Latest news with #Klebsiella
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Wockhardt's proprietary antibiotic Zaynich gets mentioned in leading U.K. Medical Journal
For its successful use in a critically ill U.S. liver transplant patient suffering from a pan-drug resistant infection A clinically challenging case involving Wockhardt's novel antibiotic Zaynich was recently published in the July 17, 2025 issue of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - AMR, a leading publication by the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. The publication details the successful use of Zaynich, a combination of Zidebactam and Cefepime, in treating a critically ill U.S. liver transplant patient suffering from a pan-drug resistant infectionan infection resistant to all available antibiotics in the United States. This case report is jointly authored by US clinicians from leading hospitals, Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College and Johns Hopkins. Notably, this patient was infected with two different pathogens - Pseudomonas and Klebsiella, both resistant to all the recently introduced antibiotics such as cefiderocol, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, imipenem/relebactam. The case report detailed the results of genetic analysis of bacterial DNA and determined that Pseudomonas and Klebsiella harbored 4 distinct resistance mechanisms each leading to pan-drug resistance. Initially, the patient was treated for 10 weeks with cefiderocol and eravacycline (a novel tetracycline antibiotic), but the infection persisted, and the Pseudomonas strain became resistant to cefiderocol. The patient continued to suffer from fever and chills, and imaging tests showed new abscesses in the liver clear signs that the infection was not under control. Given the high risk of transplant failure due to these MDR infections, a multidisciplinary team, including microbiologists, infectious disease experts, oncologists, and transplant surgeons, sought emergency access to Zaynich. The antibiotic was administered for 14 days around the time of the liver transplant. The results were remarkable - within 11 days, the patient improved clinically and transferred from ICU to regular floor, and follow-up imaging showed no signs of active infection. Importantly, the patient remained infection-free even after six weeks of completing treatment with Zaynich, making liver transplant successful and allowing doctors to safely resume chemotherapy for the underlying cancer. The authors highlighted the role of Zaynich as a potential treatment option for extensively drug resistant infections with extremely limited/no treatment options. Zaynich is a novel, proprietary antibiotic developed by Wockhardt, combining Zidebactam and Cefepime to combat multi-drug resistant Gram-negative infections. The drug recently completed a global, pivotal Phase III clinical trial, which will support its marketing authorization across international markets. Prior to this, multiple Phase I clinical pharmacology studies involving the Zidebactam/Cefepime combination were successfully conducted in the United States. Zaynich has also completed a multi-indication clinical study in India, specifically targeting carbapenem-resistant infections. To date, more than 50 patients in India and the U.S. suffering from highly resistant infections have been treated with Zaynich under compassionate use programs.
CNA
17-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
Commentary: Some of the dirtiest items in your life are the ones you might least expect
LONDON: From your phone to your sponge, your toothbrush to your trolley handle, invisible armies of bacteria are lurking on the everyday objects you touch the most. Most of these microbes are harmless – some even helpful – but under the right conditions, a few can make you seriously ill. But here's the catch: Some of the dirtiest items in your life are the ones you might least expect. Here are some of the hidden bacteria magnets in your daily routine, and how simple hygiene tweaks can protect you from infection. SHOPPING TROLLEY HANDLES Shopping trolleys are handled by dozens of people each day, yet they're rarely sanitised. That makes the handles a prime spot for germs, particularly the kind that spread illness. One study in the United States found that over 70 per cent of shopping carts were contaminated with coliform bacteria, a group that includes strains like E. coli, often linked to faecal contamination. Another study found Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii and Pseudomonas species on trolleys. Protect yourself: Always sanitise trolley handles before use, especially since you'll probably be handling food, your phone or touching your face. KITCHEN SPONGES That sponge by your sink? It could be one of the dirtiest items in your home. Sponges are porous, damp and often come into contact with food: ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. After just two weeks, a sponge can harbour millions of bacteria, including coliforms linked to faecal contamination, according to the NSF Household Germ Study and research on faecal coliforms. Protect yourself: Disinfect your sponge weekly by microwaving it, soaking it in vinegar, or running it through the dishwasher. Replace it if it smells – even after cleaning. Use different sponges for different tasks (for example, one for dishes, another for cleaning up after raw meat). CHOPPING BOARDS Chopping boards can trap bacteria in grooves left by knife cuts. Salmonella and E. coli can survive for hours on dry surfaces and pose a risk if boards aren't cleaned properly. Protect yourself: Use separate boards for raw meat and vegetables. Wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water, rinse well and dry completely. Replace boards that develop deep grooves. TEA TOWELS Reusable kitchen towels quickly become germ magnets. You use them to dry hands, wipe surfaces and clean up spills – often without washing them often enough. Research shows that E. coli and salmonella can live on cloth towels for hours. Protect yourself: Use paper towels when possible, or separate cloth towels for different jobs. Wash towels regularly in hot water with bleach or disinfectant. MOBILE PHONES Phones go everywhere with us – including bathrooms – and we touch them constantly. Their warmth and frequent handling make them ideal for bacterial contamination. Research shows phones can carry harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. Protect yourself: Avoid using your phone in bathrooms and wash your hands often. Clean it with a slightly damp microfibre cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or direct sprays. TOOTHBRUSHES NEAR TOILETS Flushing a toilet releases a plume of microscopic droplets, which can land on nearby toothbrushes. A study found that toothbrushes stored in bathrooms can harbour E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and other microbes. Protect yourself: Store your toothbrush as far from the toilet as possible. Rinse it after each use, let it air-dry upright and replace it every three months – or sooner if worn. BATHMATS Cloth bathmats absorb water after every shower, creating a warm, damp environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive. Protect yourself: Hang your bathmat to dry after each use and wash it weekly in hot water. For a more hygienic option, consider switching to a wooden mat or a bath stone: a mat made from diatomaceous earth, which dries quickly and reduces microbial growth by eliminating lingering moisture. PET TOWELS AND TOYS Pet towels and toys stay damp and come into contact with saliva, fur, urine and outdoor bacteria. According to the US national public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet toys can harbour E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Protect your pet (and yourself): Wash pet towels weekly with hot water and pet-safe detergent. Let toys air dry or use a dryer. Replace worn or damaged toys regularly. SHARED NAIL AND BEAUTY TOOLS Nail clippers, cuticle pushers and other grooming tools can spread harmful bacteria if they're not properly cleaned. Contaminants may include Staphylococcus aureus – including MRSA, a strain resistant to antibiotics – Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the bacteria behind green nail syndrome, and Mycobacterium fortuitum, linked to skin infections from pedicures and footbaths. Protect yourself: Bring your own tools to salons or ask how theirs are sterilised. Reputable salons will gladly explain their hygiene practices. AIRPORT SECURITY TRAYS Airport trays are handled by hundreds of people daily – and rarely cleaned. Research has found high levels of bacteria, including E. coli. Protect yourself: After security, wash your hands or use sanitiser, especially before eating or touching your face. HOTEL TV REMOTES Studies show hotel remote controls can be dirtier than toilet seats. They're touched by many hands and rarely sanitised. Common bacteria include E. coli, enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, according to research. Protect yourself: Wipe the remote with antibacterial wipes when you arrive. Some travellers even put it in a plastic bag. Always wash your hands after using shared items. Bacteria are everywhere, including on the items you use every day. You can't avoid all germs, and most won't make you sick. But with a few good habits, such as regular hand washing, cleaning and smart storage, you can help protect yourself and others. It's all in your hands.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gujarat hospitals see worrying resistance to powerful antibiotics
SLUG: STATE's AMR PROFILE Ahmedabad: A recent govt study has revealed a worrying trend in Gujarat's hospitals — some of the most powerful antibiotics are no longer effective against common bacterial infections. The report found that more than 40% of E. coli and Klebsiella bacteria — two major antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens often responsible for serious infections — are now resistant to carbapenems, a high-end antibiotic typically used when all others fail. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad This is one of the key findings of the surveillance report by the Gujarat State Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (GUJSAR), released on Wednesday. The report analysed 14,685 AMR isolates collected between July 1 and December 31, 2024, from 22 network laboratories, including microbiology labs of six govt medical colleges, 13 GMERS medical colleges, and three municipal corporation-run medical colleges. "While other drugs are still available — including colistin, the last resort for very severe bacterial infections — resistance to carbapenems signals that we are rapidly running out of feasible antibiotic options for serious infections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 今すぐ、2025年最高のRPGゲームを制覇しよう！ BuzzDaily Winners ゲームをプレイ Undo Switching to a higher class of antibiotics also brings short-term and long-term side effects," said a senior city-based microbiologist. A senior state health department official told TOI that Gujarat is among the few Indian states with a dedicated AMR surveillance network. "All steps — from identifying antimicrobial resistance to specific antibiotics to reporting isolates — are standardized," the official said. T he report focuses on priority pathogens, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as posing the highest threat to human health due to their resistance to existing antibiotics. The findings show that the majority of AMR isolates were from urine samples (42%), followed by pus aspirates (31%). About 62% of the isolates came from hospitalized patients, and 16% from patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Sources said that AMR organisms have been rising steadily — a trend also highlighted in Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports. "In recent years, gram-negative bacteria have shown increased resistance to several commonly used antibiotics. Some bacteria isolated from blood cultures also showed resistance, suggesting that if the correct antibiotics are not administered in time, it can lead to septicaemia — a potentially life-threatening bloodstream infection," said a microbiologist.
Daily Maverick
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
How science and AI can help us build safer, fairer food systems
Science is evolving, and with it, new technologies offer a lifeline in tackling food safety. But it must leap off research papers and into the daily lives of farmers, vendors and consumers. As the world becomes increasingly connected and complex, the safety of our food remains one of the most fundamental public health issues of our time. Whether you're in a bustling city or a rural farming community, food safety matters. It's not just about avoiding stomach aches, it's about preventing life-threatening diseases, protecting livelihoods and maintaining trust in the systems that feed us. As researchers studying how harmful bacteria like E. coli or Klebsiella contaminate fresh produce, we've seen how fragile the food chain can be. Contamination can occur at any stage, from the quality of irrigation water and the condition of soil, to how livestock are managed near crops. And when these pathogens are resistant to antibiotics, the consequences become even more severe. In parts of Africa, where food insecurity is already a concern, the risks of unsafe food are amplified. Food safety must be seen not only as a scientific concern but as a matter of social justice. The exciting (and urgent) question today is: what role can science and AI play in addressing this issue? This is not an abstract issue. It's a daily reality for millions. In informal markets, where many South Africans buy their food, safety can hinge on thin margins and even thinner regulations. But the myth that all informal food is unsafe needs to be debunked. Many vendors maintain excellent hygiene; what they need is support, not stigma. Fair regulation, training and infrastructure for these vendors would go a long way towards making food safety more inclusive and equitable. What the public often doesn't see is that food safety begins long before the supermarket shelf or dinner plate. It starts on the farm, with the quality of water, the cleanliness of tools and the handling practices throughout the food chain. It's also linked to the presence of nearby animal husbandry – livestock such as pigs and chickens can be sources of contamination, particularly through irrigation water and runoff. Science is evolving, and with it, new technologies offer a lifeline. Artificial intelligence (AI) in particular can help us predict food safety risks before they spiral into crises. Imagine a system where farmers can receive alerts if their water supply is contaminated, or where algorithms detect early warning signs of a foodborne outbreak from health and environmental data. AI can help inspect food quality faster, trace products more accurately and identify contamination patterns invisible to the human eye. Critically, these tools must be affordable and accessible, not just for large-scale exporters, but also for smallholder farmers and local markets. Otherwise, we risk deepening inequality in the name of safety. A safer and fairer food system in 10 years doesn't start in the future, it starts today, with urgent and practical action. We need to invest in applied research, especially in emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance and climate-related contamination. We must support small-scale farmers and informal food workers with training, infrastructure and simple safety tools. We need adaptive policy frameworks that promote compliance through support, not just penalties. Food safety education must be embedded in schools and public campaigns, so that knowledge spreads beyond technical circles. And we need to break down silos between agriculture, health, technology and trade, because food safety is everyone's issue. There's one more piece: public awareness. Too often, people believe that if food smells, looks and tastes fine, it's safe. But many of the most dangerous pathogens don't announce themselves. At the same time, people underestimate their own role in food safety. Washing hands, separating raw and cooked foods, refrigerating perishables – these aren't trivial tasks, they are essential final steps on a much longer food safety journey. Consumers are vital guardians of food safety. The kitchen is often where the final barrier against illness lies. When consumers understand their place in the system, and when producers are equipped to act, we get what World Food Safety Day is all about: a culture of prevention, not reaction. In the end, science is only as powerful as its reach. It must leap off research papers and into the daily lives of farmers, vendors and consumers. It must inform policy, shape education and guide innovation, not for its own sake, but for the people who depend on safe food to live, work and thrive. Food safety is not a distant issue. It's the ground beneath our health systems, our economies and our everyday lives. As a researcher and African, I see the promise of a future where technology and tradition work together, where no one has to choose between having enough food and having safe food. DM Manana Dlangalala is a PhD researcher at the University of Pretoria and a Fulbright Scholar. Professor Lise Korsten is president of the African Academy of Sciences and co-director of the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security. This is the second in a series of Food Indaba op-eds providing insights on the key themes being discussed by experts involved in shaping the food system, providing an opportunity for food growers, academics, activists, writers, nutritionists, policymakers, food lovers and anyone interested in sustainable approaches to engage in key issues intimately connected to the food we eat, and the future of food.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Urologists reveal why treating urine infections is getting harder, warn against rising antibiotic resistance
Chances are, at some point in your life, you have had a urinary tract infection (UTI), and, therefore, know that it can be pretty inconvenient and uncomfortable. Be it due to the relentless urge to pee or the pain or burning when urinating. If the infection doesn't go away within days, you may have to take antibiotics. Also read | UTI cases on the rise: Doctor explains it's link with summer heat, shares prevention tips In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sanman Gowda, HOD and consultant, urology, KMC Hospital, Mangalore and Dr Mohammed Shahid Ali, consultant, urology, uro-oncology, robotic surgery and renal transplantation, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road highlighted how the antibiotic resistance of bacteria involved in UTIs is a serious global public health problem. Dr Gowda said, 'UTI commonly affects both males and females. However, the female gender is more frequently affected. Nearly 50-60 percent women suffer from an episode of UTI at least once in their lifetime. Risk factors associated with UTI include congenital birth defects in the urinary tract, old age, diabetes, kidney stones, and immunosuppression.' Dr Gowda said that treatment of UTI typically involved antibiotics for 5-7 days. 'In recent years, getting affected by complicated UTIs, for which most antibiotics do not act (resistance), is becoming more frequent. Of late, irrational use of antibiotics has complicated the scenario,' he said. Why was that the case? Dr Gowda explained, 'There are various reasons for antibiotic resistance, first and foremost being the over-the-counter buying and usage of antibiotics without a medical prescription/ supervision. Second, being either an inappropriate antibiotic, or inappropriate dosage, or an inappropriate duration. The third reason is noncompliance from patients, and the final and most important is the usage of reserve or high-end antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs. Not getting a urine culture done in recurrent UTIs is also contributory.' Dr Ali said, 'Treating complicated urinary tract infections is often a challenge we face in day-to-day practice. These cases usually involve patients with underlying issues like diabetes, kidney stones, or catheters, and are caused by more resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, or ESBL-producing E coli.' He added, 'Unlike uncomplicated UTIs that respond to short courses of oral antibiotics, complicated ones often need long-term or even intravenous antibiotics. The real challenge is that many of these bacteria are now resistant to commonly available antibiotics, which limits our treatment options.' According to Dr Gowda, the antibiotic resistance of bacteria involved in UTIs was a serious global public health problem, leading to increased morbidity and mortality – and there is an urgent need for drastic measures to optimise antibiotic usage. He said, 'Certain bacteria, causing UTI, are now showing resistance to one or more of the commonly prescribed antibiotics, and sometimes resistance to most antibiotics (pan-resistant/multidrug-resistant).' Dr Ali said, 'With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, the chances of treatment failure, prolonged illness, sepsis, ICU admissions, morbidity, and mortality are higher. This situation may also be attributed to the rampant, indiscriminate over-the-counter availability and usage of antibiotics without proper guidelines in primary care. That's why antibiotic stewardship and better infection control are more important than ever.' As a way to tackle this 'serious issue', Dr Gowda said there was a need for better antibiotic usage practices and policies, and to create public awareness: 'It is imperative to consult a urologist when you experience symptoms of UTI, like burning urination, increased frequency of urination, lower abdominal or flank pain with associated fever. Patients are advised to take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and to ensure they complete the full course of treatment.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
