daily antiseptic bathing with nasal ointment reduced hospital-acquired bloodstream infections by 30% in patients with central venous catheters, a high-risk group. This intervention also decreased antibiotic-resistant organisms, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, in this patient po...
New study finds that within two to three years after first infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria adapt rapidly, growing slower and optimizing fitness to survive. Clinicians can monitor bacterial traits such as attachment to surfaces and aggregation in biofilms to detect early chronic infections.
The new rapid genetic test detects the Macrolide efflux gene A, which causes resistance to erythromycin and azithromycin. The test works as accurately as culture-based methods but gives results in minutes, improving point-of-care diagnostics and potentially leading to better outcomes.
A study by Bocconi University found that a new sanitation system reduced healthcare-associated infections by 52% and drug consumption by 60.3%, resulting in a 75.4% decrease in related costs. The system, which uses ecologically sustainable probiotic-based detergents, also led to an 83% decrease in detected pathogens on hospital surfaces.
Resistance to azithromycin and ceftriaxone remains a significant threat, with only limited alternatives left for successful treatment. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitors the effectiveness of recommended antibiotics through its surveillance programme.
The European Union's antimicrobial resistance report reveals that antimicrobials used to treat diseases transmitted between animals and humans are becoming less effective. Antimicrobial resistance has increased in Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria, making it difficult to treat severe cases.
A billion different ways for C-diff to become resistant to metronidazole have been identified. Genetic changes linked to heme levels are thought to be a key factor contributing to this resistance. Researchers are now working to identify new drug targets to combat the growing threat of C-diff, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis.
Scientists at DTU have discovered that a combination of mecillinam and cefotaxime can eliminate multi-drug resistant E. coli causing urinary tract infections. This novel approach could become an effective measure against antibiotic resistance, offering new hope in treating this common infection.