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Identified the component that allows a lethal bacteria to spread resistance to antibiotics

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

Research raises antibiotic questions

A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that topical antibiotics are moderately effective but not justified due to limited information on adverse effects. The research highlights the need to fight antibiotic resistance and encourages a more cautious approach to their use.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBJS·DateJul 12, 2017

The dust storm microbiome

Research at Weizmann Institute of Science finds dust storm microbiomes differ by region, with rising bacterial species during storms. The study identifies a 'signature' for each source of bacteria based on antibiotic resistance genes, revealing that local sources pose less threat than imported genes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 27, 2017

Simple method measures how long bacteria can wait out antibiotics

A new method, MDK99, measures bacterial tolerance to antibiotics, allowing clinicians to effectively treat antimicrobial-tolerant strains. This metric can also estimate the duration of antibiotic treatments and provide insights into the prevalence of tolerance, ultimately reducing treatment failure and resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 20, 2017

New approach to antibiotic therapy is a dead end for pathogens

A team of researchers at Kiel University has developed a new strategy to combat multi-resistant pathogens by identifying which antibiotics can lead to increased susceptibility to other drugs. This concept, known as 'collateral sensitivity', offers hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Key to 'superbug' antibiotic resistance discovered

A global health threat, superbugs are bacteria resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Monash University researchers identified the first important clues on how to counter superbug strategies, using electron microscopes and comparing data from antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus samples with non-resistant strains.

SourceMonash University·JournalmBio·DateMay 16, 2017

New hope in the fight against superbugs

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how specific bacterial enzymes, known as kinases, confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics. The study provides a detailed atomic view of the kinases and their interaction with different macrolide antibiotics, paving the way for the design of next-generation antibiotics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStructure·DateMay 3, 2017

Bioinspired agent kills drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed an antimicrobial treatment inspired by naturally-occurring peroxidase enzymes that rapidly kill drug-resistant bacteria. The treatment consists of iodo-thiocyanate complexes producing highly reactive anti-microbial substances without a peroxidase enzyme.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 2, 2017

Lighting up antibiotic resistance

Chinese scientists have developed a fluorogenic probe, CVB-1, to detect the activity of multidrug-resistant carbapenemases in an assay system. This technique allows for rapid detection of antibiotic resistance activity by fluorescence, enabling specific treatment strategies and reducing the overuse of ineffective drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 24, 2017

Fighting MRSA with new membrane-busting compounds

Researchers have developed a new class of compounds called lysine-conjugated aliphatic norspermidine analogues (LANAs) that effectively kill certain bacteria, including MRSA. Testing on mice showed that the compounds can eliminate MRSA skin infections with no signs of acute toxicity or resistance development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2017

NIH-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group details progress, challenges

The NIH-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group has reviewed over 70 study proposals and initiated more than 30 clinical studies to address antibacterial resistance. The group's key accomplishments include the launch of the CRACKLE study, a prospective multicenter cohort study designed to characterize CRE infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 9, 2017

How to solve a problem like antibiotic resistance

Innovative ways to target antibiotic resistance include combining antibiotics with non-antibiotics, such as loperamide, which enhances effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Rapid diagnostic tests that can quickly identify bacterial infections and their resistance to antibiotics are also crucial in reducing further develo...

SourceBiochemical Society·JournalEssays in Biochemistry·DateMar 3, 2017

Encouraging signs for potential new antibiotic

A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reveals that epidermicin is as effective as mupirocin in eradicating MRSA from cotton rats' nostrils. The results justify further development of epidermicin as an alternative to existing antimicrobial agents.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 16, 2017