Deadly bacteria have developed the ability to produce antimicrobials and wipe out competitors, scientists discover

Drug-resistant bacteria evolve to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool

A drug-resistant type of bacteria that has adapted to health care settings evolved in the past several years to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominate strain.

Bacteriocin production facilitates nosocomial emergence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium

Gastrointestinal colonization by the nosocomial pathogen vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) can lead to bloodstream infections with high mortality rates. Shifts in VREfm lineages found within healthcare settings occur, but reasons underlying these changes are not understood. Here we sequenced 710 VREfm clinical isolates collected between 2017 and 2022 from a large tertiary care centre. Genomic analyses revealed a polyclonal VREfm …

This Superbug Evolved a Genetic Weapon and Took Over Hospitals Worldwide

A deadly hospital superbug has evolved into a global force by weaponizing a genetic tool to wipe out its microbial competition. Eesearchers discovered that vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) developed the ability to produce bacteriocins—natural bacterial toxins—to eliminate rival strains. Superbug Evolves in Hospitals Worldwide A drug-resistant bacterium commonly found in healthcare settings has evolved over [...]

Deadly bacteria have developed the ability to produce antimicrobials and wipe out competitors, scientists discover

A drug-resistant type of bacteria that has adapted to health care settings evolved in the past several years to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists made the discovery when combing through local hospital data—and then confirmed that it was a global phenomenon.

Beyond high cost: Pharmaceutic low-resource setting barriers to antibacterial access - AMR Insights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat, particularly on the African continent, where high infectious disease burdens and low access to effective medicines exacerbate the problem. The chemistry and formulation of antibacterials, particularly orally active, broad-spectrum ‘Access’ antibacterials, have been a critical issue in enhancing access for African patients. These antibacterials are particularly useful in hot, humid African setti…

Drug-Resistant Bacteria Outcompete Rivals in Hospitals

A drug-resistant strain of bacteria inhabiting hospital settings has evolved to utilize an antimicrobial genetic tool. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) is responsible for many lethal infections and has been shown by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh (UPitt) to be equally lethal to other bacterial species. The findings, published in Nature Microbiology in a study titled, “Bacteriocin production facilitates nosocomial em…