Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Bacteria Research: Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria ♦ Drug disarms deadly C. difficile bacteria without destroying healthy gut flora ♦ Faster resistance analysis for patients with blood poisoning

Drug disarms deadly C. difficile bacteria without destroying healthy gut flora Scientists have successfully defeated a dangerous intestinal pathogen, Clostridium difficile, with a drug targeting its toxins rather than its life. C. difficile is responsible for more than 250,000 hospitalizations and 15,000 deaths per year in the United States, costing the country more than $4 billion in health-care expenses.
Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria Biological engineers have devised a new mix-and-match system to genetically engineer viruses that target specific bacteria. The approach could generate new weapons against bacteria for which there are no effective antibiotics.
Faster resistance analysis for patients with blood poisoning When treating cases of blood poisoning, doctors resort immediately to broad-spectrum antibiotics. The problem is that in many cases the bacteria are resistant to the medicine. Analyzing antibiotic resistance is a time-consuming process, and for many patients the results come too late. Now a new technique has been developed that supplies results in just nine hours.
Study examines incidence of serious, highly drug-resistant group of bacteria The overall incidence in 2012-2013 was relatively low of a serious, highly drug-resistant group of bacteria (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae that are an important cause for healthcare associated infections, according to a study. Most CRE cases were associated with prior hospitalizations and discharge to long-term care settings.

No comments:

Post a Comment