Research on how bacteria evade antibiotics. Covers adaptive metabolism, water-source resistance, drug-efflux pumps, and microplastic pollutant shuttles.
Scientists have discovered a new antibacterial coating for sutures that is nearly 1,000 times more effective than the most widely used commercial coating. The coating, designed from naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, kills a wide range of bacteria and has a low chance of causing resistance.
María Soledad Ramírez has been recognized for her outstanding work on integron participation in gene capture and dissemination, a crucial area of research in antimicrobial resistance. Her extensive experience and publications have made significant contributions to public health, addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
MMV has developed a framework to evaluate the risk of resistance for its antimalarial compounds. The framework includes cross-resistance testing and selection experiments in the laboratory, measuring the likelihood of parasite mutations that confer resistance.
Resistant tuberculosis is a serious threat to world health, with 'multiresistant' cases now making up 1 in 3 new TB cases. A new approach using vital staining with fluorescein diacetate detects resistant bacilli early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing further spread.
The study found that Shigella sonnei, a bacterium previously thought to be more common in developing countries, is now spreading globally due to its high levels of drug resistance. The researchers suggest that vaccine development will be crucial in controlling the disease.
A new study reveals that seasonal changes in outpatient antibiotic use can significantly alter drug resistance patterns. The findings suggest that reducing inappropriate antibiotic use requires coordinated efforts between hospitals and the broader community to be most effective.
Researchers have developed a new class of antimicrobials that target bacteria virulence factors, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The most potent substance prevented UTIs from developing in mice for over eight hours and reduced bacterial growth by nearly 10,000 times.
A new study by American Chemical Society researchers suggests that long-term irrigation with treated wastewater does not enhance antibiotic resistance in soil microbial communities, indicating a safer alternative for water-scarce areas.
Dr. Patrice Courvalin has made significant contributions to understanding antibiotic resistance, including the discovery of vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus and the elucidation of transposition mechanisms. His work has led to a revision of the dogma describing natural dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
Stuart B. Levy receives the 2012 Abbott-ASM Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long dedication to understanding antibiotic resistance. His work has elucidated key mechanisms and control of resistance in bacterial and mammalian cells, leading to new treatments and strategies.
Off-label antibiotic use in farm animals poses a significant risk of promoting antibiotic resistance in humans. Canada should phase out antibiotics used for non-medical purposes in livestock and support producers who improve animal living conditions.
Scientists have determined the genetic sequences of all 12 available strains of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which acquired resistance independently after acquiring a specific transposon. The findings may lead to new ways to prevent and treat infection by MRSA, VRSA, and VRE.
Researchers found that MRSA strain CC5 is adept at acquiring resistance genes, including the one making it resistant to vancomycin, by co-existing with other bacteria. The strain's unique traits, such as lacking bacteriocin production and producing enterotoxins, enable it to thrive in mixed infections.
Scientists traced the origin and development of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus by analyzing genome sequences of 12 strains. The study found that each strain acquired resistance independently and identified shared features among the strains that may have helped them evade human immune defenses.
A study of over 12 million bacteria found that E. coli antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin increased five-fold from 2000 to 2010, making treatment more expensive and complex for patients. The lack of new antimicrobial drug development is a major concern, as it may lead to the use of less effective and potentially toxic treatments.
A recent study by McMaster University researchers has found that floc, microscopic communities hosting large populations of bacteria, contain high levels of antibiotic resistance. The discovery highlights the widespread presence of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, with varying intensities based on human influence.
McMaster University researchers found a remarkable prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from Lechuguilla Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the world. The discovery suggests that there are far more antibiotics in the environment that could be used to treat currently untreatable infections.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that approximately six percent of Chicago-area ambulance sites sampled positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium causing serious infections. The research also revealed that 77% of isolates detected showed resistance to at least one commonly used antibiotic
Researchers found that combining antibiotics with additional compounds made previously resistant bacteria more susceptible, increasing efficacy by up to six-fold. The study's lead author believes adjuvant therapy could revolutionize antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
A Wayne State University researcher is part of a nationwide effort to monitor antibiotic resistance while optimizing drug use. The project aims to improve antimicrobial stewardship and reduce the development of resistance.
Leading infectious diseases experts call for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and combat emerging infections. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, IDSA, and PIDS position paper outlines measures to improve antibiotic use and monitor resistance.
A recent study led by TGen found that a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originated in humans before spreading to food animals and becoming resistant to antibiotics. The study used whole genome sequencing to trace the history of MRSA CC398, a strain often referred to as 'pig-MRSA'.
Researchers discovered a promising alternative to common antibiotics for treating group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria infections. The new compounds significantly reduce the severity of GAS infections in mice, offering a potential therapeutic solution with reduced risk of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at UB are studying the microbiology of a new variant of Klebsiella pneumoniae to identify genes that make it hypervirulent. The bacterium causes serious, life-threatening infections in otherwise healthy individuals and has the potential to become highly resistant to antibiotics.
The US is facing a growing threat of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea, with treatment options rapidly dwindling due to increasing antibiotic resistance. The CDC has seen a 17-fold increase in drug susceptibility, leading scientists to call for collective action from healthcare providers and drug companies.
A clinical trial found that cefpodoxime was less effective than ciprofloxacin in treating uncomplicated cystitis, with a higher rate of E coli colonization. The study suggests that cefpodoxime may not be a suitable alternative to fluoroquinolones for this condition.
Researchers have discovered patterns of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Galapagos reptiles living close to human settlements. Feces collected from these sites harbored resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica bacteria, highlighting the potential exposure of vulnerable species to human pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Warwick are part of a four-year project to search for new antibiotics, addressing growing resistance in bacteria such as E. coli and MRSA. The project aims to understand bacterial cell wall growth and discover new chemicals that can interfere with this process.
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is more likely caused by speedy drug metabolism rather than inconsistent doses. The study suggests monitoring patients' drug concentrations during treatment may be as important as compliance with therapy.
A new study by McMaster University researchers has found that certain proteins involved in cancer treatment can also combat antibiotic resistance. The study, led by Gerry Wright, screened 14 antibiotic-resistant molecules against 80 chemically diverse protein kinase inhibitors and identified potential repurposing opportunities.
A new paper by leading scientists emphasizes the need for a global response to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a life-threatening threat. The researchers recommend establishing research priorities, improving international funding, and implementing public education campaigns to address this growing crisis.
The world is facing a dire shortage of new antibiotics, with increasing resistance making treatment increasingly difficult. Professor Laura Piddock calls for urgent action to turn this around, citing the need for increased public awareness and government support.
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when starved due to the ability of outer layer cells to sense nutrients, producing a protective mechanism against toxic oxygen radicals. Disrupting this function could improve treatment for infections.
Researchers at Wayne State University will study a novel antibiotic, daptomycin, to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections and decrease mortality. The goal is to determine the optimal doses of daptomycin to achieve greater bactericidal activity and prevent resistance.
New research reveals a significant pattern of antibiotic overuse in the southeastern United States, with higher rates than other regions. The study highlights increased use of fluoroquinolones and declining market share for penicillins, which could accelerate resistance to these powerful drugs.
The widespread use of antibiotics in animal farming creates an environment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to multiply and spread to humans. Studies show that up to 90% of antibiotics given to livestock are excreted into the environment, contributing to resistance genes and promoting infection risk.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that even treated municipal wastewater can contribute significantly to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in surface waters. Researchers found that quantities of these bacteria were typically 20-fold higher near the site where treated wastewater was released into Duluth-Superior Harbor.
A new study published in PLoS Pathogens reveals that Staphylococcus aureus can develop resistance to the last-line antibiotic vancomycin by acquiring a single mutation in its DNA. This discovery highlights the high adaptability of Staph and emphasizes the need to improve antibiotic treatment strategies for serious bacterial infections.
Researchers developed non-natural flavanones with broad activity against bacteria and fungi, but no toxicity to mammalian cells. The compounds showed promising activity against various pathogens, including E. coli and fungal species.
The BURDEN study estimated 5,503 excess deaths from MRSA and 2,712 excess deaths from third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli infections in Europe. These infections resulted in 255,683 extra bed-days and an estimated €62 million in costs.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism by which Burkholderia pseudomallei develops resistance to ceftazidime, making it difficult to detect. The study found that genetic mutations lead to the production of a protein important for bacterial cell division, rendering the drug ineffective.
A recent study found that villages along roads have higher rates of antibiotic-resistant E. coli than rural areas, suggesting roads facilitate the spread of superbugs. The researchers attribute this to increased antibiotic use and poor water quality, which allow resistant strains to thrive.
Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is evolving into a scourge, making most treatments ineffective. Targeted approaches and public education campaigns can help stop its spread.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a critical mechanism in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The 'lysine N-decarboxylation switch' process, facilitated by protein BlaR1, enables MRSA to conserve resources until it detects an antibiotic threat.
A Ghanaian PhD student has developed a new chemical analysis technique to determine the exact contents of drugs, helping to tackle uneven medicine quality and unauthorized drug sales in Africa. The technique will also be used for environmental investigations to combat antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.
Andrea Endimiani has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on the impact of drug resistance traits on infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. He has also made significant contributions to understanding the prevalence of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in multiple US cities.
Dr. John G. Bartlett has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to antimicrobial chemotherapy and infectious diseases research. He is a pioneer in understanding emerging problems and innovations in the field.
Benjamin P. Howden, a leading expert in S. aureus and E. faecium research, receives the award for his groundbreaking work on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and virulence. His research has led to new insights into vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus and reduced linezolid susceptibility.
A study of 24 patients found that repeated exposure to fluoroquinolone and azithromycin antibiotics increased resistance to multiple drugs, including older- and newer-generation antibiotics. This raises concerns about the judicious use of ophthalmic antibiotics to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers analyzed the genome of a superbug called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) to understand its resistance to antibiotics. They identified changes in genes that led to daptomycin resistance, offering insights into developing new drugs to combat this growing health threat.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a $11 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to coordinate a Harvard-wide project on antibiotic resistance. The goal is to develop new antibiotics to treat highly resistant infections caused by staph and other related bacteria.
Scientists have discovered that antibiotic-resistant genes existed in ancient DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost. This finding suggests that resistance is a natural phenomenon that predates modern clinical antibiotic use.
A Vietnamese PhD student, Tung Le, has made a breakthrough in understanding how an antibiotic-producing organism controls resistance to its own antibiotic. His research shows that the SimR protein regulates antibiotic export by binding to DNA or the antibiotic itself.
A study by the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that organic poultry farms have lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria compared to conventional farms. This suggests that removing antibiotics from large-scale U.S. poultry farms can lead to immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for...
The World Health Organization has released updated guidelines for managing drug-resistant tuberculosis, highlighting the need for more research to improve disease management. Key recommendations include wider use of rapid drug susceptibility testing and ambulatory models of care.
A new study identified a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella with high resistance to ciprofloxacin, infecting 489 patients in France, England and Wales, and Denmark between 2000 and 2008. Poultry is believed to be a major vehicle for spreading these infections.
Research shows that bacterial resistance mechanisms increase survival and reproduction rates when both genetic mutations and plasmid insertions occur simultaneously. Bacteria like Escherichia coli exhibit faster reproduction in up to 32% of mutation-plasmid combinations.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was more effective than cranberry capsules in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. However, the use of antibiotics increased the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria.
Researchers used computer simulations to study bacterial resistance against aminoglycoside antibiotics, revealing the physical basis of one mechanism - mutations of the antibiotic target site. The findings suggest possible drug modifications to combat resistant bacteria.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism of resistance to daptomycin in enterococcus strains, which can be attributed to mutations in the cardiolipin synthase gene. This finding provides valuable information on how antibiotics work and could lead to the development of better treatments for resistant infections.