Tag: Antibiotics

Study: Preventing antibiotic-resistant infection surge could save millions

Editor's Note Research shows antibiotic-resistant infections could lead to 8.2 million deaths annually by 2050, representing a 75% increase from current rates, according to a September 17 article in HealthDay. Published in the Lancet, the new study highlights the growing threat of growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), predicting that…

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By: Matt Danford
September 19, 2024
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Study shows decline in infections, antibiotic resistance at VA medical centers

Editor's Note A 13-year study at US Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers found a decline in both hospital-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance for common pathogens, MedPage Today August 15 reports. From 2007 to 2019, the overall infection rate of nine pathogens decreased, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC)…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
August 28, 2024
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Antibiotics gaining acceptance as potential alternative to pediatric appendectomy

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Editor's Note Evidence is mounting for the use of antibiotics as a valid alternative to surgery for acute appendicitis, including in pediatric cases, the Washington Post reported August 17. The article details how this treatment—described as a “dark secret” by one expert testifying to its use in the 1950s, prior…

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By: Matt Danford
August 21, 2024
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Surgical site infections often caused by preexisting bacteria

Editor's Note Most healthcare-associated surgical site infections are not caused by pathogens acquired in the hospital, but by previously harmless bacteria already present on patients’ skin prior to being admitted, according to a study published April 10 in Science Translational Medicine. Surgical site infections account for the highest annual costs…

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By: Brita Belli
April 29, 2024
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FDA approves new antibiotic for staph, other infections

Editor's Note The US Food and Drug administration approved Zevtera for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) bloodstream infections, which are often acquired in healthcare settings. In the April 3 announcement, the agency notes the new antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium for injection) is effective for SAB-infected patients with right-sided infective…

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By: Matt Danford
April 4, 2024
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Study makes case against preoperative urine culture for most surgical procedures

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Editor's Note Findings published March 4 in Jama Network show that preoperative urine culture is a low-value intervention for most surgical patients and should be de-implemented. Despite guidelines to the contrary from Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American College of Physicians, preoperative urine testing and antibiotic treatment persists…

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By: Matt Danford
March 25, 2024
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Surgeons design implant coating to combat infections

Editor's Note: A point-of-care, antimicrobial coating for orthopedic implants could soon make implant-associated infections a problem of the past, UCLA Health reported on January 3. Developed by two UCLA surgeons, the coating is designed to kill or slow the spread of micro-organisms in order to prevent post-surgical infections. According to…

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By: Matt Danford
January 24, 2024
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Antibiotic resistance creating global health threat for children

Editor's Note Widespread antibiotic resistance globally has meant that drugs used to treat common infections in children and babies are no longer effective, according to a new study published on October 31 by Science Direct. The study found that a number of antibiotics recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)…

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By: Brita Belli
October 31, 2023
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Pfizer warns FDA of penicillin shortage

Editor's Note Pfizer alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 12 that its supply of two forms of injectable penicillin—Bicillin L-A and Bicillin C-R—may run out by the end of this month, the June 13 The Hill reports. Pfizer cited a combination of factors for the shortage, including…

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By: Judy Mathias
June 15, 2023
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SHEA: Strategies to prevent SSIs updated

Editor's Note The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has updated the Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infection in Acute Care Hospitals, which was published in 2014. The update highlights practical recommendations designed to assist acute-care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their surgical site infection (SSI) prevention efforts. Among…

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By: Judy Mathias
May 26, 2023
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