Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Josѐ A. Vazquez emphasizes the need for improved education on antibiotic use to combat multidrug-resistant organisms. The overuse of antibiotics in hospitals and communities contributes to resistance, which can spread through casual encounters.
Northeastern researchers have developed a new treatment to cure MRSA infections by targeting dormant cells called persisters. The approach uses a drug called ADEP, which effectively wakes up and eliminates these expert survivors, leading to complete eradication of the bacterial population.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that healthy children have numerous antibiotic resistance genes in their gut microbes. The research highlights the need for responsible antibiotic use to prevent the spread of resistance and serious illness.
A new method developed in collaboration with Unisensor A/S can determine the optimal antibiotic treatment for a given bacterial infection within 2-4 hours, reducing the response time by half. This faster diagnosis can help prevent the development of resistant bacteria and shorten disease courses.
The cantilever technology measures drug-bacteria interactions in real-time, detecting rupturing of individual hydrogen bonds and resolving forces of ~10 pN. It offers a sensitive alternative for drug experimentation and early detection of infectious diseases.
Researchers have developed PPMOs, which target specific genes in bacteria, offering a more precise and effective alternative to antibiotics. In animal studies, PPMOs showed significant control of certain strains of Acinetobacter, a bacterium resistant to many antibiotics.
Cesar Arias has received the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for his groundbreaking work on superbugs and antibiotic resistance. His research aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been recognized globally.
Notre Dame researchers discovered how MRSA regulates its cell wall in response to beta-lactam antibiotics, enabling drug resistance. They also found a way for a new antibiotic, ceftaroline, to target and inhibit the enzyme responsible for resistance.
A study found that antimicrobial therapy was a significant risk factor for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a Greek NICU. Adherence to infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship policies are crucial to prevent VRE outbreaks.
Researchers found resistance genes for five common antibiotics and the Clostridium botulinum toxin gene in vacuum dust, which could lead to infant botulism infections. The study suggests that vacuum cleaners can act as a vehicle for indoor bioaerosol exposure.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a revolutionary method to identify and characterize antibiotics, providing a powerful tool to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new approach enables the rapid prioritization of promising molecules, accelerating the development of new medicines.
A genomic study found that Salmonella populations in humans and animals living side by side have distinct genetic variations, challenging the notion that local animals are a primary source of antibiotic-resistant infections. The research also revealed greater diversity in antibiotic resistance genes in human-infecting bacteria.
A UK study finds that only 3.9% of total infectious disease research funding was allocated to antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for increased investment in this area. The study calls for strong leadership and sustained targeted spending to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
A new study found that a prescribing protocol with automatic stop dates and pharmacist support significantly reduced antibiotic use and side-effects. The protocol led to a near 20% reduction in antibiotics prescribed and a 40% reduction in related side-effects.
Researchers have identified changes in the microbiome that can predict chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and developed new diagnostics, including a breath test for fungal disease. A single dose of an antibiotic candidate has been found to be as effective as a week-long course of vancomycin for certain skin infections.
A new method developed by Michael DiMarzio identifies and tracks antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strains, which account for 15% of human salmonellosis infections. The study uses CRISPR sequences to separate isolates with common resistance patterns in both animals and humans.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens highlights the importance of balancing the gut microbiome to prevent food-borne infections. The researchers found that SIGIRR protein plays a critical role in protecting the gut against bacterial pathogens, and its dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to colonization by harmful microbes.
The article reveals that antibiotic resistance among hospital-acquired infections is much greater than prior CDC estimates, with resistance rates ranging from 11% to over 50%. The FDA's promise to reboot antibiotic development rules has fallen short, and the authors conclude that more than an FDA 'reboot' is needed to combat this crisis.
A new study published in The Lancet found that internet-based training can significantly lower antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory tract infections. Clinicians who received training in using CRP tests or enhanced communication skills reduced their prescribing rates by 47% and 32%, respectively. Combining both types of tr...
Reducing overall antibiotic consumption does not necessarily decrease resistance, particularly for MRSA, where some antibiotics like clindamycin and methicillin are more effective in reducing resistance. The success of antibiotic reduction programs depends on the targeted antibiotics that are reduced.
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry poses a significant risk to human health, according to experts. A growing body of evidence suggests that routine antibiotic use in animal feed can worsen the epidemic of antibiotic resistance, with many public health authorities agreeing that it is a major concern.
Researchers discovered that bacteria like Burkholderia cenocepacia share small molecules to become resistant to antibiotics. This novel communication mechanism protects not only itself but also other susceptible bacteria.
A new class of antibiotic has been developed at the University of Adelaide, targeting a specific enzyme critical to bacterial metabolism. The compound, known as a protein inhibitor, binds to and inhibits biotin protein ligase, disrupting bacterial growth.
New research correlates oral ingestion of antibiotics with rapid rise in resistance. Alternative routes like injection may slow the spread of resistance genes. The study found that oral administration led to faster development of resistance in mice compared to injection.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified a new mechanism of PZA drug resistance, which could lead to the development of new antibiotic therapies. The study found that mutations in the panD gene may also be involved in PZA resistance, providing new insight into how this mysterious drug works.
A new study suggests that recent changes in prescribing practice have delayed the emergence of multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea. The findings show a decline in effectiveness of cephalosporins against gonorrhea, but a change in treatment guidelines may have reversed this trend.
The NIH is funding a new clinical research network focused on antibacterial resistance, led by Duke University. The network will design, implement and manage the clinical research agenda to strengthen existing research capacity and address pressing scientific priorities.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that captive-bred wallabies carry antibiotic resistance genes and may transmit them to wild populations. Nearly half of fecal samples from captive-raised wallabies contained bacterial genes resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, and trimethoprim.
A study found that colistin resistance in bacteria also makes them resistant to the human immune system's defense mechanisms, such as LL-37 and lysozyme. This cross-resistance increases the risk of complications for patients with life-threatening multi-drug resistant infections.
A new biosensor can detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria in just 10-12 minutes, significantly faster than existing methods. This technology targets antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of superbugs.
The VINARES initiative, launched in Vietnam, aims to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and has shown encouraging impact. By galvanizing political and medical leadership, the program is providing a framework for long-term self-sufficient infection surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship.
Researchers found that certain bacteria can rapidly adapt to nanosilver's antimicrobial action, leading to the emergence of new resistant strains. This has significant implications for the widespread use of nanosilver in medicine and environmental applications.
A Virginia Tech study found that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where human numbers are limited. The research identified the coupled nature of humans, animals, and the environment across landscapes, posing a critical threat to human and animal health.
Researchers have gained a clearer insight into how protein components work together to transport antibiotics from cells, which could aid the development of 'pump blockers' to combat antibiotic resistance.
New research shows that stronger antibiotics can speed up the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, particularly when used alone. This can lead to faster growth and spread of resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat diseases caused by these pathogens.
Antibiotic overuse and misuse are creating conditions for the emergence of superbugs in border communities like Eagle Pass, Texas. Collaborating with officials to develop an outreach model to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, scientist Subburaj Kannan emphasizes the need for government action and public awareness.
Outpatient antibiotic use poses similar but sometimes more severe resistance risks as hospital cases, new study reveals. More than half of outpatient antibiotics for acute respiratory infections are unnecessary, accelerating bacterial resistance.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved only one new antibiotic since the Infectious Diseases Society of America launched its 10 x '20 Initiative in 2010. Despite this, only seven new drugs are in development to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli bacteria.
Researchers developed Epimorex to target bacterial weaknesses exploited by viruses that attack them. In mice, Epimorex protected against anthrax and killed MRSA with no evidence of resistance.
Researchers identified frequent patient-to-patient transmission of multidrug-resistant M abscessus subspecies massiliense despite strict infection control measures. Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed clusters of genetically identical strains, suggesting widespread cross-infection.
A clinical isolate of E. coli resistant to carbapenems has been studied, revealing four genetic mutations that enable the bacteria to survive and multiply despite the presence of antibiotics. These mutations involve changes to membrane proteins, regulatory proteins, and a multidrug efflux pump.
A randomized controlled trial found that erythromycin significantly reduced pulmonary exacerbations and improved symptoms in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis, but also increased macrolide resistance. The study suggests that low-dose erythromycin may be beneficial for treatment of respiratory disorder in certain patient populations.
Researchers predict that drug-resistant MRSA strains will coexist in both hospital and community settings, with hospital strains surviving due to aggressive antibiotic usage patterns. This finding is reassuring as it suggests that the more invasive community strains will not replace hospital strains.
The UK's Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and Action Plan aims to address the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. The strategy highlights the need for a change in understanding and response to antimicrobial resistance.
A new study found that CRE-positive patients took an average of 387 days to be clear of the organism after hospital discharge. Risk factors for extended carriage included multiple hospitalizations and active infections.
Researchers have successfully revived ancient enzymes that enable antibiotic-resistant bacteria to thrive. The 2-3 billion-year-old proteins were reconstructed and studied for their stability, structure, and function, offering insights into the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Research found that stressed bacteria can spontaneously develop resistance to rifampicin, a commonly used antibiotic. This discovery has significant implications for the evolution of antibiotic resistance and may impact treatment options for serious bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy.
Global antibiotic misuse threatens human health more than the war on illegal drugs. Dr Jonny Anomaly advocates for redirecting funds to curb excessive prescribing and promoting collective action.
A study found 149 unique antibiotic-resistant genes on Chinese commercial pig farms, with levels 192-28,000 times higher than controls. Daily exposure to antibiotics allows microbes carrying these genes to thrive, posing a potential global risk to human health.
Researchers developed an automated device called morbidostat to track the evolution of antibiotic resistance at the genetic level. The team identified key genes involved in creating drug-resistant states and documented real-time changes in genes that gave bacteria an advantage in evolving to outwit antibiotics.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill identified a bacterial enzyme that enables vancomycin resistance to spread among Staphylococcus aureus strains. They also discovered a potential solution by designing a synthetic molecule that blocks the transfer of resistance genes, offering hope for developing effective therapies.
A synthetic corkscrew peptide has been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria by dissolving their double-layered membranes. The peptide, KLAKLAKKLAKLAK, was effective against a variety of strains of E. coli, A. baumanii, and P. aeruginosa, including multi-drug resistant strains.
Infectious disease experts call for novel approaches to end the growing scourge of 'superbugs,' citing 2 million annual infections and 100,000 deaths. The authors recommend new strategies to prevent infections, encourage economic investment in anti-infective treatments, and alter host-microbe interactions.
A new study found high levels of antibiotic resistance in ornamental fish, with some species showing up to 77% resistance to certain antibiotics. The risk to humans is generally minor, but transmission from tropical fish has been documented and poses a concern for those with compromised immune systems.
A study by Dr. Mark Ebell found that patients expect to cough for 7-9 days, while the actual duration is closer to 18 days. This mismatch may contribute to over-prescription of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance and increased healthcare costs.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how specific mutations affect antibiotic resistance. They discovered that small changes can increase resistance by up to 500%, challenging the idea of big effects from big changes.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new tool using optofluidics to observe individual bacteria, revealing that persistent populations are dynamic and can adapt through mutation. This challenges traditional theories of bacterial resistance, offering new insights into the evolution of antibiotic efficacy.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute discover that EF-P plays a crucial role in protein production of pathogenic bacteria, leading to the development of new specific antibiotics. Intestinal bacteria lacking EF-P are less fit and not as virulent.
A new study from the University of Southampton shows that copper can prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes and kills bacteria on contact. The research highlights the importance of copper touch surfaces in reducing the risk of infection transmission, particularly in hospitals and public buildings.
A rapid Xpert test for tuberculosis (TB) could reduce TB deaths and improve treatment outcomes in southern Africa. Implementing the test is expected to prevent an estimated 132,000 TB cases and 182,000 TB deaths over 10 years, but would increase health service costs by US$460 million.