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New compound effective against flesh-eating bacteria

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a novel compound that effectively clears bacterial infections in mice, including those causing rare and potentially fatal 'flesh-eating' illnesses. The compound targets gram-positive bacteria, reducing virulence and speeding up post-infection healing.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 2, 2024

New ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner emphasises importance of restoring and reinforcing public trust in science after pandemic, in editorial for Eurosurveillance

Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, new ECDC Director, stresses the need to restore and reinforce public trust in science after the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights challenges such as war, climate change, and social inequalities, which can lead to misinformation and reversed medical advances. ECDC is taking steps to implement its expanded mandat...

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 18, 2024

Rising antimicrobial resistance in certain Salmonella serovars isolated from retail chicken meat

Emerging antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates found in retail chicken meat poses a significant threat to public health. The study found a dramatic increase in multidrug-resistant S. Infantis, which has been linked to high levels of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.

Targeting ABC transporters in PDAC – past, present, or future?

Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2024

AI able to identify drug-resistant typhoid-like infection from microscopy images in matter of hours

Researchers at University of Cambridge developed machine-learning tool to identify drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria from microscopy images. The algorithm correctly predicted resistance or susceptibility without culturing the bacteria, reducing diagnosis time from days to hours.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2024

Researchers thwart resistant bacteria’s strategy

A team of researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has discovered a mechanism that reduces the formation of biofilm on the surface of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium commonly found in hospitals and resistant to most antibiotics. The biofilm-reducing system is naturally stimulated by cell wall stress, and its discovery of...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

How E. coli defends itself against antibiotics

When E. coli detects damage from antibiotic Ciprofloxacin, it sends out an SOS signal that alters cellular activity. The bacteria then mutate their DNA to repair the damage or adapt to resist the antibiotic. Researchers studied this process in detail using bioreactors and found all genes are activated simultaneously at the protein level.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Western superbugs do not dominate in Pakistan

A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria endemic to the UK and Norway are not prevalent in Pakistan despite widespread use of antibiotics. The study used genomic surveillance to map different strains of Escherichia coli, highlighting the importance of understanding bacterial threats in specific regions.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2024

ASU researchers gain insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella fine-tunes its infection tactics

Researchers have gained insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella adapts to invasion, flourishing in hostile environments and evading immune defenses. The study sheds light on the role of fluid shear forces in bacterial behavior, which may accelerate the design of new therapies for life-threatening infections.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2024

Breakthrough in creating cyclic peptide opens the way for new antibiotics

Scientists at King's College London have developed a rapid method for creating cyclic peptides, an important class of antibiotic molecules, which can be produced in minutes rather than hours or days. This breakthrough could inspire renewed efforts towards developing new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024

The effect of combinations of antibiotics and natural products on the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Researchers tested seven antibiotics in combination with various natural compounds, finding synergistic effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study suggests combining antibiotics with plant extracts or phytochemicals could be a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Infectious Diseases Journal·DateMay 27, 2024

The Lancet: 750,000 deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance could be prevented every year through available vaccines, water and sanitation, and infection control methods

A new Lancet Series estimates that over 750,000 deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could be prevented annually through improved prevention methods. AMR poses significant threats to newborns, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, causing nearly 5 million deaths globally each year.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

New mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance

New study reveals two novel mechanisms that contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, accelerating the growth of resistant bacteria during treatment. These mechanisms can occur independently and are linked to increased gene copy number variation and heteroresistance, complicating treatment for patients.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

A second chance for new antibiotic agent

Researchers have successfully adapted a modified drug molecule to selectively bind to a protein in bacteria, rather than human cells, making it more effective against bacterial infections. This breakthrough could provide a new avenue for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Medical school scientist creates therapy to kill hypervirulent bacteria

A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Pathogens, including multi-drug resistant “superbugs”, found on floors, ceilings and door handles of hospital toilets, UK study finds

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.

Antimicrobial resistance prevalence varies by age and sex in bloodstream infections in European hospitals

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.

Experts call for global genetic warning system to combat the next pandemic and antimicrobial resistance

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 25, 2024

Antimicrobial-resistant hospital infections remain at least 12% above pre-pandemic levels, major US study finds

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.

Treatment for deadly superbug C. diff may be weakening

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 25, 2024

A vaccine to fight antibiotic resistance

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Major genetic meta-analysis reveals how antibiotic resistance in babies varies according to mode of birth, prematurity, and where they live

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.

Black women hospitalised in USA with blood infection resistant to last-resort antibiotic at increased risk of death

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 ...