Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
A study sequencing genomes of Shigella sonnei isolates found two clusters of outbreaks, one causing severe gastrointestinal problems due to a toxin gene acquired from other Shigella species and another resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The findings provide insights into the bacteria's virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers at UConn have developed experimental antibiotics that successfully target and kill MRSA bacteria by blocking the enzyme pathway critical to its survival. By understanding the molecular structure of the enzyme and designing tailored inhibitors, the team created compounds that evade previously resistant strains.
A landmark trial found that shortened antibiotic courses for ear infections in young children (9-23 months) resulted in more treatment failures and adverse events without reducing antibiotic resistance. The study showed a significantly higher risk of recurrent infections when residual fluid was present after treatment.
A new approach to prevent burn injury infections was developed by UTSW researchers, which targets the bacteria's ability to bind to host cells rather than killing them. The method, using an engineered adhesion inhibitor molecule, substantially decreased bacterial levels and prevented infection for three days.
A new battery-powered detection system can identify 16 virulent pathogens with high sensitivity and provides positive identification from as few as 10 DNA sequences. The device is designed for use in remote locations where laboratory resources are lacking, addressing the lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
A team of UCLA researchers has developed an automated diagnostic test reader for antimicrobial resistance using a smartphone. The device connects to a phone and conducts testing on up to 96 wells, with results returned in under one minute.
Researchers discovered a bacterium in Lechuguilla Cave that resists 18 different antibiotics, including 'drugs of last resort'. This finding suggests evolutionary pressure has driven resistance for millions of years, not just since antibiotics were introduced.
The FDA's triclosan ban is a starting point for addressing antibiotic resistance and environmental concerns. Researchers emphasize the need for new chemicals that demonstrate both efficacy and safety in replacing banned substances.
Bacteria carrying a transmissible carbapenem resistance gene have been detected in US farm animals, posing a risk to public health. The finding highlights the need for monitoring farms and re-examining agricultural practices that may be contributing to antibiotic resistance.
A novel sulfur-containing molecule has been identified with potent anticandidal activity, offering a new lead for designing effective drugs against Candida species. This discovery highlights the potential of endophytes as a source of bioactive compounds for developing novel medicines.
Researchers have found worrying traces of resistant bacteria in the air, which could lead to the development of last-resort antibiotic-resistant infections. The study analyzed DNA from humans, animals, and environments worldwide and found a wide mix of resistance genes, including those that make bacteria resistant to carbapenems.
Antibiotic resistance increased across Europe in 2015, with EU-wide carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae rising to 8.1%. Prudent use of antibiotics is crucial to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. The European Commission will launch a new action plan to tackle antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have identified four new chemicals that disrupt bacterial proteins called efflux pumps, a major cause of antibiotic resistance. These molecules could drastically reduce the time needed to move from experimental phase to clinical trials.
Highly drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are on the rise among US children, with increasing antibiotic resistance rates reported over the last decade. The study highlights the need for better tracking and prevention strategies to address these concerning infections.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that some hog workers are carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses and may be developing skin infections. The researchers suggest that these bacteria can spread more broadly between animals and humans if not properly controlled.
A new study reveals that a global, transmissible, and increasingly virulent M. abscessus infection is spreading rapidly among cystic fibrosis patients, requiring combination treatment with multiple antibiotics for extended periods.
A new study reveals that small DNA molecules known as plasmids accelerate the evolution of new forms of antibiotic resistance. Plasmids are found in many bacteria and are capable of transferring resistance genes between them.
Research reveals that isolates of Helicobacter pullorum from Indian poultry markets are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, posing a potential public health risk. The study suggests that the bacterium could be transmitted from poultry to humans, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulation.
Researchers have engineered a new antimicrobial peptide that can destroy many types of bacteria, including those resistant to most antibiotics. The peptide also suppresses the overactive inflammatory response and destroys biofilms, making it a promising alternative for treating infections.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that the prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in West Africa is significantly higher than previously thought. The study revealed that MDR-TB strains were widely circulating and drug resistance was a much bigger problem in the region than anticipated.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine found that social media platforms can effectively inform young physicians about proper antibiotic use, improving their knowledge and behavior. The strategy successfully directed medical residents to relevant clinical pathways, resulting in a significant increase in correct usage.
A study has found a link between chlorhexidine exposure and antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. The researchers discovered that certain strains of the bacteria could survive high concentrations of chlorhexidine and develop resistance to colistin, a last resort antibiotic.
A new monoclonal antibody, ibalizumab, has shown promise in treating patients with multidrug-resistant HIV. Eighty-three percent of patients achieved a virologic response after treatment, making it a potential option for those resistant to all other medications.
A first-of-its-kind study of 900,000 hospital admissions found a significant increase in ESBL positive organisms (322%) and C. difficile cases (222%), while MRSA rates decreased by 32%. The study highlights the need for new diagnostic tests to address the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Scientists have developed a new class of small molecules that prevent bacteria from causing urinary tract infections by interfering with a critical factor on the surface of UTI-causing bacteria. The treatment, called C-mannosides, has shown promising results in animal testing and may move to clinical trials.
Scientists at Imperial College London discovered that MRSA releases decoy molecules to escape being killed by daptomycin. The decoys are made of the same type of fat as MRSA cells and allow the bacteria to evade destruction. Further experiments showed that a second antibiotic, oxacillin, can partially prevent decoy release.
Rhode Island Hospital has been awarded a $500,000 CDC grant to investigate the relationship between antibiotics and multi-drug resistant bacteria. The research aims to identify patients at risk of acquiring these resistant bacteria by analyzing their microbiome.
A team of researchers has unraveled the mechanism of a key enzyme involved in bacterial antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and PLOS One, reveals the structure of Rifampicin monooxygenase and provides detailed information on its mechanism of action.
A recent UCLA-led study found that nearly 12% of people diagnosed with pyelonephritis had antibiotic-resistant infections, up from 4% a decade ago. The emergence of ESBL-producing E. coli strains limits treatment options, highlighting the need for new medications and guidelines.
A team of Chinese researchers characterized the 'mobile resistome,' a network of easily transferred antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, including humans and animals. The study found that these genes are shared among multiple human pathogens and can be disabling for six major classes of antibiotics.
A group of experts suggests reframing global efforts against antimicrobial resistance to focus on building societal resilience and maintaining diversity in the global microbiome. This approach aims to address the root causes of resistance, rather than just treating its symptoms.
Researchers created a device called MEGA plate to observe bacteria adapting to increasing antibiotic doses, revealing key insights into the spread of resistance. The study provides a powerful visualization of bacterial movement and evolution.
A new study reveals that bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics by adapting to intermediate concentrations, and that spatial location plays a role in their success. Mutations that increased resistance often came at the cost of reduced growth, which was subsequently restored by additional compensatory mutations.
Researchers have discovered a connection between antimicrobial chemicals and antibiotic-resistance genes in indoor dust. The study, conducted by the University of Oregon, found six strong associations between triclosan levels and antibiotic-resistance genes.
A new study validates a low-cost, rapid, and highly accurate screening tool, KlebSeq, for detecting healthcare-acquired infections. The test can identify multiple strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, including antibiotic-resistant strains, earlier than traditional methods.
A new study identified seven key predictors that can help doctors identify low-risk children who are less likely to need antibiotics. The proposed tool, STARWAVe, uses these predictors to estimate a child's risk of future hospitalization and provides guidance for antibiotic prescribing.
Researchers have identified a strain of E. coli bacteria from a New Jersey patient with a complicated urinary tract infection that harbored resistance to both carbapenem antibiotics and colistin. The study highlights the need for active surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong have successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance. The team's strategy enables the generation of multiple derivatives with promising properties.
Dr. Makrina Totsika is developing a new class of drugs to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, a major threat to public health worldwide. Her research focuses on disarming superbugs rather than killing them, with promising results in preclinical animal models.
According to a German study, nearly 10% of hospital patients carry multidrug-resistant bacteria from home, increasing the risk of transmission. The study highlights the importance of improving hygiene measures, reducing antibiotic use, and increasing training for doctors to prevent the spread of these deadly pathogens.
Researchers isolated MCR-1 gene from a diabetic patient's foot infection in Brazil, marking the first detection of the gene in humans. The discovery highlights the potential for antibiotic resistance to spread within countries.
A French team of researchers discovered that acquired antibiotic-resistant plasmids rarely drop their resistant genes even when selection pressure is absent. The study, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, focused on extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance.
The Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) brings together industry, philanthropy, government, and academia to rejuvenate the antimicrobial pipeline. The partnership aims to deliver a growing portfolio of new antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines to tackle untreatable bacterial infections.
USF researchers found vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bacteria in untreated wastewater after a 2014 sewer line break, posing a public health threat. The bacteria can transfer resistance to other strains, fueling the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Global experts are calling on the UN to create and implement a four-part global action plan to reduce deaths due to limited access to antibiotics. The plan aims to improve access, monitor progress, mobilize resources, and coordinate multisectoral action to tackle antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have identified 10 genetic mutations that can confer resistance to methotrexate, a chemotherapy agent, using a new 'back-to-the-future' approach combining traditional and deep sequencing techniques. This breakthrough offers potential leads for making the drug more reliable.
A new variant of the emerging antibiotic resistance mechanism mcr-1 has been discovered on a multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was isolated from a child hospitalized with leukemia. The newly identified gene, mcr-1.2, confers resistance to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic.
A clinical isolate of bacterial pathogen carrying the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has been detected in humans in the US, sparking concerns about antibiotic resistance. The isolate was found to be susceptible to several commonly used antimicrobial agents, but its plasmid-mediated nature is still unknown.
A study found that 14% of patients kept a stash of antibiotics at home and 40% used them without a prescription. Self-prescribing can lead to antibiotic resistance and serious side effects, highlighting the need for proper medical guidance.
Research reveals bacteria adaptation influences antibiotic spectrum, leading to increased sensitivity to some antibiotics while resisting others. This study paves the way for targeted treatments.
A study published in mSystems journal found that Boston's subway system is heavily colonized by microbes from human skin, with surface type being the major driver of variation. The majority of microbes found were from normal human skin and were harmless, but some samples showed low levels of gut and oral microbes.
A study of 39 Finnish infants found that antibiotic treatments during childhood reduced the diversity and stability of their intestinal microbiota. The research highlights the potential long-term health consequences of unnecessary antibiotic use in children.
A new clinical trial shows that drinking 8-ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily reduces recurrent UTI episodes by nearly 40%. Cranberry consumption may help alleviate the burden of antibiotic resistance and improve quality of life for women suffering from recurring UTIs.
A new business model is required to drive antibiotic development, driven by market failures and perverse incentives that hinder conservation efforts. The proposed delinkage of rewards from sales volume could transform the industry and ensure the development of much-needed new treatments.
Researchers study manure management techniques to prevent antibiotic residues from entering waterways, with potential implications for human health and food safety. The $1 million project evaluates three waste-processing methods: anaerobic digestion, composting, and long-term storage.
Recent research reveals that antibiotic-resistant strains may be fitter and more virulent, complicating the fight against bacterial infections. The discovery challenges the long-held paradigm of a fitness cost associated with antibiotic resistance.
A transferrable gene for colistin resistance has been discovered in the United States, raising concerns about the emergence of truly pan-drug resistant bacteria. The finding is a significant public health concern, as it may render colistin, the last agent used to combat resistant bacteria, ineffective.
Agricultural practices like animal husbandry and manure disposal are thought to contribute antibiotic-resistant bacteria to soil microbiomes. The study aims to understand the transfer of resistance genes in different soil types and inform government policies.
Researchers created a simplified platform to make macrolide antibiotics without the original molecule, enabling potential solutions to antibiotic resistance. The platform has shown promise in initial testing against clinical bacterial strains and resistant superbugs.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment in men who have sex with men (MSM) speeds up the spread of antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, contrary to intuitive expectations. The study suggests that increased screening and treatment may inadvertently drive resistance, highlighting the need for balanced treatment recommendations.