Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which bacteria protect themselves from toxic substances, providing new clues for improving chemotherapies. The study reveals that three genes encode proteins that bind to toxins, keeping them separate from the rest of the organism.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that triclosan can induce antibiotic resistance by accelerating the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study suggests that high residual levels of triclosan in everyday environments are contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at Purdue University identified a new compound F6 that is as effective as FDA-approved antibiotics against life-threatening infections. Preliminary tests showed it was less susceptible to bacterial resistance. The compound has been tested against various antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA and VRSA.
A new study highlights the importance of educating nurses about antimicrobial stewardship and obtaining their buy-in to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The research found that nurse participation leads to closer team coordination, cross-discipline collaboration, and ultimately saves lives.
Researchers discovered a carbapenem-resistant, hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate with enhanced virulence and colistin heteroresistance from a patient in the US. The bacteria's increased virulence poses a significant threat to healthcare settings.
A study found that 71.4% of residents in Nguyen Xa village, Vietnam harbored colistin-resistant E. coli bacteria, which showed multidrug resistance to at least one antibiotic drug in three or more classes. The prevalence of household members possessing colistin-resistant E. coli was also high (80.6%).
A study found that patients' beliefs in the harmlessness of antibiotics can lead clinicians to prescribe them more, despite knowledge of side effects, resulting in increased healthcare costs and adverse reactions. The 'WNTAR' belief can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new compound inspired by a natural product that is effective against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. The molecule, JJM-35, has been shown to be up to 50 times more effective than the original natural product against several bacterial strains.
A gene regulation network in Acinetobacter baumannii boosts both virulence and antibiotic resistance when faced with antibiotics. The network, known as BfmRS, controls key processes involved in cell envelope construction and division, leading to increased drug resistance and disease severity.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found a way to increase the effectiveness of common TB antibiotics while reducing resistance. The new compound blocks the bacteria's pumping mechanism, improving drug efficacy. Tuberculosis is a major global health threat, with 490,000 cases of multi-resistant TB reported in 2016.
The UK government has invested £1m in the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) to accelerate the development of a new treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhoea. This funding will enable sustainable access to the treatment in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of infection is greatest.
A study found that higher local temperatures and population densities are associated with increased antibiotic resistance in common bacterial strains. The findings suggest climate change could be compounding an increase in antibiotic resistance, posing a significant threat to public health.
A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control study shows the clear public health benefit of whole genome sequencing in surveillance and control of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The study analyzed over 1,000 isolates from 20 countries, revealing a widespread distribution of drug-resistant strains across Europe.
A genomic approach has mapped antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea throughout Europe, enabling accurate determination of resistance and identification of incorrect laboratory test results. The study established an open genomic database, supporting real-time surveillance of gonorrhoea worldwide.
A recent study found that one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics does not meet expected success rates, while another is as effective as newer drugs. The study suggests re-evaluating old antibiotics against modern standards to ensure patient well-being and restrict newer antibiotic use.
A study has isolated colistin-resistant E. coli from commercial poultry farms in China and hospital patients, revealing the coexistence of mcr-1 and mcr-3 resistance genes on a single plasmid. This finding poses a significant threat to public health due to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
The study found a significant increase in hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among US children over a 13-year period. Children with chronic conditions are at higher risk of infection due to compromised immune systems.
Targeted probiotic supplementation in breastfed infants reduces antibiotic resistance genes by 87.5%, including genes associated with respiratory, intestinal, urinary infections, chlamydia, and acne.
A US study tracked antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii infections among children from 1999 to 2012, finding an overall increase in resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems, but a decline after 2008 due to improved infection control measures.
Researchers discovered a new resistance mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii that blocks the critical antibiotic colistin. The mechanism involves disruption of the hns gene by an insertion sequence element, leading to increased expression of genes that boost colistin resistance.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that treating young children with azithromycin significantly reduced child mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. The intervention resulted in a 13.5% lower overall child mortality rate compared to placebo-treated communities.
A new study published in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions reveals the mechanism by which antibiotics kasugamycin and blasticidin S kill fire blight bacteria in apple and pear trees. The researchers found that the antibiotics target a critical gene, ksgA, leading to bacterial death.
New research shows that low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to high antibiotic resistance in bacteria, with mutations occurring mainly in genes previously not regarded as typical resistance genes. This highlights the need to prevent further development of resistance.
Researchers at Oxford University have identified a genetic catalyst, ampR, that accelerates the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The study found that species carrying the ampR gene evolve resistance at a higher rate than those lacking it.
Researchers have discovered novel chromosomal mutations contributing to fosfomycin resistance in E. coli, with uhpB and uhpC mutations showing highest impact. The study found that these mutations rendered the antibiotic ineffective at lower doses compared to other mutations.
Researchers found piperacillin-tazobactam significantly less effective than meropenem in treating BSI caused by ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The study concluded that piperacillin-tazobactam should be avoided when treating these organisms due to its inferior efficacy.
Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.
Researchers uncover how bacterial 'gene swapping' fuels emergence and spread of infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Recent studies published in PLOS Computational Biology have introduced novel computational methods to explore the molecular function of proteins. These approaches aim to simplify the challenge of determining functions for an ever-increasing amount of known proteins by identifying shared functional sites and predicting their activity.
The gonorrhea bacterium has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, with ceftriaxone being the last effective option. Researchers identified mutations that enable resistance to ceftriaxone, which also impairs growth rate, but lab experiments showed resistant strains can quickly outcompete non-resistant strains.
Researchers analyzed the genome of a deadly, drug-resistant bacterial strain to identify molecular drivers of resistance. The study found four genes responsible for resistance to beta-lactams and other antibiotics.
A standardized set of actions has been established for hospital-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs globally. Seven core elements and 29 related checklist items describe essential standards for hospitals in high- and low-income countries.
A new study reveals that global antibiotic use increased by 39% between 2000 and 2015, with significant increases in low-income and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for strategies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and support alternatives to address the growing threat of drug resistance.
Antibiotic use surged globally between 2000 and 2015, with defined daily doses increasing by 65% and the consumption rate rising by 39%. The trend was most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where antibiotic use rose by 114% and the consumption rate increased by 77%.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.
Researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology identified a family of D-stereospecific peptidases (DRPs) that are involved in combating widely-distributed antibiotics. These genes are phylogenetically widespread and pose a significant threat to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A study published in BMJ Open found that GP surgeries with GPs trained in complementary and alternative medicine have lower antibiotic prescribing rates. This reduction is associated with a decrease in some antibiotic resistance. The authors suggest exploring additional treatment strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at EMBL have unraveled the molecular basis of a major antibiotic resistance transfer mechanism and developed molecules to block its movement. This could help control the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria, including those that are part of our normal microbiome.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia and Deakin University have successfully replicated a unique protein in platypus milk that has antibacterial properties. The discovery could help combat superbugs and save lives.
Scientists at Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology developed a rapid test that identifies bacterial strains and their resistances in under three hours. This breakthrough reduces the analysis time from 72 hours, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered heteroresistance to colistin in already carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, making it harder to monitor and treat. The findings pose a significant threat to public health, highlighting the need for novel diagnostics to rapidly detect colistin resistance.
A team of investigators found the mcr-1 drug resistance gene in Shigella flexneri, a common cause of diarrhea globally. The gene was detected on a transferable plasmid and can jump to other bacteria, raising concerns about its potential spread.
A study published in mBio reveals that a strain of typhoid acquired an additional piece of DNA encoding multiple antibiotic resistance genes, making it extensively drug-resistant. This outbreak highlights the urgent need for preventive measures, including vaccines, to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at Stanford University are using the vibrational Stark effect to measure an enzyme's electric field as it evolves into antibiotic-resistant form. They aim to understand the correlation between electric field changes and antibiotic resistance, with potential implications for developing new antibiotics.
Beewolves have successfully used a combination of antibiotics produced by symbiotic bacteria to protect their offspring from mold fungi for over 68 million years. The antibiotic cocktail has remained surprisingly stable despite the emergence of new pathogens.
The Veterans Health Administration has outlined recommendations to combat the 'crisis' of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in healthcare settings. The recommendations focus on four key areas: transmission dynamics, antimicrobial stewardship, microbiome research, and special populations.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new method called hyperthermophilic composting that kills bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes. This process can reduce the spread of these genes in agricultural environments, making organic fertilizers safer for use.
A new study reveals that the WHO strategy to eradicate yaws is inadequate due to high rates of antibiotic resistance and relapse of latent infections. The research found that even with high coverage rates, mass treatment alone may not be sufficient to achieve elimination, highlighting the need for adapted strategies.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that the current WHO strategy for yaws eradication is insufficient and may not be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains. Researchers recommend treating every individual living in an endemic zone to cure latent infections and achieve elimination.
Researchers discovered carbapenem-resistant plasmids in hospital pipes and sewers, suggesting a vast reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The findings imply that surveillance efforts can minimize patient infections, but the presence of resistant organisms in wastewater raises questions about their impact on public health.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that resistance to azithromycin and ceftriaxone in China is increasing, threatening the effectiveness of dual therapy for gonorrhea treatment. The prevalence of dual resistance rose from 1.9% in 2013 to 3.3% in 2016.
Scientists have developed a new method to rank the risk of resistance genes in bacteria, allowing for better prediction of antibiotic evolution and development. By analyzing 200 genes, researchers identified key factors influencing gene transfer and integration into new hosts.
A new study reveals that millions of unapproved antibiotics are sold in India each year, posing a significant threat to global antibiotic resistance control. Multinational pharmaceutical companies manufacture dozens of unapproved formulations, contributing to the country's high rates of antimicrobial resistance.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that regular surfers and bodyboarders are three times more likely to have antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their guts than non-surfers. The researchers discovered that surfers swallow ten times more seawater, increasing their risk of ingesting bacteria that can survive antibiotic treatment.
A study identified new drug targets and resistance genes in malaria parasites resistant to 37 diverse antimalarial compounds. The research, published in Science, revealed a complex chemogenetic landscape of the parasite's underlying biology.
A multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in eight refugees arriving in Europe, highlighting the need for early detection and isolation. The study's findings led to the development of a rapid PCR test and an EU-wide alert system to prevent further transmission.
Scientists have discovered predictable sensitivities to other classes of antibiotics in Pseudomonas infections, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. The findings suggest that targeting specific mutations could lead to more effective treatments for cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers at University of Queensland developed a new supercharged antibiotic called vancapticins that target bacterial membranes, potentially revitalizing old antibiotics. The rebooted vancomycin has the potential to treat MRSA and VRE, addressing the growing threat of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Researchers discovered a new form of antibiotic resistance in pandemic cholera, where the enzyme AlmG modifies lipid A to prevent CAMPs from binding. This unique mechanism offers a new challenge for overcoming increasing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers propose alternative therapies for mild infections to slow antibiotic resistance development, maintaining effectiveness for severe infections. This approach involves targeting milder bugs that can indirectly hinder the spread of resistant strains.