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Antibiotics are by definition active on bacteria. Hence, they should be reserved for this purpose. Here, however, some examples are discussed, when antibiotics are used correctly against fungi and parasites. Pneumocystis jirovecii is definitely a fungus but a priori resistent to most antimycotics; the antibiotic cotrimoxazole is the drug of primary choice. Yeasts in urine are sometimes true pathogens; but only very few antimycotics are present in sufficient concentration in this setting; hence the antibiotic nitroxoline represents an alternative. Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoon, will be killed by the combination of two antibiotics, namely trimethoprim and sulfonamide. Onchocerca volvulus out of the group of nematodes (roundworms) itself is resistant to tetra cyclines. This causative agent of the river blindness is dependant on meta - bolites delivered by bacteria of the genus Wolbachia residing in their gut. If these bacteria are killed by tetracyclines, the worm will die inevitably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriocins are natural compounds with antibacterial activity. Many bacteria, especially lactobacilli, are able to produce such items, consisting of peptides or small proteins. A particular subset are the lantibiotics, which dispose of a unique aminoacid, namely lantionin. They bind to specific receptors on the surface of susceptible bacteria and act bactericidal by various pathways. Whereas some bacteriocins attack only closely related bacteria, others dispose of a larger spectrum. In consequence, they are able to eliminate concurrent bacteria in the same ecologic niche. Hence, they exert a regulatory role in mixed bacterial populations, for example in the gut or on the skin, and they have an antibiotic effect. Hopefully, in the future one can profit from their antibacterial activity by preventing the colonisation of pathogenic and multiresistant bacteria. The food industry already uses some of these bacteriocins for the biopreservation of foodstuffs by eliminating undesired species. Nisin and pediocin are actually the most important ones. Fungi, too, produce antimicrobial substances, called mycocins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the presenting signs and symptoms of cellulitis • To understand the risk factors associated with the development of cellulitis • To enhance your knowledge of what is involved in cellulitis prevention and management. Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection that affects the deep dermis and surrounding subcutaneous tissue. Although it is a common condition, it is often misdiagnosed because it can mimic a range of conditions that also cause inflamed, red, irritated and painful skin. Such misdiagnoses may lead to unnecessary hospital admissions and antibiotic overuse, with most alternative diagnoses being non-infectious. Undertaking a holistic patient assessment, skin assessment and thorough clinical history is important in the diagnosis of cellulitis, and it is vital to use a collaborative multidisciplinary approach in its acute management and to prevent recurrence. This article defines the term cellulitis and explores its presenting features. The author also discusses the associated risk factors, clinical assessment techniques and effective management strategies, as well as outlining the actions that nurses can take to prevent recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on antibiotic options for Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, discussing vancomycin, daptomycin, ceftaroline, ceftobiprole, dalbavancin, linezolid, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. It explores their mechanisms of action, efficacy, potential adverse effects, and role in treating MRSA bacteremia, highlighting the need for further research to identify competitive alternatives to vancomycin and daptomycin.

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are widely used in secondary care to treat infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of hospital admissions, particularly in older people. In the past five years, there were more than 800,000 hospital admissions for UTIs in England alone – with almost three fifths occurring in people over 65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report updates previous CDC guidelines and recommendations on preferred prevention and treatment regimens regarding naturally occurring anthrax. Also provided are a wide range of alternative regimens to first-line antimicrobial drugs for use if patients have contraindications or intolerances or after a wide-area aerosol release of Bacillus anthracis spores if resources become limited or a multidrug-resistant B. anthracis strain is used (Hendricks KA, Wright ME, Shadomy SV, et al.; Workgroup on Anthrax Clinical Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert panel meetings on prevention and treatment of anthrax in adults. Emerg Infect Dis 2014;20:e130687; Meaney-Delman D, Rasmussen SA, Beigi RH, et al. Prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax in pregnant women. Obstet Gynecol 2013;122:885-900; Bradley JS, Peacock G, Krug SE, et al. Pediatric anthrax clinical management. Pediatrics 2014;133:e1411-36). Specifically, this report updates antimicrobial drug and antitoxin use for both postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and treatment from these previous guidelines best practices and is based on systematic reviews of the literature regarding 1) in vitro antimicrobial drug activity against B. anthracis; 2) in vivo antimicrobial drug efficacy for PEP and treatment; 3) in vivo and human antitoxin efficacy for PEP, treatment, or both; and 4) human survival after antimicrobial drug PEP and treatment of localized anthrax, systemic anthrax, and anthrax meningitis. Changes from previous CDC guidelines and recommendations include an expanded list of alternative antimicrobial drugs to use when first-line antimicrobial drugs are contraindicated or not tolerated or after a bioterrorism event when first-line antimicrobial drugs are depleted or ineffective against a genetically engineered resistant B. anthracis strain. In addition, these updated guidelines include new recommendations regarding special considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of anthrax meningitis, including comorbid, social, and clinical predictors of anthrax meningitis. The previously published CDC guidelines and recommendations described potentially beneficial critical care measures and clinical assessment tools and procedures for persons with anthrax, which have not changed and are not addressed in this update. In addition, no changes were made to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for use of anthrax vaccine (Bower WA, Schiffer J, Atmar RL, et al. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2019. MMWR Recomm Rep 2019;68[No. RR-4]:1-14). The updated guidelines in this report can be used by health care providers to prevent and treat anthrax and guide emergency preparedness officials and planners as they develop and update plans for a wide-area aerosol release of B. anthracis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the concept of antibiotic heteroresistance, highlighting the challenge of detecting low-frequency resistant cells in bacterial isolates and their potential impact on treatment failure. Topics include the conventional understanding of bacterial populations as homogeneous, the emergence of subpopulations with varying traits termed phenotypic heterogeneity, and the implications for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Biofilms are formed by microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that are embedded in an extracellular matrix. Biofilms help pathogens protect themselves from environmental influences, antibiotics and the immune system. Biofilms occur on different surfaces inside the human body and in the environment. Bacteriophages can be used for removing biofilms in the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On December 10, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an increase in serious, sometimes fatal, diseases caused by A streptococci infections in at least 5 countries in Europe (France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom). Recently, isolated epidemic outbreaks predominantly in children have been described. Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococci. It is characterized by a rash in children, is contagious, can be endemic, epidemic or sporadic. The disease occurs mostly in winter and spring. Scarlet fever can lead to complications and post-streptococcal diseases such as rheumatic fever, myocarditis or acute glomerulonephritis. The infection can be treated well with antibiotics. The majority of those who develop scarlet fever are children under the age of ten. The article classifies the current outbreak events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphangitis is an acute infection of the lymphatic vessels caused by different agents, such as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Different types of lymphangitis have been described, and clinically it is manifested by the presence of linear erythema and palpable lymphatic cords sensitive to touch. Pharmacological treatment includes antibiotics such as cefadroxil, cephalexin, and cloxacillin. In more severe cases, laboratory tests and cultures are recommended to determine the causative agent and adjust the treatment. [Extracted from the article]

National guidance on sepsis treatment has been updated to ensure antibiotics are being used in a more targeted way for people at higher risk of severe illness or death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than one in ten (13%) NHS patients in England have a catheter, research suggests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the use of faster epithelial healing for patients with corneal abrasion and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Topics include treatment regimen for these patients, how the pain is managed in these patients, and case study of a 67-year-old woman with a previous corneal transplant who complained that she had been experiencing tearing and redness for the past five years.

The article focuses on antibiotic heteroresistance, which refers to low-frequency resistant cells within bacterial isolates that are difficult to detect but may lead to treatment failure. Topics include the mechanisms behind heteroresistance, such as gene amplification, and its clinical implications, including the potential for treatment failure and challenges in detecting and addressing this form of resistance.

The article offers information on the origins of the pharmaceutical industry and role of dyes in the organic chemicals industry. It further discusses using dyes to stain microscope specimens to see the structures better, regarding different physical and chemical features of cells; use of mercury for treatment of various ailments including syphilis; and development of particle technology including achieving the right size and shape of crystals so that they dissolve at the right rate.

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the pathophysiology of oral mucositis, including its symptoms, causes and risk factors • To recognise the preventative measures and treatment interventions that may be used in oral mucositis, as well as the importance of optimal oral hygiene • To understand the nursing role in caring for patients with oral mucositis Mucositis involves an inflammation of the oral or gastrointestinal mucosa and is a common complication of cancer treatment. Mucositis is usually associated with high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, more recently, molecular targeted therapy. Oral mucositis refers specifically to inflammation and ulceration that occurs in the mouth. If not treated promptly, it can potentially lead to life-threatening infection requiring hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics. This article discusses the causes and nursing management of oral mucositis, with an emphasis on self-care and optimal oral hygiene, as well as pharmacological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses that the antibacterial drugs have been a boon for treating ocular infections, the downside resistance always looms in the shadows. It mentions that the Optometric physicians must educate themselves to become cautious and judicious prescribers of these agents; and antibiotics have long been the cornerstone of treatment to stop infections caused by bacteria, and with many different types of agents, practitioners have a number of choices.

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To understand the risks posed by antimicrobial-resistant infections • To familiarise yourself with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) • To understand how AMS can assist nurses in ensuring the safe and effective use of antibiotics Antimicrobial-resistant infections cause a significant number of deaths globally each year, and the development of resistance is influenced by the frequency of antibiotic use. This article describes an antimicrobial stewardship competency framework for undergraduate nurse education in the UK and internationally, explaining how this framework can be mapped to nurse education and training programmes. It also uses a case study to demonstrate how the competencies can be applied to nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses U.S. Department of Agriculture's development of a phage therapy alternative for treating Streptococcus iniae in hybrid striped bass, aiming to reduce antibiotic use in aquaculture and combat bacterial resistance.

Although cats give the disease its name, they practically do not develop a so-called cat scratch disease themselves. However, when scratching, they can transmit bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which cause the disease in humans. Cat scratch disease is usually benign and heals spontaneously. However, in the case of an immune deficiency, it can also be severe and make antibiotic therapy necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and, although often uncomfortable and distressing, usually easy to treat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the use of advance fortified antibiotics to improve corneal infection treatment with potential vision-saving benefits in 2023. Topics covered include the skipping and conduct of culture tests in corneal ulcer management, and the development of fortified, high-concentration, compounded antibiotics that can be started without delay after diagnosis. Also noted is the therapy's possible administration by a private practice ophthalmologist.

The article provides information on the management of Pseudomonas scleritis, a condition which is linked to longer resolution times and worse outcomes. Topics discussed include comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment, benefits of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM), and the importance of performing surgery early on patients with Pseudomonas scleritis.

Comprehensive guidelines for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among persons living in the United States were last published in 2000 (American Thoracic Society. CDC targeted tuberculin testing and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2000;161:S221-47). Since then, several new regimens have been evaluated in clinical trials. To update previous guidelines, the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) and CDC convened a committee to conduct a systematic literature review and make new recommendations for the most effective and least toxic regimens for treatment of LTBI among persons who live in the United States. The systematic literature review included clinical trials of regimens to treat LTBI. Quality of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low) from clinical trial comparisons was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. In addition, a network meta-analysis evaluated regimens that had not been compared directly in clinical trials. The effectiveness outcome was tuberculosis disease; the toxicity outcome was hepatotoxicity. Strong GRADE recommendations required at least moderate evidence of effectiveness and that the desirable consequences outweighed the undesirable consequences in the majority of patients. Conditional GRADE recommendations were made when determination of whether desirable consequences outweighed undesirable consequences was uncertain (e.g., with low-quality evidence). These updated 2020 LTBI treatment guidelines include the NTCA- and CDC-recommended treatment regimens that comprise three preferred rifamycin-based regimens and two alternative monotherapy regimens with daily isoniazid. All recommended treatment regimens are intended for persons infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is presumed to be susceptible to isoniazid or rifampin. These updated guidelines do not apply when evidence is available that the infecting M. tuberculosis strain is resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin; recommendations for treating contacts exposed to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis were published in 2019 (Nahid P, Mase SR Migliori GB, et al. Treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. An official ATS/CDC/ERS/IDSA clinical practice guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019;200:e93-e142). The three rifamycin-based preferred regimens are 3 months of once-weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine, 4 months of daily rifampin, or 3 months of daily isoniazid plus rifampin. Prescribing providers or pharmacists who are unfamiliar with rifampin and rifapentine might confuse the two drugs. They are not interchangeable, and caution should be taken to ensure that patients receive the correct medication for the intended regimen. Preference for these rifamycin-based regimens was made on the basis of effectiveness, safety, and high treatment completion rates. The two alternative treatment regimens are daily isoniazid for 6 or 9 months; isoniazid monotherapy is efficacious but has higher toxicity risk and lower treatment completion rates than shorter rifamycin-based regimens. In summary, short-course (3- to 4-month) rifamycin-based treatment regimens are preferred over longer-course (6-9 month) isoniazid monotherapy for treatment of LTBI. These updated guidelines can be used by clinicians, public health officials, policymakers, health care organizations, and other state and local stakeholders who might need to adapt them to fit individual clinical circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report updates the 2009 recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding use of anthrax vaccine in the United States (Wright JG, Quinn CP, Shadomy S, Messonnier N. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP)], 2009. MMWR Recomm Rep 2010;59[No. RR-6]). The report 1) summarizes data on estimated efficacy in humans using a correlates of protection model and safety data published since the last ACIP review, 2) provides updated guidance for use of anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and in conjunction with antimicrobials for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), 3) provides updated guidance regarding PrEP vaccination of emergency and other responders, 4) summarizes the available data on an investigational anthrax vaccine (AV7909), and 5) discusses the use of anthrax antitoxins for PEP. Changes from previous guidance in this report include the following: 1) a booster dose of AVA for PrEP can be given every 3 years instead of annually to persons not at high risk for exposure to Bacillus anthracis who have previously received the initial AVA 3-dose priming and 2-dose booster series and want to maintain protection; 2) during a large-scale emergency response, AVA for PEP can be administered using an intramuscular route if the subcutaneous route of administration poses significant materiel, personnel, or clinical challenges that might delay or preclude vaccination; 3) recommendations on dose-sparing AVA PEP regimens if the anthrax vaccine supply is insufficient to vaccinate all potentially exposed persons; and 4) clarification on the duration of antimicrobial therapy when used in conjunction with vaccine for PEP. These updated recommendations can be used by health care providers and guide emergency preparedness officials and planners who are developing plans to provide anthrax vaccine, including preparations for a wide-area aerosol release of B. anthracis spores. The recommendations also provide guidance on dose-sparing options, if needed, to extend the supply of vaccine to increase the number of persons receiving PEP in a mass casualty event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides insights from several ophthalmic surgeons on addressing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues to help surgeons achieve success and patient satisfaction. Topics covered include ocular surface issues on a patient with high myopia, dry eye, and cataract, causes for residual astigmatism after toric intraocular lens implantation, and management and prevention of infection after cataract surgery.

The article offers suggestions for the prevention of postoperative inflammation and endophthalmitis infection of the eye. Topics discussed include considerations with regard to using eye drops during the postoperative period, usage of intracameral antibiotics for preventing endophthalmitis and ensuring the sterility of operative equipment so as to reduce the chances of contamination during surgery.

The article focuses on the challenges of managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to antibiotic resistance and the complexities surrounding treatment guidelines and antibiotic selection. Topics include the evidence-based treatment strategies for uncomplicated cystitis, the impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment options, and the dilemma of balancing targeted versus broad-spectrum therapies with cost considerations in the face of emerging new oral antibiotics.

The FDA has approved a liquid form of the antibiotic metronidazole for patients who have difficulty swallowing or high taste sensitivities. The oral suspension comes in a strawberry-peppermint flavor and has a 2-year shelf life with no refrigeration requirements. Metronidazole is used to treat trichomoniasis, anaerobic bacterial infections, and amebiasis in adults and pediatric patients. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and dermatologic and hematopoietic issues. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite, while amebiasis is caused by a parasite and is often associated with poor sanitary conditions. [Extracted from the article]

IMAGINE needing lifesaving surgery. Let's say an organ transplantation or to put you back together after an accident. Now think how you would feel if you were told: “sorry that intervention is just too risky, you may pick up a deadly superbug in recovery". That would probably lead you to ask why. I mean, we have all these fantastic healthcare technologies, surgical robots, metallic implants, pacemakers, chemotherapeutics, surely there are options to save your life? The truth is, in the post-antibiotic apocalypse many medical interventions, even relatively common ones (hip replacements, cancer treatment, caesarean sections), will become incredibly risky or technologies of the past. England's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has put it quite simply: if antibiotics lose their effectiveness it would spell “the end of modern medicine" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue and a major threat to global health. The solutions are multifactorial, and include: a reduction in the unnecessary use of antibiotics; public health campaigns; the use of systems approaches by healthcare organisations; and involving the knowledge and responsibilities of individual nurses. This article examines the challenge of antimicrobial resistance and explores the concept of antimicrobial stewardship in addressing this issue. It also discusses how nurses can contribute to a systems approach in primary and secondary care to support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance are significant threats to public health. As resistant organisms continue to emerge and evolve, and antimicrobial agents become less effective, infection prevention and control remains a vital aspect of maintaining public health, particularly among vulnerable patient groups such as older people and young children. Because of the increasing complexity of healthcare treatments and interventions, patients are becoming increasingly susceptible to healthcare-associated infections and resistant organisms. This article outlines some of the challenges that nurses may [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the proper treatment of ocular infection. Topics discussed include an overview of ocular infection, the selection of the best and effective therapeutics of the disease, its oral medication' the side effects of teh disease, and the significance of antibiotics. And please xcetk

In the UK and internationally, the nursing profession is continuing to advance and innovate its roles and functions. One area in which this is particularly notable is nurse prescribing. The UK has the most extended nurse prescribing rights in the world, with significant advances in this field over the past two decades. This article reflects on this development, what has been learned and the challenges that remain in relation to nurse prescribing and meeting healthcare service needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he article reports that antibiotic are antimicrobials that target bacteria, which either prevent the reproduction of bacteria or kill bacteria. Antibiotics are also used to treat bacterial infections in food-producing animals such as cattle, swine, poultry, and fish, to treat an illness or to control its spread on a farm or ranch. Measures to detect bacterial infection could be measuring immune biomarkers from a single blood sample or using rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

The article discusses the increasing use of antibiotic agents in the U.S. had raised concerns from many clinicians, wherein it mentions the harmful effect of antibiotics based from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study. Topics discussed include the teatment of acute red eyes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review the use of antibiotics to pregnant women. INSETS: THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS FOR CORNEAL ULCERS;STRATEGIES TO CONQUER BLEPHARITIS.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the ABCs of geographic atrophy, standardized terminology in refractive surgery, and analysis of cystoid macular lesion (CML) measurements.

The article discusses approaches to treating severe ocular surface and corneal damage. Topics include treatment options for corneal surface damage, development of new regenerative technologies that provide a constant influx of new treatment options for patients, and major barriers to the wider adoption of stem cell and gene therapies that show exciting potential.

The article examines different antibiotics as postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) prophylaxis in cataract surgery. Topics discussed include comparison between moxifloxacin and vancomycin, and results of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) study published in 2007 about interstitial cystitis (IC) antibiotics.

The article provides suggestions to surgeons on using immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). Topics discussed include reason surgeons became increasingly interested in performing ISBCS when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, insight on a Canadian study published in 2022 about ISBCS, and comparison between ISBCS and delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

The article discusses the outcome of the outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy service (OPAT) nurses' project at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The initiative taught patients how to self-administer intravenous antibiotics. It resulted in reduced costs and workload of nurses and improved patient experience in the hospitals.

The article looks at the magnitude of the problem of antimicrobial resistance in Great Britain and elaborates on the important role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship. Topics mentioned include the ways that nurses can do to reduce the use of antibiotics including the promotion of healthy diets among patients, the importance of public health campaigns on antibiotics prescription, and the use of vaccination for infection prevention.