Research on how bacteria evade antibiotics. Covers adaptive metabolism, water-source resistance, drug-efflux pumps, and microplastic pollutant shuttles.
A Purdue University study found that four popular fungicides have lost effectiveness against apple scab in Indiana and Michigan. The fungus has developed resistance, making it difficult for growers to manage their orchards without using older, more expensive fungicides.
Researchers identified a rare O104:H4 strain that combined Shiga toxin-producing ability with enteroaggregative E. coli adherence, explaining its high virulence and unusually severe HUS cases. The strain also showed extended-spectrum ß-lactamase resistance, making it resistant to penicillins but susceptible to carbapenems.
A team of Canadian scientists discovered that specific mixtures of antimicrobial agents presented in lipid (fatty) mixtures can significantly boost the effectiveness of those agents to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria. This new therapy has the potential to combat bacterial multidrug resistance, a growing clinical problem.
A recent study found that E. coli bacteria are more likely to develop resistance to antibiotics when exposed to low levels of these medications, rather than high concentrations. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the safety of using antibiotics in food animals and highlights the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.
Scientists have developed a new test that can diagnose Aspergillus infection and spot signs of antifungal resistance to azoles. Using this test, the team found 55% of aspergillosis patients had telltale signs of resistance to azoles.
A call for action proposes applying the International Health Regulations to antimicrobial resistance due to its global health threat. However, another expert disagrees that the IHR were intended to tackle all disease threats and that implementation would be impossible.
A NIH study found that active surveillance for bacteria and barrier precautions did not reduce the transmission of two important antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospital-based settings. The use of gloves and gowns was also not sufficient to prevent bacterial spread.
A study found that long-term antibiotic use for acne decreased S. aureus colonization by nearly 70%, with no increased resistance to tetracycline antibiotics observed. This contradicts current dogma about long-term antibiotic use, suggesting further research is needed.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that antibiotic-resistant super bugs threaten public health, citing a need for urgent action. The organization recommends initiatives to combat resistance, including incentivizing R&D, recalibrating FDA requirements, and promoting judicious use of antibiotics.
A Cardiff University-led team discovered antibiotic-resistant bacteria carrying the NDM-1 gene in New Delhi's drinking water supply, including strains that cause cholera and dysentery. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to tackle the spread of resistant bacteria worldwide.
A recent study by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found a dramatic increase in the use of carbapenems, powerful last-resort antibiotics, over five years. This trend is alarming as carbapenem-resistant bacteria become more common, weakening their effectiveness against emerging infections.
Researchers detected high numbers of CRKP in long-term acute care hospitals, with 42% of cases occurring in these settings. The study highlights the need for heightened surveillance to monitor emerging pathogens like CRKP.
A large randomized trial found that preventive antibiotic use significantly reduces the risk of infection with highly resistant microorganisms in intensive care patients. Patients treated with selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) were 59% less likely to develop bacteraemia and 38% less likely to colonize respiratory tracts.
Scientists from the University of Oxford developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance by increasing the biological cost of resistant bacteria. The approach aims to reduce the competitiveness of drug-resistant strains and prolong the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
The Chicago Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Prevention Epicenter (CARPE) program aims to reduce healthcare-associated infections, antibiotic resistance and other adverse events. Researchers will use data from electronic health records to develop practice guidelines and policies to control antibiotic use.
Swedish scientists reveal that pollutants from Indian factories are breeding resistance genes in river bacteria, posing a global risk for untreatable diseases. The study's novel DNA sequencing approach may also aid future hospital research.
A new quadruple therapy regimen with omeprazole and a three-in-one capsule has been shown to be more effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection than the standard 7-day treatment regimen. The study found that eradication rates were 80% for the quadruple therapy group versus 55% for the standard therapy group.
Research published in BMC Microbiology suggests that insects on pig farms can carry and transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans. The study found high prevalence of resistant Enterococcus faecalis and faecium in insect intestines, mirroring those found in pigs' feces.
Scientists at Harvard University have made a groundbreaking discovery about biofilm colonies, which exhibit an unprecedented ability to repel liquids and vapors. The researchers believe that the secret to their resiliency lies in their unique liquid-repellent surface.
Researchers discovered interplay between genetic and persistence mechanisms in bacteria, leading to novel effective treatments for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections. Persistence cells are temporarily hyper-resistant to antibiotics, causing treatment failure and contributing to chronic bacterial infections.
A new study reveals that antibiotics in agricultural areas can contaminate water sources, potentially contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified patterns of antibiotic resistance gene occurrence in a Colorado watershed, suggesting that specific manmade sources can be traced.
Critically ill patients with bloodstream infections and pneumonia face a greatly increased risk of dying, but the impact of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes is relatively small. The study analyzed data from over 500 intensive care units in ten European countries, finding that infections directly worsen outcomes for patients.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by treating municipal wastewater solids at higher temperatures. This approach can destroy up to 99.9% of bacterial genes that confer resistance, making it a potential tool in the fight against superbugs.
A recent review reveals that antibiotics can alter normal gut bacteria composition and leave resistance genes present for extended periods. This increases the risk of pathogenic bacteria survival and multi-drug resistance.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded four new contracts for large-scale clinical trials to evaluate treatment alternatives for diseases caused by resistant bacteria. These trials will focus on acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, and Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Researchers will test NC State-created molecules against different types of animal cells infected with bacteria, aiming to develop effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. The project aims to identify leading candidates that both revive antibiotics' effectiveness and have a low toxicity profile.
A team at Scripps Research Institute has detailed the structure of a member of the only remaining class of multidrug resistance transporters. The study, published in Nature, may lead to the development of new antibiotics and improve crop agriculture by reengineering the transporter to help plants grow in soil they can't grow in now.
A recent study published in Proteome Science found that one in ten seagull droppings contain 'superbug' bacteria resistant to Vancomycin. The researchers used a novel technique called proteomics to detect bacterial proteins connected to antibiotic resistance, providing new targets for antimicrobial agents and potential biomarkers.
A historic conference at Uppsala University marked a turning point in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Global leaders agreed on joint action and shared data to monitor and limit unnecessary use of antibiotics, as well as improve access to affordable medicines in developing countries.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that confers resistance to the antibiotic clindamycin in malaria parasites. The findings suggest that current diagnostic tests may be inadequate and highlight the need for new treatment strategies. This study contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of drug resistance in malaria.
A new study found that a Peruvian parasite population had significant genetic instability near the telomere, leading to missed diagnoses from rapid diagnostic tests. The researchers also identified a gene mutation that confers resistance to clindamycin, a commonly administered drug for treating malaria in pregnant women and infants.
A new report suggests that conserving and wisely using existing antibiotics is key to slowing the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. The proposal would reward pharmaceutical companies for marketing drugs in a way that keeps resistance rates low by setting 'effectiveness targets' and coordinating with physicians and hospitals.
Scientists discovered antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, killing over 90% of MRSA and E. coli bacteria without harming human cells.
Scientists have identified powerful antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, effective against MRSA and E. coli without harming human cells. These novel molecules could lead to new treatments for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.
A new study reveals that resistant pathogens can trigger protective mechanisms in non-resistant neighbors, increasing overall colony survival. The team identified an enzyme called tryptophanase, which produces indole, a signaling molecule offering protection against antibiotics.
A new antibacterial peptide has shown great effectiveness against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli infections in burn wounds. The peptide A3-APO is less toxic than current antibiotics and offers a promising alternative for treating these common infections in soldiers.
Research reveals that a small percentage of bacteria become highly resistant supermutants, while most survive without being resistant to antibiotics. These supermutants produce high levels of indole, a signaling molecule that promotes survival in harsh environments.
Researchers found that bacteria with highly resistant isolates sacrifice their own fitness to produce indole, helping vulnerable members survive antibiotics. This complex behavior was previously unknown and has significant implications for understanding bacterial strains and antibiotic resistance.
A new coating, combining carbon nanotubes with the natural enzyme lysostaphin, has been created to safely eradicate MRSA from surfaces. The coating is effective, selective and stable, and does not rely on antibiotics or leach chemicals into the environment.
A new experimental antibiotic has been shown to be effective against bacteria that are resistant to existing treatments. The compound works by targeting a specific enzyme in the bacteria's internal machinery, preventing it from reproducing.
The ST131 strain of E. coli is a major cause of serious antimicrobial-resistant infections in the US, accounting for 67-69% of resistant isolates. Researchers urge discovering its sources to prevent further spread.
The Wellcome Trust extends its Seeding Drug Discovery initiative with a £110 million investment over five years. This support enables the progression of promising drug discovery projects to attract follow-on investors and develop novel medicines.
Bacteria recognize and develop resistance to vancomycin through a specific sensing mechanism. The discovery provides new understanding of the molecular basis of vancomycin resistance and represents an essential first step in developing new antibiotics that can evade bacterial sensing mechanisms.
UT Southwestern researchers found that a type of blood pressure medication shows promise in overcoming some drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium may be resistant to treatment in more people than previously thought. The studies challenge current thinking on how TB works and how best to kill it.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant gonococcal bacteria threatens to make gonorrhoea extremely difficult to treat. Current treatment antibiotics may soon lose effectiveness due to rapid resistance development.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America calls for the development of 10 new antibiotics by 2020 due to rising antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The urgency is underscored by heartbreaking patient stories of those who have suffered and died from these infections.
Scientists at University of Zurich, Switzerland discover approach to resensitize multidrug-resistant ALL cells to glucocorticoids and other cytotoxic agents. Treatment with obatoclax induces autophagy-dependent necroptosis, bypassing mitochondrial apoptosis block.
Evolutionary theory is being applied to various medical questions, from aging and mental illnesses to cancer and antibiotic resistance. Future physicians may face tests on evolution, with increased emphasis on incorporating evolutionary concepts into medical practice.
McGill researcher discovers a link between contaminated chicken and E. coli bacteria causing urinary tract infections in young women. The study highlights the need for better food safety measures and antibiotic use regulations in agriculture.
A new study reports a significant surge in drug-resistant Acinetobacter infections among US hospitals, with over 300% increase in cases resistant to imipenem. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive solutions to address this growing public health threat.
A new study identifies two antibiotics, linezolid and moxifloxacin, as effective against the virulent community-associated MRSA strain. Meanwhile, clindamycin and doxycycline are found to induce rapid resistance development in this new strain.
A new strain of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis has been identified as thriving in the presence of rifampin, a front-line drug. The bacteria grew poorly without rifampin and worsened with treatment regimens containing the drug, but recovered once rifampin was removed from the regimen.
A new study suggests that medical liability concerns may be driving doctors to overprescribe antibiotics in healthcare settings. The research found a strong correlation between antibiotic use and attorney density in European countries, but no such link with physician density.
Researchers are gaining insights into how Gram-negative bacteria infect host cells and spread antibiotic resistance. The crystal structure of the outer membrane part of type IV secretion systems has been revealed, offering potential targets for novel antibiotics.
A new study reveals a seven-fold increase in community-associated MRSA strains in hospital outpatients between 1999 and 2006. This poses a significant threat to patient safety as these strains can spread rapidly into hospitals.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital finds that a specific MRSA strain, USA600, causes significantly higher mortality rates compared to other strains. The researchers believe this strain's unique characteristics may be the key to understanding its high lethality.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a novel chemical compound that targets drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat resistant infections. The discovery provides a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by blocking a specific step in the development of bacterial cell surfaces.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched two new clinical trials to investigate the optimal use of antimicrobial drugs in various clinical settings. The trials aim to determine if shorter treatment durations can be effective while reducing the risk of bacterial resistance.
A study found that typhoid fever cases in the US are often associated with international travel to the Indian subcontinent and are increasingly resistant to common treatments. The majority of cases were linked to travelers who visited friends or family, highlighting the need for improved vaccination coverage and prevention measures.