Articles tagged with Antibiotic Resistance
Researchers discover epilancin A37, a lantibiotic produced by staphylococci that targets corynebacteria, key competitors in the human microbiome. The compound kills bacteria without destroying the cell membrane.
A new study has found that hospital toilet surfaces in the UK are contaminated with multi-drug resistant superbugs, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study reveals that patient toilets were the worst affected, with higher levels of bacteria and fungi found on floors and high surfaces than hand-touch sites.
A new study found that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence in bloodstream infections varies by age and sex, with age being a significant factor. The study analyzed data from 29 European countries and found diverse patterns of association between AMR and age/sex for different bacterial species and resistance phenotypes.
New therapies aim to strengthen the body's immune responses and restore antimicrobial functions to combat TB. Researchers have identified small molecule compounds that reduce Mtb growth inside immune cells by up to 50-75%, suggesting a potential complement to standard therapy.
Researchers are developing CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology to modify and attack AMR bacteria, offering new tools to battle the increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance. By targeting specific genes and using phage-based delivery systems, scientists aim to develop safer therapies.
CRISPR technology holds promise in tackling antimicrobial resistance by re-sensitizing bacteria to first-line antibiotics. However, bacteria have developed anti-CRISPR systems that can repair damage caused by the technology, complicating its effectiveness.
Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.
A global genomic surveillance system using latest technologies and a 'One Health' approach can detect novel pathogens like avian influenza and antimicrobial resistance, catching epidemics before they start. This can inform vaccination campaigns, targeted treatments, and public health responses to prevent epidemics.
A recent US study found that hospital-acquired antimicrobial-resistant infections increased by 32% during the COVID-19 pandemic and still exceed pre-pandemic levels. The study highlights the urgent need for solutions to address difficult-to-treat gram-negative infections, which are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
A Cleveland Clinic study uses reinforcement learning to design antibiotic regimens that minimize resistance and maximize susceptibility. The AI model predicts the most efficient treatment plans for multiple strains of E. coli, informing hospital-wide infection management.
Climate change exacerbates antimicrobial resistance by increasing global temperatures, sea levels, and disease transmission. This threat multiplier effect poses significant risks to human health, food supply, and ecosystem integrity.
A team of researchers from MSU and Harvard Medical School has created a promising vaccine candidate for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The vaccine targets Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with high levels of immunity observed in animal trials.
A recent study found that infants born via C-section have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while antibiotic use and prematurity fuel resistance. Infants from Africa had more resistant genes than those from Europe. Probiotics may help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in infants by targeting their gut microbiome.
A study by North Carolina State University found that rates of Salmonella in fecal and environmental samples were more prevalent on larger commercial farms than on smaller backyard farms. The researchers also discovered multidrug resistance in Salmonella samples from both types of production systems.
Therapeutic phages can detect epithelial cells of the human respiratory tract, eliciting proinflammatory responses. Specific phage properties and airway microenvironment influence these responses.
A new study finds that antibiotic prescriptions have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 4 prescriptions going to patients who don't need them. This trend threatens to fuel antimicrobial resistance, which kills 48,000 Americans annually.
A recent study published at the ESCIMD Global Congress found that Black female patients are at higher risk of death from carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from 362 US hospital patients and discovered that Black females had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to ...
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
Researchers have developed microscopic crystals that activate in the presence of light, releasing silver ions with antimicrobial activity. These silver-based micromotors move autonomously through photocatalysis, killing bacteria and providing a promising tool for environmental recovery.
A new UK/Portuguese study suggests that pets can act as reservoirs of resistance, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria to their healthy owners. The study found multidrug-resistant bacteria in both pet-owning households and among the owners themselves.
A new study highlights the critical role of hospital sinks in transmitting multidrug-resistant bacteria, with a pediatric ward outbreak showing even replacing all sinks didn't stop the contamination. The research emphasizes the importance of focusing on sinks and water-related areas to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed novel antibiotics based on protein building blocks with fluorous lipid chains to fight resistant pathogens. The compounds were shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in mouse models, killing bacteria without developing resistance.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
Researchers developed zinc oxide nanoparticles to selectively inhibit multidrug-resistant bacteria, disrupting cell membranes. The material is considered safe and cheaper than other metal-based nanoparticles, with potential applications in water treatment and food packaging.
Researchers created a hydrogel that kills bacteria naturally, promotes cell growth and heals wounds more effectively than traditional gels. The gel is infused with amino acid polylysine and platelet-rich blood plasma to create properties well-suited for wound care.
Researchers developed novel pre-clinical models to examine the behavior of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) strains, revealing differences in aggressiveness between hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. These models provide a platform for assessing novel drugs and interventions to combat Kp-related diseases.
A quasi-experimental study of 35 health care facilities found chlorhexidine bathing and nasal decolonization to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant organism prevalence. The interventions also led to decreased infection-related hospitalizations, costs, and deaths among nursing home residents.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new class of antibiotics targeting LpxH protein in Gram-negative bacteria, showing potent activity against multidrug-resistant strains. The discovery holds promise for treating bloodstream infections and has potential for future clinical trials.
Scientists have extracted a powerful antibacterial peptide from African catfish skin mucus, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The peptide, called NACAP-II, has been shown to disrupt bacterial cell membranes at very low concentrations.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC found that primary care telemedicine visits are associated with lower antibiotic prescription rates for children compared to virtual-only direct-to-consumer providers. The study highlights the importance of integrated telemedicine within primary care settings.
A new trial demonstrates that non-allergy specialist healthcare professionals can safely assess and remove penicillin allergy labels in low-risk patients, with no serious hypersensitivity reactions reported. This approach has the potential to improve quality of clinical care and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers demonstrates that heteroresistance, a common transient resistance in bacteria, can facilitate the development of antibiotic resistance. The study found that heteroresistant bacteria carrying more resistance gene copies result in slower growth and increased risk of treatment failure.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.
A team of international scientists has developed an effective treatment for preventing infection in chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics. The new method involves the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings, producing a unique mix of chemical oxidants that are effective in decontaminating and aiding healing.
A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.
A new study published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance found that pathogenic bacteria E. coli and A. baumannii employ shared and unique mechanisms to acquire resistance to antibiotics ciprofloxacin and GP6. The researchers developed a method to track the acquisition of drug resistance using whole genome sequencing, which revealed t...
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed a new therapeutic strategy to combat multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica. The dual-pronged treatment combines colistin with a quinazoline compound to target resistance mechanisms and disrupt bacterial envelope electrochemical equilibrium.
Researchers at MBL have found a genetic arrangement that confers antibiotic resistance to the bacterium Bacteroides fragilis, which may help it protect itself from tetracycline. The study highlights the role of transposons in horizontal gene transfer and potential mechanisms for controlling gene expression.
Researchers found hundreds of new genes in these bacteria, which may offer clues to curb antibiotic-resistant infections. Insects and other invertebrates are likely the greatest natural source for enterococci bacteria, including those that are naturally resistant.
Researchers found that 5 in 10 pet dogs with diarrhea are shedding multi-drug resistant E.coli strains. These bacteria pose a risk to human health, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene and precautions when interacting with infected pets.
Researchers found duplicated antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria from environments with higher antibiotic use, increasing the likelihood of evolution and resistance to new treatments. The study suggests using antibiotics more efficiently could address the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
Scientists found a mutation in E. coli that allows it to spread further into the body and infect organs, causing life-threatening diseases. The discovery helps explain why certain types of E. coli become more dangerous and provides an explanation for emerging virulent bacteria.
Researchers found an association between the number of ciprofloxacin prescriptions and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. Typhi isolates with QRDR mutations. The study suggests that increased antimicrobial use contributed to the emergence of resistance, highlighting the need for better diagnostics and vaccines.
Scientists at UIC and Harvard developed an antibiotic that effectively suppresses pathogenic bacteria resistant to many commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs. The new antibiotic, cresomycin, binds strongly to ribosomes, disrupting their function and overcoming several common types of drug resistance.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new antibiotic compound, cresomycin, that effectively targets and kills multiple strains of drug-resistant bacteria. The breakthrough demonstrates improved ability to bind to bacterial ribosomes, overcoming resistance mechanisms.
A rapid diagnosis protocol using a luminescent paper-based platform has been developed to detect the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The approach uses a supramolecular hydrogel matrix containing terbium cholate that emits green fluorescence when UV light is shined on it.
A new analysis method for detecting bacteria in blood has been confirmed to provide accurate and fast results at smaller hospitals, enabling quicker antibiotic treatment. The test revealed a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use and an improved patient outcome in one out of four cases.
Researchers have identified macrophages, immune cells that gobble up foreign substances, in the pleural cavity around the lungs. These cells play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and disease during flu infections.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati finds that being in prison is a significant driver of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) transmission. The researchers identified molecular resistance patterns and defined recent transmissions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to control the MDR-TB epidemic in prisons.
Researchers found that warmer water edges out antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in natural biofilms, suggesting a defense mechanism against their spread. The study suggests temperature can influence microbial competition in rivers.
A highly infectious and antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain, known as B5/H24RxC, has been identified in a Chinese children's hospital, leading to two outbreaks. The strain is resistant to powerful antibiotics like carbapenems, making it a significant public health concern.
Northwestern University researchers successfully engineered a virus to destroy itself from the inside out, killing a deadly bacterium. The study represents a critical step towards creating new therapies to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new experimental model to test the effects of antibiotics on hospital-acquired pneumonia. The study found that increasing antibiotic doses can reduce resistance, and using a second type of antibiotic may also be effective in preventing resistance development.
Sezáry syndrome patients face a vicious circle where cancer and treatment weaken the immune system, allowing bacteria like S. aureus to thrive. Eliminating these bacteria may make cancer cells more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs.
Scientists identified a novel bacterial species resistant to multiple antibiotics, found in hospital wastewater and isolated from a patient's swab. The discovery highlights the need for continued research on antimicrobial resistance and its impact on global health.
Researchers analyzed UK and Norway data on antibiotic-resistant bacteria, finding that antibiotic use amplifies the spread, but genetic makeup and environmental pressures are also crucial factors. The study suggests a more nuanced understanding of antibiotic resistance is needed to inform public health interventions.
Researchers with York University's Global Strategy Lab argue that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be reframed as a sustainability issue. The team introduces five principles for designing institutions to minimize drug resistance and outlines the need for a new approach to tackle the growing global threat.
A new study has found that evolution is influenced by a genome's evolutionary history, allowing scientists to predict gene interactions and tackle real-world issues like antibiotic resistance. This discovery opens the door to new possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science.
The study found that co-existing bacteria species in the chicken gut share AMR-associated genetic material and implement similar resistance mechanisms. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding microbial community interactions in livestock farming.