Antibiotic resistance: Superbugs can be killed by modifying existing drugs, scientists discover
By www.independent.co.uk
One type of antibiotic is found to kill bacteria by ripping it open by brute force, a previously unknown method that could help make a whole new generation of drugs.
In the evolutionary arms-race between deadly bacteria and the antibiotics used by doctors to kill them, the bugs have very definitely been gaining the upper hand in recent years.
But, amid growing reports of bacteria resistant to even the ‘last resort’ antibiotics, comes the news that scientists have found a new way that some existing drugs can still be effective.
Normally antibiotics must bind to a bacteria cell in order to kill it, like putting a key in a locked door.
But the researchers found that one drug exerted such a strong physical force on the bacteria that it “tore the door off its hinges”.
The hunt is now on for other antibiotics with similar properties to create a “new generation” of drugs capable of defeating even the most resistant superbugs.
Last year, growing concern about antibiotic resistance prompted then Prime Minister David Cameron to warn of "catastrophic consequences" if the problem was not dealt with across the world. The UK was instrumental in organising a meeting at the United Nations to discuss the issue.
One of the researchers, Dr Joseph Ndieyira, of University College London, said: “Antibiotics work in different ways, but they all need to bind to bacterial cells in order to kill them.
“Antibiotics have ‘keys’ that fit ‘locks’ on bacterial cell surfaces, allowing them to latch on.
“When a bacterium becomes resistant to a drug, it effectively changes the locks so the key won’t fit any more.
“Incredibly, we found that certain antibiotics can still ‘force’ the lock, allowing them to bind to and kill resistant bacteria because they are able to push hard enough.
“In fact, some of them were so strong they tore the door off its hinges, killing the bacteria instantly.”
The study tested a powerful antibiotic called vancomycin, used as a last-resort treatment for infections like MRSA, and another called oritavancin, used to treat skin infections.
“We found that oritavancin pressed into resistant bacteria with a force 11,000 times stronger than vancomycin,” says Dr Ndieyira.
“Even though it has the same ‘key’ as vancomycin, oritavancin was still highly effective at killing resistant bacteria.
“Until now it wasn’t clear how oritavancin killed bacteria, but our study suggests that the forces it generates can actually tear holes in the bacteria and rip them apart.”
This way of killing bacteria has not been seen before.
“Oritavancin molecules are good at sticking together to form clusters, which fundamentally changes how they kill bacteria,” Dr Ndieyira said.
“When two clusters dig into a bacterial surface they push apart from each other, tearing the surface and killing the bacteria.
“Remarkably, we found that conditions at the bacterial surface actually encourage clustering which makes antibiotics even more effective.”
The researchers have now developed a mathematical model that could be used to screen for new antibiotics that have the same “brute force” approach.
“Our findings will help us not only to design new antibiotics but also to modify existing ones to overcome resistance,” Dr Ndieyira said.
“Oritavancin is just a modified version of vancomycin, and now we know how these modifications work we can do similar things with other antibiotics.
“This will help us to create a new generation of antibiotics to tackle multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, now recognized as one of the greatest global threats in modern healthcare.”
The growth of antibiotic resistance has been driven partly by over-prescription of the drugs for conditions like the common cold, which is a virus, not a bacterium, and is therefore unaffected.
Antibiotics have also been used in agriculture to boost the growth of livestock.
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/superbugs-kill-cured-existing-drugs-antibiotic-resistance-new-way-scientists-ucl-a7561686.html
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Provera: Brand Name Medication Guide For Womens Hormone
Provera is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone, a medication used in the management of conditions associated with womens hormone. Brand name medications are pharmaceutical products marketed under a proprietary name by the company that originally developed them. Understanding the relationship between brand name and generic formulations, as well as the conditions for which the medication is approved, helps patients make informed choices about their treatment. Allergic conditions affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and range from mild seasonal symptoms to chronic conditions that persist throughout the year. The immune system's overreaction to harmless environmental substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods drives most allergic disease. Histamine, released by immune cells when they detect an allergen, is the primary chemical mediator responsible for the familiar symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions. The brand name Provera has built a clinical track record through use in a wide range of patients and healthcare settings. Brand versions and their generic equivalents contain the same active ingredient at the same strength, but may differ in inactive ingredients such as fillers, binders, and coatings. In most cases, generic formulations are therapeutically equivalent and offer cost savings, though some patients prefer to stay on a specific formulation for consistency. When prescribed Provera, patients should follow the guidance of their prescribing physician regarding dose, frequency, and duration of therapy. The medication should be stored as directed on the label, typically at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Any unused medication should not be disposed of by flushing down the drain unless the label specifically says to do so, as this can harm the environment. Comprehensive details on Provera and other medications used for womens hormone are available through https://mednewwsstoday.com/womens-hormone/. This resource provides evidence-based summaries to help patients and healthcare providers stay informed about treatment options in this therapeutic area.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Using Amoxil For Uti: What Patients Should Know
Uti is a condition that affects a significant number of people and can range from mild and occasional to persistent and severely disruptive. Understanding the available treatment options is an important part of managing symptoms effectively. Healthcare providers evaluate the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health profile before recommending a specific medication or combination of treatments. Bacterial infections are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, ranging from minor skin infections and urinary tract infections to serious pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Antibiotics work by targeting structures or processes that are unique to bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis, protein production, or DNA replication, without harming human cells. Selecting the right antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria involved, its sensitivity profile, and the location of the infection in the body. Amoxil (amoxicillin) belongs to the class of medications used for antibiotic treatments and is commonly considered by clinicians evaluating treatment options for this condition. Patients looking closely at amoxil for uti will find that the medication offers a practical option for many individuals dealing with this specific issue, particularly when first-line approaches have provided incomplete relief. As with any prescription or over-the-counter medication, proper dosing and adherence to usage guidelines are essential to getting the most benefit from Amoxil while minimizing the risk of side effects. Taking the medication as directed, at the appropriate time of day, and for the full recommended duration helps ensure therapeutic blood levels are maintained. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all other medications they are taking to check for potential interactions. For broader context on treatment options related to antibiotic treatments, https://mednewwsstoday.com/antibiotics/ provides evidence-based information covering the full range of medications used in this therapeutic area, helping patients and caregivers compare approaches and make informed decisions alongside their medical team.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)