All articles tagged with #antibiotics
A large study using Estonian Biobank data shows that a wide range of medications—including antidepressants, beta-blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, and benzodiazepines—can cause enduring shifts in the gut microbiome that persist years after stopping them, suggesting past medication history can influence current microbiome profiles and should be accounted for in research and clinical interpretation.
A 1-year, multicenter trial with 109 patients having advanced periodontitis found that adding omega-3 and low-dose aspirin to standard subgingival therapy produced outcomes nearly identical to those achieved with a standard antibiotic regimen. The benefits persisted six months after stopping treatment, suggesting a lasting modulation of the inflammatory response. While promising as an antibiotic-sparing option for select patients, researchers caution that more evidence is needed before replacing antibiotics in routine dental care.
A University of Utah-led study surveyed 1,475 Americans and found that the long-standing 'always finish the course' advice is not universal. Shorter antibiotic courses can be as effective and safer for infections like pneumonia, though some illnesses (e.g., tuberculosis) require longer treatment. Public beliefs lag behind evidence, with about 60% preferring longer courses and 88% having heard the 'finish your course' mantra. The authors call for clearer, nuance-focused communication between clinicians and patients as evidence evolves.
A review of more than 120 randomized trials shows shorter antibiotic courses are often as effective and safer than longer ones for many common infections, challenging the long-standing guidance to always finish the full course. The findings emphasize tailored clinician–patient communication to determine duration, note that many people still prefer longer courses due to prior guidance, and warn that some infections require longer treatment; results are published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases and more than 90% of surveyed US respondents trust their doctor.
A large retrospective study using the TriNetX database found that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) had higher rates of treatment failure within 7 days for postmenopausal women with acute uncomplicated UTIs compared with nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin. TMP-SMX was about 28% more likely to fail than nitrofurantoin and about 39% more likely than fosfomycin; nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin had similar overall failure rates, though nitrofurantoin reduced hospitalization risk. Postmenopausal status may alter UTI risk and antibiotic effectiveness due to estrogen deficiency and microbiome changes; study limitations include retrospective design and reliance on diagnostic codes.
A two-sided, plant-based wound dressing releases antibiotics within four hours on one side to block biofilm formation by more than 90% and keep a protected healing environment on the other side, using sustainable furan-based polymers for infection-fighting wound care.
U.S. life expectancy has roughly doubled since 1776, rising from about 35–40 years to about 79 years today, thanks to reductions in infant and childhood mortality and major advances in sanitation, clean water, vaccines, antibiotics, nutrition, and chronic-disease prevention; the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip, but ongoing challenges like obesity and substance use help explain why the U.S. still trails other high-income nations.
A Washington Post column argues that antimicrobial soaps provide no benefit over plain soap and water in preventing illness, and their use could drive antibiotic resistance. While the FDA has banned some antimicrobial ingredients, loopholes remain. Experts urge sticking with plain soap and good hygiene rather than “hygiene theater,” since basic measures—handwashing with ordinary soap and water—remain the best defense against germs.
A Nature study in mice shows that gut microbiome composition, especially Muribaculaceae abundance, correlates with sepsis severity: mice with higher gut bacterial load exhibit a stronger early inflammatory response and more bacteria in blood and organs, suggesting the microbiome may signal immune reactions before infection and that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis could worsen outcomes; human trials are needed.
New research shows gut bacteria profoundly influence cancer treatment outcomes, especially immunotherapies. Scientists are reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use, optimizing diet, and testing probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants to preserve beneficial gut microbes, with early trials suggesting improved responses and fewer complications—though the microbiome’s role remains complex and more evidence is needed.
The gut microbiome is shaping cancer treatment outcomes, with research showing that preserving beneficial gut bacteria—rather than overusing broad-spectrum antibiotics—can improve responses to immunotherapy and transplants. Trials are testing probiotics like CBM588 and fecal microbiota transplants to repair dysbiosis and potentially reduce complications, while dietary strategies aim to support beneficial microbes. The field is promising but scientifically complex, and evidence is still accumulating.
Probiotic supplements aren’t proven to help during antibiotic courses and may slow gut recovery; most people’s microbiomes rebound after a course, though some antibiotics can cause lasting changes, and probiotics may help only in high‑risk cases to prevent C. difficile. The author endorses prudent antibiotic use and completing prescribed courses, plus three non‑probiotic strategies to bolster the microbiome during therapy.
A global review led by Jilin University and Peking Union Medical College Hospital finds antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not a distant threat but a present crisis: common infections are increasingly no longer treatable with standard antibiotics, with regional patterns influenced by policy, practice, and environmental use; bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella show β-lactamase activity in parts of Asia while carbapenem resistance climbs in Europe and the Americas, and fungi like Candida auris also resist multiple drugs. Reversing the trend requires rapid diagnostics, precision dosing, smarter drug combinations, and robust national surveillance and stewardship, plus cutting agricultural antibiotic use and pursuing new antibiotics and antifungals within a One Health framework. The study appears in the Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital.
After a course of antibiotics upset her gut, the author spoke with registered dietitian Avery Zenker, who says antibiotic effects on the gut vary by drug and person. To support recovery, prioritize hydration, a varied, fiber-rich diet, and prebiotic foods (like oats, bananas, garlic, apples, legumes). Limit fried foods, sugar, alcohol, and highly acidic or spicy items if symptoms occur. Probiotics aren’t guaranteed to help and aren’t always necessary; treat gut health during and after antibiotics like any other day, increasing fiber gradually and checking with a doctor about any interactions.
UKHSA says the peak of the Kent meningitis outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub has passed, with 29 confirmed or suspected cases and two deaths. Four clinics across Canterbury, Ashford and Faversham are offering vaccines and antibiotics, and more than 10,000 vaccines and about 13,000 antibiotic courses have been administered. Cases may still appear as monitoring continues; the outbreak involves MenB, and routine MenB vaccination does not fully cover late teens.