Age and Gender Impact Antibiotic Resistance, Study Finds
A recent study has found that age and gender play key roles in antibiotic resistance, with the likelihood of having a bloodstream infection resistant to antibiotics being linked to these factors. The study, which involved almost one million individuals across Europe, revealed different antimicrobial resistance trends for various bloodstream infections. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing better strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance and safeguard individuals from challenging infections.
Researchers Discover Groundbreaking Approach to Combat Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Kent’s School of Biosciences researchers have discovered a groundbreaking approach to combat drug-resistant bacteria by using certain steroid medications used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These steroids have been found to effectively eliminate MRSA and hinder the growth of E. Coli, which are resistant to antibiotics. Dr. Mark Shepherd, Reader in Microbial Biochemistry at Kent, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating that these exciting developments will help to advance research into new antimicrobials. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Disease, indicates that steroid drugs inhibit bacterial respiratory oxidases and are lethal toward Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This breakthrough may significantly contribute to addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance.