News tagged with antibiotic resistance

Related topics: bacteria , antibiotics , bacterium , e coli , infectious diseases



Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of antibiotics. It is a specific type of drug resistance. Antibiotic resistance evolves via natural selection acting upon random mutation, but it can also be engineered by applying an evolutionary stress on a population. Once such a gene is generated, bacteria can then transfer the genetic information in a horizontal fashion (between individuals) by plasmid exchange. If a bacterium carries several resistance genes, it is called multiresistant or, informally, a superbug. The term antimicrobial resistance is sometimes used to explicitly encompass organisms other than bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance can also be introduced artificially into a microorganism through transformation protocols. This can aid in implanting artificial genes into the microorganism. If the resistance gene is linked with the gene to be implanted, the antibiotic can be used to kill off organisms that lack the new gene.

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Genome sequencing provides unprecedented insight into causes of pneumococcal disease

A new study led by researchers from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK has, for the first time, used genome sequencing technology to track the changes in a bacterial population ...

Genetics created May 05, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Glaxo, US partnering to develop new antibiotics

GlaxoSmithKline PLC says it's starting an unusual collaboration with the U.S. government to develop several antibiotics for both bioterrorism threats and bacterial infections resistant to current medicines.

Medications created May 22, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Breast milk protein complex helps reverse antibiotic resistance

A protein complex found in human breast milk can help reverse the antibiotic resistance of bacterial species that cause dangerous pneumonia and staph infections, according to new University at Buffalo research.

Medical research created May 01, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Targeting prescribers can reduce excessive use of antibiotics in hospitals

Giving prescribers access to education and advice or imposing restrictions on use can curb overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics in hospitals, according to a new Cochrane systematic review. This is important because ...

Medications created Apr 29, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Variations in antibiotic prescribing of acute rhinosinusitis in united states ambulatory settings

Antibiotics for acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) are prescribed frequently— especially for younger adult patients and in primary care settings—despite recent consensus guidelines that discourage antibiotic use in mild cases, ...

Surgery created May 09, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0