Doctors often put their trust in placebos, study finds Oct 25, 2008
Say a person with a viral upper respiratory infection walks into a doctor s office and demands antibiotics even though there s no evidence that these medications, which fight bacterial infections, do anything to help viral illnesses. Most of the time, I ll tell patients, You really don t need an antibiotic. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
ConjuGon to get $2.4M in defense funds Oct 25, 2008
"Military personnel and civilians often develop life-threatening bacterial infections following traumatic injury, and current antibiotics to fight these infections are becoming much less effective," said ConjuGon chief operating officer Steve Watt. Rep. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Science of Snacks: Thinking Makes You Hungry Oct 24, 2008
Some of the chemical compounds found in marijuana show promise for fighting drug-resistant bacterial infections. That s according to the Journal of Natural Products, published by the American Chemical Society. (Scientific American)
Thallion's TLN-4601 Inhibits Mutated K-Ras Signaling in Cancer Cells Oct 24, 2008
The Company's third product candidate, Shigamabs, is a dual antibody product for the treatment of Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacterial infections. Additional information about the Company can be obtained at www. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
ViroPharma completes Lev buy Oct 23, 2008
-based biopharmaceutical company s lone product in the market prior to the deal was Vancocin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Reader Comments. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Biomarkers For Identifying Infant Infections Oct 23, 2008
7, 2008) A new blood test may help detect serious bacterial infections (such as meningitis and bloodstream infections) in infants with fevers that have no clear cause -- and may spare many infants from. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Listeria agony described Oct 23, 2008
Five years after SARS we still have a provincial lab that wasn't setup to look for bacterial infections (a 4 week delay). What is going on here. (Toronto Star)
Trius Antibiotics to be Highlighted in 18 Presentations at ICAAC/IDSA Oct 20, 2008
TR-701 Phase 1 Clinical Trial Results Disclosed SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Trius Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing "Best-in-Class" drugs for the treatment of serious bacterial infections, announced today that the results of multiple studies on its lead program, TR-701, and its other pipeline programs will be presented in eighteen presentations at the upcoming joint Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) and Infectious Diseases... (PR Newswire)
Turf fields popular despite safety concerns Oct 19, 2008
The safety concerns include questions about whether the fields emit unsafe amounts of lead and chemicals when they heat up, and worries that bacterial infections will spread more easily to players with open wounds. Last month, the city and its nonprofit partner, the City Fields Foundation, unveiled the latest project -a $10. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
A New Class of Antibiotics Could Offer Hope Against TB Oct 18, 2008
"I would say that most of the American public believe that bacterial infections were conquered with the discovery of penicillin and streptomycin and that the dawn of the antibiotic age meant the end of bacterial infection as an important threat," says Richard Ebright, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at Rutgers and a co-author on the study. What has happened instead, says Zhenkun Ma, head of research at the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, who was not involved in the new... (Time.com)
I'm sick. How long before I should go back to work? Oct 15, 2008
Bacterial infections are the only type of infection treated by antibiotics ... Other bacterial infections, however, including pneumonia and strep throat, can be contagious when droplets are transmitted from one person to another through sneezing and coughing or close contact. (Globe and Mail)
Now, a non-surgical cure for sinusitis Oct 15, 2008
In this condition one is prone to catching viral or bacterial infections. In fact, exposure to dust particles can make things worse for the patient, said Dr Sharma. (Times of India)
5 Patients Treated for MRSA at VA Hospital (10:59am) Oct 10, 2008
(AP) - Portsmouth Naval Medical Center has recently treated five patients suffering from drug-resistant bacterial infections. Hospital spokeswoman Deborah Kallgren says the cases all involved methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The patients were transferred from the Hampton Veterans Administration Medical Center. (WTVR.com, VA)
Jump seen in staph-linked flu deaths in kids Oct 7, 2008
The percentage of those who also had bacterial infections jumped from 6 percent to almost 36 percent ... The flu is thought to make people more susceptible to bacterial infections like staph, Finelli said. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Children's Flu Deaths Oct 6, 2008
Lyn Finelli, a researcher for the CDC and the study's lead author, says the flu is thought to make people more susceptible to bacterial infections like staph. The study appears in the October edition of Pediatrics. (WSJA.com, AL)
Nor Cal Town Plagued By Awful Stench Oct 6, 2008
Lake County Fish and Game warden said viral and bacterial infections sometimes attack carp. The diseases do not affect humans. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
New test could help catch serious infections in babies Oct 6, 2008
Boston, MA--A simple blood test may help detect serious bacterial infections (SBIs) like urinary tract infections and blood stream infections in young infants who come to the emergency department (ED) with fevers that have no clear cause. Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston, collaborating with investigators at George Washington University, show that a new diagnostic marker called procalcitonin can help identify infants at high risk for SBIs while potentially reducing unnecessary and... (EurekAlert!)
Public potty problems Oct 5, 2008
Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona who has studied restrooms and other germ-infested environments for more than 20 years, says that because of the care people take when they're about to sit, other parts of the bathroom are much more prone to delivering bacterial infections ... But, in general, washing your hands is the most effective action you can take to prevent bacterial infections from a public bathroom, experts say. (CNN -- US)
Being smart when using medicines Oct 4, 2008
That makes bacterial infections harder to treat and sometimes results in what we call superbugs, or bacteria that do not respond to any treatment. Antibiotic resistance has become one of the most pressing public health issues, Gibson said. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
12-year-olds rush to beat deadline for vaccination Sep 25, 2008
The combination vaccine protects against three bacterial infections that can be deadly. Two of the three, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough, are spread by person-to-person contact. (Greensboro News Record)
The role of polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin in treating HIV-positive children with severe bacterial infections: a retrospective cohort study Sep 24, 2008
Mortality among HIV-infected children in developing countries remains high after serious bacterial infections despite the use of antibiotics ... We examined the impact of IVIG as an adjuvant therapy in reducing mortality and length of hospital stay in HIV-infected children with serious bacterial infections ... Administration of one to three doses of IVIG during the acute phase of illness does not appear to reduce mortality or the length of hospital stays in HIV-infected children with serious... (BioMed Central)
Taylor ISD aims to go green Sep 18, 2008
In addition to these efforts, TISD has added soapless hand sanitizer dispensers in all classrooms to help prevent the outbreak of bacterial infections. The district has also switched to trashcan liners that are manufactured with recycled materials and vacuum cleaners that contain hypoallergenic filters and are noise-approved. (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
Ranbaxy Plunges After US Blocks Import of 30 Drugs (Update1) Sep 17, 2008
The drugs being blocked include generic versions of 's cholesterol drug Pravachol and cephalexin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Ranbaxy expressed disappointment with the Food and Drug Administration's order and said the agency hasn't given enough time to address the issues raised in the latest letter. (Bloomberg)
USDA research aimed at reducing threats to bee hives Sep 17, 2008
Current USDA research is focused on finding ways to manage parasitic mites and bacterial infections in bees. Now that most of Tudor s bees are dying during winter, he has to buy bees that are shipped to the region from bee breeders. (Charles City Press, IO)
MIGENIX Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2009 Financial Results Sep 16, 2008
MX-2401 (IV lipopeptide; treatment of gram-positive bacterial infections): MX-2401, an injectable lipopeptide, is being developed for the treatment of serious gram positive bacterial infections, including highly publicized treatment resistant hospital bacteria such as MRSA. We expect MX- 2401 to be our next clinical candidate as it represents a highly competitive intravenous agent for treating serious infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria for which there are currently very few effective... (PR Newswire)
Tuberculosis drug shows promise against latent bacteria Sep 13, 2008
Koul and colleagues hope to validate these results clinically, and note that ATP synthase should be looked at as a drug target for other persistent bacterial infections. . (EurekAlert!)
Toward Improved Antibiotics Using Proteins From Marine Diatoms Sep 12, 2008
8, 2008) Substances in marijuana show promise for fighting deadly drug-resistant bacterial infections, including so-called "superbugs," without causing the drug's mood-altering effects, scientists in Italy. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Bacterial Infections May Be Overlooked in SIDS Cases Sep 12, 2008
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Bacterial infections may be an overlooked cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), an Australian study suggests ... Previous research has suggested that immune responses to bacterial infections or toxins can cause a "chemical storm" in infants that result in sudden death. (MEDLINEplus)
Doctors running out of antibiotics to fight some infections, say ... Sep 11, 2008
Doctors running out of antibiotics to fight some infections, say experts. Don't quit less profitable research, drug firms urged Remedies critical for public health, says agency. (guardian.co.uk)
Brush, it could save your life Sep 11, 2008
"We now recognise that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases," said Howard Jenkins of the University of Bristol in Britain, at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology in Dublin. "In other words, it doesn't matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, you're adding to your chances of getting heart disease by having bad teeth," the professor said. (iAfrica.com)
Health concerns lurk after Gustav Sep 11, 2008
And remember, those cuts and scrapes make you susceptible to bacterial infections such as tetanus and MRSA, the kind that is resistant to common anti-biotics. "So any wound that turns red or produces puss should be seen by a physician," adds Dr. Diaz. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Brush To Avoid Heart Disease Sep 11, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008. How to avoid heart disease: brush your teeth, say scientists Posted: 11 September 2008 1057 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Marijuana Ingredients Show Promise In Battling Superbugs Sep 9, 2008
8, 2008) Substances in marijuana show promise for fighting deadly drug-resistant bacterial infections, including so-called "superbugs," without causing the drug's mood-altering effects, scientists in Italy and the United Kingdom are reporting ... Substances in marijuana show promise for fighting deadly drug-resistant bacterial infections, including so-called "superbugs," without causing the drug's mood-altering effects, scientists in Italy and the United Kingdom are reporting. (Science Daily)
When bugs outwit drugs Sep 8, 2008
" It is important to note that antibiotics should be used only for bacterial infections, and not viral infections. Although doctors are given guidelines on the rational use of antibiotics, the overuse or misuse of antibiotics can result from patient demand, says Dr Lim. "Patients or their parents do expect an antibiotic to be given, especially so if the patient is unwell for more than a few days. This is not a new phenomenon," says Dr Chow. When some patients go to see a doctor, they ask for an... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Energy-saving Bacteria Resist Antibiotics Sep 4, 2008
"Our results may help us to discover molecules to target MurI, to prevent bacteria from making cell walls and develop a successful treatment for a wide range of bacterial infections.". Adapted from materials provided by , via. (Science Daily)
"The Economic Report" to Feature Kane Biotech Inc. Sep 2, 2008
Up to 80 percent of human bacterial infections may involve biofilms and the cost of treating them reaches billions of dollars a year in the United States alone. The problem is that once they have formed, bacteria in biofilms become extremely difficult to treat. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
'Superbug' breast infections controllable in nursing mothers, UT Southwestern researchers find Aug 31, 2008
The study was designed to determine which antibiotic treatment is best for severe cases of mastitis, which can be caused by clogged milk ducts with or without infection, and breast abscesses, which are caused by bacterial infections, generally by aureus. There are many strains of staph, one of which is MRSA.. (EurekAlert!)
Cystic Fibrosis: Engineered Proteins Can 'Bypass' Genetic Defect Aug 30, 2008
(June 3, 2005) Cells sent to fight infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients actually enhance the development of permanent bacterial infections, according to new research. Infections with the bacteria. (Science Daily)
Novartis Takes $235 Million Charge After Stopping Trial Aug 29, 2008
ZURICH (Reuters) - Novartis AG stopped development of its Aurograb treatment for bacterial infections after it showed a lack of efficacy in mid-stage trials, and said it would take a $235 million impairment charge. The Swiss drugmaker said on Friday the charge, reflecting the full amount allocated to the project, would be taken in its third quarter results. (ABC News -- Wire)
Novartis takes US$235m charge after dropping drug Aug 29, 2008
Novartis said in a statement that it made the decision not to pursue further trials of "Aurograb" after Phase II results showed its "lack of efficacy as an add-on therapy for life-threatening bacterial infections.". The company gained the right to the compound in 2006. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
More in Locust Grove sickened by likely food-borne illness Aug 27, 2008
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How To Get A College Roommate You Can Live With Aug 26, 2008
25, 2008) Anxious college freshmen can relax. No matter who will be sharing their dorm room, they have the power to make the relationship better, University of Michigan research suggests. (Science Daily)
Medical mystery at the top of the world Aug 25, 2008
After weeks of testing and retesting the hunters, it became clear that their epidemic of sensory-neural hearing loss was not caused by a virus or by otitis media, the middle ear bacterial infections known to be common among Inuit people all over the Arctic. I also ruled out their diet - which consists mostly of raw meat - as a cause. (Boston Globe)
Causes for Itchy, Flaky Skin in Dog... Aug 25, 2008
Skin infections that are associated with scratching, such as bacterial infections and fungal infections (which have the ability to cause an itchy, flaky skin condition), can also spread to other parts of the dog s body and in some cases, the infection can even spread to other pets. Causes of Dry, Itchy Skin in Dogs. (Suite101.com)
7 Reasons to Worry About Your Children Aug 23, 2008
Avoiding colds and the flu, as well as bacterial infections such as strep throat and MRSA, could be as simple as educating children and teens about the importance of washing hands, Siegel said. Getting kids to wash their hands more can be done, but it s difficult, he said. (Fox News)
Molecule That Keeps Pathogens Like Salmonella In Check Uncovered Aug 23, 2008
In addition, treating some bacterial infections with conventional antibiotics can cause the release of more toxins and may worsen disease outcome. Scientists have known for decades that millions of potentially harmful bacteria exist in the human body, awaiting a signal that it's time to release their toxins. (Science Daily)
Ralph D. Feigin, 70, Children's Diseases Book Editor, Dies Aug 23, 2008
In laboratory mice, for example, the researchers found that bacterial infections introduced at 4 a.m. were the least likely to harm their hosts. Dr. Cherry said the results, which were published in the journal Nature, remained intriguing but had yet to be explored fully. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Bacterial Pneumonia Caused Most Deaths In 1918 Influenza Pandemic Aug 21, 2008
Absent the secondary bacterial infections, many patients might have survived, experts at the time believed. Indeed, the availability of antibiotics during the other influenza pandemics of the 20th century, specifically those of 1957 and 1968, was probably a key factor in the lower number of worldwide deaths during those outbreaks, notes Dr. Morens. (Science Daily)
New strategy for flu pandemic Aug 19, 2008
Bacterial infections killed most victims of 1918 flu, scientists say ... Most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic were caused not by the virus alone, but by common bacterial infections that overwhelmed victims' weakened immune systems, according to two new studies that could change the strategy against the next pandemic ... Instead, they found that most of the deaths occurred a week to two weeks later -- indicating opportunistic bacterial infections. (Albany Times Union)
Fruit Flies Provide Insight Into Bacterial Infections In Humans Aug 19, 2008
(June 3, 2005) Cells sent to fight infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients actually enhance the development of permanent bacterial infections, according to new research ... 16, 2007) New antibacterial strategies are needed because more and more bacteria are antibiotic resistant and because antibiotics are not effective at eradicating chronic bacterial infections. (Science Daily)
Bacteria played role in 1918 flu pandemic deaths Aug 19, 2008
Instead, they found that most of the deaths occurred a week to two weeks later -- indicating opportunistic bacterial infections ... It long has been recognized that most flu deaths are the result of pneumonia caused by secondary bacterial infections. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
• Bacteria played a role in 1918 pandemic flu deaths, scientists say Aug 18, 2008
Even healthy adults were felled by bacterial infections after their immune system had been weakened ... Even healthy adults were felled by bacterial infections after their immune system had been weakened ... By Mary Engel, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 18, 2008 Most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic were due not to the virus alone but to common bacterial infections that took advantage of victims' weakened immune systems, according to two new studies that could change the nation's... (Q13.com, WA)
Quarantines are a thing of the past Aug 16, 2008
It was a time when the body s natural ability to fight off both viral and bacterial infections was most important. Many of the old home remedies such as Terpin-Hydrate or Oil of Turpentine, and headache powders were a bitter pill to swallow. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Not such an unkind cut, after all Aug 16, 2008
Circumcision in male partners also reduces the transmission of other bacterial infections, such as herpes and chlamydia, which can lead to infertility in women. An unequivocal advocate of circumcision, Morris notes that men who have the procedure enjoy better hygiene. (The Australian)
White blood cell uses DNA 'catapult' to fight infection Aug 14, 2008
SALT LAKE CITY U.S. and Swiss scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how a type of white blood cell called the eosinophil may help the body to fight bacterial infections in the digestive tract, according to research published online this week in Nature Medicine ... The researchers also found higher levels of eosinophils were linked to improved survival and lower numbers of bacteria in the blood of mice with widespread bacterial infections ... Future investigation may focus on how... (EurekAlert!)
Adverse reactions to antibiotics send thousands of patients to the ER Aug 13, 2008
Half of the visits were for reactions to penicillins and the other half were from reactions to other antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. After accounting for how often antibiotics were prescribed, children less than one year old were found to have the highest rate of adverse drug events. (EurekAlert!)
Brown Recluse Bites a Growing Threat Aug 12, 2008
They could actually be caused by cancer, Lyme disease, bacterial infections, diabetes or chemical burns. 1. (ABC News)
Leading Plastic Surgeon Dr. Darshan Shah Educates Patients on Preventing MRSA Post Cosmetic Procedures Aug 11, 2008
Since recent wounds allow easy entry for MRSA and other bacterial infections, the most important protective pointer is to make sure your incision(s) are clean and covered at all times, using simple soap and water; then wrapping with a fresh, dry bandage; and even still, avoiding skin-to-skin contact as much as possible. Remember, moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow; so keep your incisions as dry as possible. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Brown recluse Aug 11, 2008
They could actually be caused by cancer, Lyme disease, bacterial infections, diabetes or chemical burns. "There are probably bucketfuls of these spiders in your home, and it's very rare to be bitten," Vetter says. (USA Today -- News)
Beef recalled after cases of poisoning Aug 10, 2008
Virginia health officials said dozens of Boy Scouts have come down with strain 0157:H7 of E. coli bacterial infections. One scout remained hospitalized, and 26 others have needed medical care, some in hospitals. (Xinhuanet, China)
Wheezing After Early-life Antibiotics Aug 8, 2008
Using antibiotics reduces a person's exposure to bacterial infections and disturbs healthy populations of bacteria in the body, and the question is whether this then leaves a person more prone to develop asthma. The researchers recruited a group of 1,000 babies at birth and contacted the parents at 3 months, 15 months and then yearly until they were four years old. (Science Daily)
Achillion Announces Private Placement Financing for up to $41.5 Million Aug 6, 2008
Achillion is focused on solutions for the most challenging problems in infectious disease - HIV, hepatitis and resistant bacterial infections. For more information on Achillion Pharmaceuticals, please visit the company's web site at or call Achillion at 1-203-624-7000. (Primezone Releases)
Beware Of Sunburn Boosters Aug 5, 2008
Tetracycline drugs, which include Sumycin, Tetracyn, and Vibramycin, are used to treat bacterial infections. Quinolone drugs like Cipro, which gained attention during the anthrax scare, and sulfa drugs, such as Bactrim, a 00000CD8 lso heighten sun sensitivity. (CBS News)
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Aug 5, 2008
"The highest risk is one in 15, but not everyone is at risk, so it s probably something in the environment. Look at everything, all the toxins and viruses and other autoimmunities that may increase risk in a person who may not be at risk. Usually, type 1 tends to be more of risk of Northern European regions like Scandinavia, but it still occurs in Hispanics and African-Americans. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it is important to take your prescribed medicine and see your doctor as... (Fox News)
Video game is effective in teaching young patients to take cancer medication Aug 5, 2008
Re-Mission, a video game for cancer patients ages 13 through 29, allows players to be a character inside the body of a cancer patient and zap various cancer cells and bacterial infections with different treatment options. In a clinical research study published in the Aug. 4 issue of the journal Pediatrics, patients who played Re-Mission while undergoing treatment maintained higher levels of chemotherapy in their blood (20 percent), took their antibiotics more consistently (16 percent), increased... (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
