Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
New nanopore DNA sequencing technology has been shown to revolutionize genomic sequencing of drug-resistant bacteria, enabling rapid diagnosis and identification. The technology, called MinION, is small, affordable and accessible, and can produce accurate results in just 18 hours.
Researchers have created a new method to quickly identify bacteria causing infections and determine antibiotic resistance, which could lead to timely treatment and reduced antibiotic use. The innovative approach enables rapid identification of bacterial species and resistance patterns in under four hours.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease cases caused by bacteria resistant to one or more antibiotics. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in South Africa has led to substantial reductions in antibiotic-resistant invasive pneumococ...
A new study has identified a human gene that provides natural resistance to typhoid fever. The HLA-DRB1 gene codes for a receptor important in the immune response against invading bacteria. This finding holds promise for developing improved vaccines and treatments for typhoid fever.
Researchers found that 85% of antibiotic prescriptions were made empirically without culture data, leading to 65% being inappropriate treatments. Wider use of antibiograms improved prescribing by 40%, but addressing the issue requires combined efforts with better monitoring and limiting certain drug usage.
Researchers have identified a new treatment using specially engineered liposomes to neutralize bacterial toxins, preventing cell death and disease progression. This treatment offers an alternative to current medications for infections resistant to antibiotics.
This Special Issue examines the evolution of knowledge on infectious diseases, military psychiatry, and surgical pain since World War I. Research highlights the need for new antimicrobial drugs and improved treatments for post-amputation pain, while also discussing the impact of war on healthcare and public health policy.
A new EU-funded consortium aims to develop new economic models for antibiotic R&D and define responsible use of dwindling antibiotics. The DRIVE-AB project involves 11 European countries and partners across industries to address the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Arizona State University found traces of 5 antibiotics in shrimp, salmon, and other seafood samples from 11 countries. The study highlights the need for regulation on antibiotic use in aquaculture to prevent resistance development.
High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy reveals the structural changes in the bacterial ribosome that result in resistance to erythromycin. The study sheds light on how bacteria acquire resistance genes and how they interact with antibiotics.
EPFL scientists have developed two small molecules that can overcome the multidrug resistance of Mtb, a bacterium that causes tuberculosis. The compounds inhibit the secretion of virulence protein EsxA and exert multiple effects against Mtb's molecular apparatus.
A study found that approximately 50% of hospitalized patients were receiving antimicrobial drugs, with half of those receiving 2 or more. The most commonly used drugs were vancomycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftriaxone, primarily for treating infections.
Research at Uppsala University finds that plasmids with genes for resistance can be enriched by very low levels of antibiotics and heavy metals, suggesting environmental contamination contributes to the problem. This highlights the need to reduce antibiotic use and minimize exposure to heavy metals.
Researchers develop a novel antibiotic technique that uses the CRISPR enzyme to target specific DNA sequences in drug-resistant microbes, while leaving harmless bacteria intact. This approach shows promise in reducing the risk of secondary infections and preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance.
A new study reviewing nearly 70 antimicrobial resistance studies suggests that aggressive treatment may not always be the best way to prevent resistant pathogens. The review found that varying drug dosages and treatment durations may affect resistance emergence, and moderate treatment could be a more effective strategy for some diseases.
A new study published in Science Express reviews progress in addressing challenges using evolutionary histories and rapid adaptation approaches. The research highlights the urgent need for better implementation of these strategies to combat escalating resistance to antibiotics and pesticides.
A leading expert on respiratory medicine warns of the growing concern of antibacterial resistance in treating cystic fibrosis patients. The expert recommends further research and investigation into developing new compounds that can work against bacteria to make current antibiotics more effective.
Researchers use CRISPR genome-editing system to target specific genes conferring antibiotic resistance, resulting in 99% killing of resistant bacteria. CombiGEM technology rapidly identifies genetic combinations that sensitize bacteria to different antibiotics.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have devised a new vancomycin analog that is powerfully effective against vancomycin-resistant strains of MRSA and other disease-causing bacteria. The new compound has two distinct mechanisms of action, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.
Researchers discovered bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance through hidden genetic changes, using complex environmental gradients to promote rapid evolution. The findings reveal a diverse arsenal of genetic 'weapons' bacteria can employ to fight antibiotics, making them more versatile and difficult to defeat.
Researchers have developed a molecule that can silence the NDM-1 resistance gene in bacteria, restoring susceptibility to carbapenem antibiotics. This approach could be a viable strategy for treating resistant infections.
A new lab test, Carba NP, has been developed to detect carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in just 2.5 hours, with a specificity of 100%. The test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting carbapenemase production, making it a crucial tool for preventing the spread of CRE.
A hospital stay significantly increases the risk of acquiring a multidrug-resistant infection, with each additional day boosting the likelihood by 1%, according to new research. The study found that the percentage of infections classified as multidrug-resistant rose sharply after four or five days of hospitalization, peaking at over 35%.
Researchers found that contaminated blood cultures can serve as diagnostic predictors for more targeted antibiotics. The study showed that highly resistant skin germs could indicate high mortality rates for the actual disease-causing bacteria.
The study found that gram-positive bacteria, including staph and strep infections, accounted for 95 percent of endophthalmitis cases. The findings suggest better treatment with targeted antibiotics, but also highlight increasing resistance to certain antibiotics.
A highly virulent, multidrug-resistant form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been discovered in patient samples in Ohio. The strain contains a gene for a drug-resistant enzyme called metallo beta-lactamase, making it resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Drug-resistant malaria parasites have spread to critical border regions of Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to global malaria control efforts. The study found artemisinin resistance in several countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar, with signs of emerging resistance in other areas.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that less than 1% of UK public and charitable funding was allocated to bacteriology projects, with only around 0.7% dedicated to antibiotic research. This inadequate funding poses a significant threat to tackling the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
Research found Aspergillus fungus resistant to life-saving drugs in UK rural areas treated with fungicides. The study highlights a worrying link between fungicide use and the emergence of multi-resistant fungal strains posing a significant threat to transplant patients and those with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully developed a new compound with improved antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains of tuberculosis. The findings offer an important new avenue for treatment of the disease, which is responsible for over 1 million deaths annually.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a fungus-derived molecule called AMA that can stop the spread of the deadly antibiotic-resistant gene NDM-1. Testing revealed that the molecule rescues carbapenem antibiotics' activity, providing a new way to combat superbugs.
Researchers used experimental evolution to study E. coli populations under strong and mild antibiotic selection conditions. They found higher cross-resistance in strongly selected strains with increased pathway-specific mutations.
Scientists at the University at Buffalo are developing novel dosing regimens for polymyxin antibiotics to combat 'superbugs' like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research aims to maximize antibacterial activity while minimizing resistance and toxicity.
Growing resistance to antibiotics demands a united global response, with experts calling for an independent body to oversee surveillance and set evidence-based targets. The world faces a future where simple infections become deadly diseases, with treatment relying on just one or two drugs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discover that pulsed electrical fields can kill resistant bacteria infecting burns, reducing bacterial levels up to 10,000-fold. The technology has the potential to provide a chemical-free way of disinfecting burns and other wound infections.
Researchers discovered antibiotic resistance genes in all 71 environments tested, including soil, oceans, and human feces. The most common types of resistance uncovered were efflux pumps and genes conferring resistance to vancomycin, tetracycline, or beta-lactam antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that 'lonely' microbes are more likely to mutate, resulting in higher rates of antibiotic resistance. The rate of mutation varies according to the number of bacteria present, with more 'lonely' bacteria developing greater resistance to antibiotics like Rifampicin.
Rutgers University has secured a five-year, $26 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to lead the development of new antibiotics. The research effort aims to combat rising cases of antibiotic-resistant infections, which claim at least 23,000 lives annually in the US.
A new MRSA superbug has been identified in Brazil, with high levels of resistance to vancomycin. The superbug belongs to a genetic lineage commonly found outside hospitals and can affect not only sick individuals but also healthy people, posing a serious public health concern.
A UK awareness campaign has shown some success in delaying the onset of drug-resistant gonorrhea by prompting healthcare professionals and policy-makers to change treatment practices. However, resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone is still a concern, and continued vigilance is necessary to prevent widespread emergence.
Scientists have discovered the atomic-scale mechanism of action for NpmA, an enzyme that imparts chemical changes to bacterial ribosomes, making them resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics. This finding poses a significant threat to public health, but also reveals potential targets for developing new drugs.
The Joint Programme on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR) has presented a strategic research agenda to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The initiative brings together 19 countries and aims to improve current antibiotics, diagnostics, and prevention strategies to minimize the spread of resistance.
The threat of antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis that requires a multi-faceted approach, including strong basic, clinical and translational research. NIAID's new directions in antimicrobial resistance research aim to develop vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics, and new antibiotics to prevent and treat infections.
Researchers find trimethoprim to be an effective antibiotic against streptococcal infections in some regions, with a lower frequency of resistance than previously believed. The study also identifies three causes for rapid spread of resistance, highlighting the need for responsible antibiotic use.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism of bacterial type IV secretion, which plays a crucial role in spreading antibiotic resistance. The system, uncovered by scientists at UCL and Birkbeck, differs substantially from other bacterial secretion systems and could lead to new tools for genetic modification.
Researchers found significant variations in definitions and isolation procedures for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria across hospitals. The inconsistent detection and treatment practices may hinder communication between healthcare centers, contributing to the spread of these deadly pathogens.
Researchers have identified a self-resistance mechanism in Streptomyces platensis bacteria that can bypass antibiotic fatty acid synthesis inhibition. This discovery could lead to the development of new, potent antibiotic drug candidates.
Researchers found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in river water during peak pilgrimage season, linked to overcrowding and poor waste management. The study emphasizes the importance of protecting sacred sites while preventing the spread of 'superbugs', highlighting the need for improved sanitation and waste treatment.
The €85 million ENABLE project aims to develop novel antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, addressing a growing epidemic of resistance. The public-private partnership will create an anti-bacterial drug discovery platform and deliver at least one new candidate into Phase 2 clinical trials by 2019.
Researchers found that carvacrol can break down the outer coat of norovirus, making it more susceptible to other antimicrobials. This discovery could lead to the development of a new food sanitizer and surface sanitizer for settings where traditional bleach or alcohol-based cleaners are not effective.
A Virginia Tech engineer is studying the impact of the recent Colorado flood on antibiotic resistance genes. The researcher aims to understand how floodwaters can transport and disseminate these genes, which could have significant implications for human and animal health.
Research found that adult nomograms for Vancomycin dosage calculations are not accurate for children over 10, highlighting the need for personalized dosing regimens. The study's authors recommend further studies to determine the most effective dosing methods for teenagers between 10 and 18 years old.
A study found that sublethal doses of biocides can enhance antibiotic resistance in bacteria, forming harmful biofilms and increasing survival rates. This poses a risk to public health and highlights the need for proper guidelines on biocide use in food production.
Scientists have discovered 'superbugs' carrying multidrug-resistant bacteria in treated wastewater from two plants in northern China. The study reveals the microbes breed and spread their dangerous cargo, highlighting a significant public health risk.
The UK has released updated evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals. The epic3 guidelines provide the best available scientific evidence for preventing healthcare infections, focusing on standard principles for infection prevention and control.
A recent study funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that restricting antibiotic use may not stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant typhoid. In laboratory tests, resistant strains of Salmonella Typhi bacteria outcompeted sensitive strains even without antibiotics.
Narrow-spectrum antibiotics, such as ampicillin and penicillin, are equally effective as broad-spectrum antibiotics in treating less severe childhood pneumonia. The study, published in Pediatrics, compared outcomes among children hospitalized with pneumonia between 2005 and 2011, receiving either narrow-spectrum or broad-spectrum antib...
A study led by the University of Leeds has identified a resistance protein in bacteria that allows them to survive chlorhexidine, an antiseptic commonly used in hospitals. The discovery is critical for developing new chemicals to combat superbugs, which pose a catastrophic threat to the medical system.
Researchers at UC San Diego used quantitative models and microfluidic devices to study bacterial growth and evolution of drug resistance. They found that the expression of resistance genes depends on the bacterial colony's growth status and the effectiveness of the resistance mechanism. The interaction between drug and resistance is co...
The report highlights the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, its major causes and consequences, and identifies key areas in which action is urgently needed. The authors call for a fundamental shift in how antibiotics are developed, financed, and prescribed to address this threat.