Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that strains of E. coli resistant to one antibiotic can protect other bacteria growing nearby, demonstrating a type of mutualism known as cross-protection. This phenomenon allows bacteria to form drug-resistant communities and survive in environments containing both antibiotics.
A study found that chicken coops and sewage treatment plants are hotspots of antibiotic resistance, with bacteria sharing resistance genes through DNA exchange. This poses a risk to the food system and public health, particularly in developing countries where antibiotic use is high.
Researchers at Denver Health have developed a new diagnostic tool to identify multidrug-resistant organisms in combat-related infections, allowing for faster treatment. The test can characterize multiple pathogens within 2 hours, including MRSA, and determine antibiotic susceptibility with high accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that looks susceptible to colistin, but actually ignores treatment. The strain, called R/S, has a genetically identical subpopulation of resistant bacteria lurking within it, making diagnosis challenging.
Researchers at UTMB identify 94 effective non-antibiotic drugs against Yersinia pestis and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Trifluoperazine, doxapram, and amoxapine show promise in treating plague and other infections.
The pandemic E. coli strain H30 causes persistent and deadly infections, often undetected until severe complications arise. Researchers found that patients with underlying conditions and those in healthcare facilities are at higher risk for infection.
Researchers develop a new mathematical framework to compare different treatment therapies, including aggressive and moderate approaches. The model considers the role of the host immune system in infection clearance, suggesting that optimized treatments can minimize drug resistance without compromising patient health.
Researchers at Wayne State University are developing novel aminoglycoside antibiotics with reduced toxicity and decreased resistance, aiming to combat multidrug-resistant diseases. The project, led by David Crich, will evaluate synthetic compounds in vitro and animal models for efficacy and antibacterial activity.
The new guidelines focus on customizing interventions based on local issues and resources, recommending preauthorization of broad-spectrum antibiotics, syndrome-specific interventions, and rapid diagnostic testing. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Research by Michigan State University found that large-scale swine farms in China and the US are breeding ground for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Partner genes, which can confer resistance to multiple antibiotics, were discovered in Chinese soils and manure, highlighting the need for prudent agricultural antibiotic use.
Researchers at Duke University found that antibiotics do not promote the spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance through genetic swapping, contrary to previous assumptions. The study's results suggest that differential birth and death rates, rather than DNA donation, are to blame for the spread of resistance.
A study found that half of patients visiting their GP with dental problems were prescribed unnecessary antibiotics, despite these not providing a definitive treatment. This has raised concerns about the impact on long-term dental health and potential contributions to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have discovered a method to disrupt cell-to-cell communication and latch-on ability of bacteria, making them vulnerable to antibiotics. This breakthrough offers new treatment options for chronic bacterial infections and may help extend the lifespan of existing drugs.
A global review of 58 studies involving over 77,000 E. coli samples found a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in children's urinary tract infections, particularly in non-OECD countries. Previous antibiotic use increased the risk of resistance for up to six months after treatment.
Researchers discovered novel bacteria species in shower hoses of a US hospital, closely related to known opportunistic pathogens. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes raises concerns about the potential health implications for immunocompromised patients.
A study found that patients bring MDROs on their hands when discharged from hospitals and acquire more during their stay in post-acute care facilities. The study recommends routine hand washing to prevent further transmission, citing increased mobility and interactions with the environment as key factors.
A new study found that premature infants' gut bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, with almost 800 genes identified, including those associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The study suggests that routine antibiotic use in preterm infants may not be effective and could lead to increased infection risk.
Researchers from KU Leuven found that frequent antibiotic use leads to the development of persister cells, which are dormant and tolerant to antibiotics. This phenomenon can lead to the recurrence of infections despite successful treatment.
A long-term study found a correlation between the use of animal manure and an increase in antibiotic-resistant genes in soil. Phasing out antibiotics led to a rapid decrease in resistant gene abundance, suggesting that stopping antibiotic use can help reduce resistance levels.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals the emergence and spread of the virulent Salmonella strain DT104 over 40 years in 21 countries. The strain's resistance to five antibiotics and ability to infect multiple livestock species contributed to its success.
A recent publication by Journal of Environmental Quality highlights the science behind antibiotic resistance in agroecosystems. Key findings include the widespread use of large quantities of antibiotics and animal waste leading to environmental contamination.
A mix of poor public health systems, high infectious disease rates, and inexpensive antibiotics contribute to increasing antibiotic resistance in India. Experts suggest regulating over-the-counter access to antibiotics, promoting behavior change, and improving the healthcare system to mitigate this growing threat.
Researchers found that strains resistant to bacteriocins grew poorly in iron-poor environments, suggesting a potential advantage in targeting resistant bacteria. The study suggests that bacteriocins could be used to target specific strains of multidrug-resistant or highly virulent bacteria.
New research reveals a clear parallel between antibiotic resistance in medicine and similar genes detected in agricultural soils treated with animal manure. The study found that repeated use of antibiotics in agriculture can increase soil bacteria's capacity to acquire new resistance genes.
A team of Dutch investigators has identified NS4B as a potential target for antiviral drug development against dengue virus. A metabolite of acetaminophen, AM404, inhibits replication of the virus. The researchers found that mutations in the viral NS4B protein render the virus insensitive to AM404.
Exposure to specific antibiotics is linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile , one of the fastest growing bacteria superbugs. The study found that fluoroquinolone and macrolide exposure was more frequent in patients with a highly resistant strain, supporting targeted antibiotic stewardship monitoring programs.
The grant will explore various dosing regimens of daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic, to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) bacteria. The research aims to prevent resistance development and improve treatment outcomes for patients with life-threatening infections.
Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered a new strategy for bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics by adopting an 'all-for-one' approach. This allows individual cells to assume high levels of resistance while others avoid extra work, enabling colonies to hedge their bets and persist in infections like cystic fibrosis.
A new study by UGA ecologist J. Vaun McArthur reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance in streams near the Savannah River Site due to environmental contaminants like metals. The contaminated streams have no known input from antibiotics and show that industrial legacy waste can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
A new computer program, Mykrobe Predictor, quickly analyzes bacterial DNA to predict antibiotic effectiveness and detect drug-resistant infections. The software streamlines genome analysis, detecting resistance in over 99% of Staphylococcus aureus cases, with faster results for tuberculosis.
Researchers discovered a unique antibiotic molecule that triggers a bacteria's adaptation strategy, enabling it to resist the drug. The resistant bacteria undergoes morphological changes and can move away from the antibiotic, allowing it to survive and spread.
A new method developed by UC San Diego biologists can quickly identify and characterize compounds capable of controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural product extracts. This breakthrough could shave years off screening efforts and lead to the discovery of new antibiotics, addressing a growing global crisis.
Researchers find migration between bacteria communities key to horizontal gene transfer and spread of traits like antibiotic resistance. Mathematical modeling reveals the secret behind bacterial sex lies in movement between communities, increasing DNA swap chances.
A review reveals prevalent antimicrobial resistance in horse bacteria, particularly E. coli, with emerging multidrug resistance posing a huge challenge for society.
Researchers found a new gene, mcr-1, that enables bacteria to resist polymyxins, the last line of defence against infections. The gene is widespread in E coli and K pneumoniae strains from pigs and patients in south China, suggesting its potential to spread rapidly into human pathogens.
A new study promoted better prescribing practices for urinary tract infections (UTIs), but unexpectedly saw an increase in antibiotic prescriptions. Patients were twice as likely to receive a first-line antibiotic, with nitrofurantoin being the preferred option.
Research suggests that cranberries can help reduce the incidence of symptomatic UTIs, potentially reducing antibiotic use and mitigating antibiotic resistance. Cranberry's unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants may also assist in preserving heart and cognitive health, protecting against oxidative stress.
Research found that composting is most reliable to kill bacteria with resistance genes in cow manure. Composting speeds up decomposition and reduces volume of manure. Manure management practices like composting and stockpiling can make it difficult for resistant bacteria to travel from farm to environment.
Recent gonorrhea susceptibility trends indicate a worsening of susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, particularly cefixime. The CDC's Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project found that the percentage of resistant isolates increased from 0.1% in 2006 to 0.8% in 2014.