Latest news with #Clostridiumdifficile
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Hygiene Tech Meets Healing Proteins
Hospital-acquired infections can be caused by the cross-infection from surface and skin of patient, equipment, and healthcare staff. Various types of products and services are available to control hospital-acquired infections such as sterilization, cleaning & disinfection products, protective barriers, and endoscope reprocessing products. Increase in awareness regarding personal hygiene after COVID-19 is a major factor to boost the Hospital Infection Prevention and Control growth. Growth factors, proteins or peptides found in nature, are important for the control of cell actions like growth, specialization, movement, and survival. They attach to certain receptors on cell surfaces, which starts signals inside the cells that change how they act. Growth factors are needed for body functions such as development in embryos, healing wounds, fixing tissues, and immune reactions. Key Growth Drivers and Opportunities High Cases of Hospital Acquired Infections: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a major risk to patient safety and healthcare results around the world. These infections, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, and Escherichia coli, usually happen because of long hospital stays, surgeries, poor infection control, and antibiotic resistance. Those in intensive care, people with weak immune systems, and those having surgery are at risk. HAIs raise sickness and death rates; these also cause higher medical costs and longer stays in hospitals. Growing Geriatric Population: The growing geriatric population significantly contributes to the rise in hospital-acquired infections, as older adults often have weakened immune systems and require frequent medical care or hospitalization. This increases their vulnerability to infections, driving the demand for effective hospital infection prevention and control measures. As a result, healthcare facilities are investing more in disinfection, protective equipment, and sterilization solutions to ensure patient safety and reduce infection risks in aging populations. Challenges Failure of end-users to follow infection prevention rules limits how well hospital infection control works. When staff, patients, or support people don't follow hygiene rules—such as washing hands, sterilizing tools, or using safety gear— the risk of contamination and infections rises. Innovation and Expansion NAVTA & Virox Launch Free Infection Control Training for Safer Vet Care In March 2023, (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) NAVTA, Virox launch certificate program in infection prevention, to advance best practices in infection prevention. This program is a free online program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge needed to reduce the risk of spreading infection and create a safer workplace for their team, patients, and clients. NeoIPC Unveils Toolkit to Shield Newborns from Hospital Infections In November 2023, The NeoIPC Consortium announced the launch of a new surveillance toolkit to help neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) track and prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in high-risk newborns, including very preterm infants. This toolkit aims to standardize how infections are tracked in Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to allow for improved data gathering and assessment. It has tools, training, and reporting forms made for newborn care locations. By helping with early detection and response, this project hopes to lower infection rates and improve results for fragile newborns. Inventive Sparks, Expanding Markets The key players operating the hospital infection prevention and control market includes, 3M Company, Crosstex International, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Belimed AG, among others. Worldwide business aims center on encouraging lasting growth, improving health and safety for the public, and boosting progress through cooperation. About Author: Prophecy is a specialized market research, analytics, marketing and business strategy, and solutions company that offer strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high value opportunities in the target business area. Also, we help our client to address business challenges and provide best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
New ‘poo pills' could flush out killer bugs that kill one million Brits each year
Find out how superbugs develop and spread below POO KNEW? New 'poo pills' could flush out killer bugs that kill one million Brits each year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUPERBUGS, or drug-resistant infections, are projected to cause more than 39 million deaths between now and 2050. This means that, on average, over three people are expected to die from antibiotic-resistant infections every minute. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Scientists focused on the gut to kill superbug infections Credit: Getty But now UK doctor are attempting to clear the number of dangerous superbug infections by using pills containing freeze-dried faeces. The "poo pills" contain stool samples from health donors, packed with good bacteria. And the idea comes from previous data that suggests superbugs can be flushed out of the bowel and replaced with a mix of healthy gut bacteria. Dr Blair Merrick, who has been testing the pills at St Guys and Thomas' hospitals, said the focus is on the bowels which are "the biggest reservoir of antibiotic resistance in humans". The bowel is considered a significant reservoir for these resistant bacteria, and from there they can cause trouble in places such as the urinary tract or bloodstream. Dr Merrick added: "So there's a lot in 'can you get rid of them from the gut?" Currently, people with recurrent illness caused by hard-to-treat bacterium Clostridium difficile can be offered faecal transplants. Scientists noticed they also had the potential to get rid of superbugs. In a new study, published in the Journal of Infection, researchers focused on 41 patients who had an infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria in the past six months. They were given pills made from faeces which people had donated to a stool bank. What is Klebsiella pneumonia? Each stool sample was tested to ensure it didn't contain and harmful bugs. Undigested food was removed, and then it was freeze dried into a powder. The powder, contained inside a pill, can then pass through the stomach unharmed and reach the intestines, where it then dissolves. Twenty of the participants were given three sets of capsules on three consecutive days, while the rest received placebo pills. For those who took the capsules , the donor bacteria was detectable in their gut flora a month later. Dr Merrick told the BBC: "It's very exciting. There's a real shift from 20 years ago, where all bacteria and viruses were assumed to do you harm; to now where we realise they are completely necessary to our overall health." To help avoid getting superbugs, the NHS recommends practising good hygiene - wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. Use antibiotics responsibly - avoid taking antibiotics for viral infections like colds or the flu, as they won't work. Even if you feel better, finish all of your prescribed medication to ensure the infection is fully treated. And don't share antibiotics - sharing can be harmful and can lead to resistance. Also, take preventative measures when travelling - choose food from reliable sources, and ensure food is properly cooked and handled, avoid drinking water that may be contaminated, and make sure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations before travelling.
DW
06-06-2025
- Health
- DW
Fecal transplants: Study is a 'wake-up call' for the field – DW – 06/06/2025
They are hailed as a promising method to restore gut microbiomes, but a study suggests fecal transplants may bring unintended health risks. Fecal microbial transplants (FMTs) can be traced back to the 4th Century, but it is only since their approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in past decade that the procedure has entered wide practice. They have been hailed as a treatment for Clostridium difficile or a common bacterial infection that can cause inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. The FDA first approved FMTs as a treatment for in 2013 and approved the first drug for FMT treatment in 2022. Some think FMTs may also be an option for treating Crohn's disease— a chronic autoimmune condition — ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disorder. But researchers warned in a study published June 6, 2025, that FMTs may introduce microbes that could hijack the host environment to suit their needs and thrive, potentially introducing new health risks. The study, which was performed in mice, human tissue samples and with a small volunteer group, found "mismatches" between the donor fecal matter and destination gut environment could have unintended consequences on the recipient's immune and metabolic function. "Even a single FMT will cause a change in the host-microbe relationships in these very different regions of the bowel that may be very difficult to reverse," said Eugene Chang, the study's senior author and a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, US, in a press statement. How does a fecal transplant work? Every human has a unique mix of microbes in their gastrointestinal tract — the gut. This includes trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that perform biological duties within the body. Collectively, this collection of microbes is called gut flora. For some people, this ecosystem of microbes is disrupted by infections, autoimmune issues and other problems. This disrupted state is called gut dysbiosis. FMT donors need to meet a range of requirements: For instance, they must be free of blood-related infections, such as hepatitis and HIV, and they cannot have gut issues themselves. Doctors usually perform a colonoscopy to extract the donor's stool and, after further preparation, insert the donor microbes via a long tube into the recipient's gut. How does a Fecal Microbiota Transplant work? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Colonizing the colon In the study, microbes were taken from three separate regions of the small and large intensities and implanted into mice recipients. Each batch of newly introduced gut flora appeared to take over — or, as described by the researchers, "terraform" — the entire intestinal tract of each mouse, rather than simply occupying the same region they originated from in the donor's gut. The colonizing microbes also transformed genes and proteins in the tissues of the recipient mice to make a more accommodating environment — even at a microbial level, these introduced species appeared to thrive. An assessment in seven human volunteers over a month also found high levels of microbe colonization in the small intestine. Because this caused modifications to immune and metabolic functions, the researchers say greater care should be given to designing fecal transplants that use specific, targeted microbes for the intestines. The gut is not only for digestion To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'wake-up call' for the FMT field The study's lead author, Orlando DeLeon, University of Chicago, said it was a "wake-up call to the field that maybe we shouldn't willy-nilly put large bowel microbes into different parts of the intestine that shouldn't be there." OMT — omni microbial transplantation — administers a batch of good gut flora as a pill or through endoscopy, targeting specific intestinal regions with "matched" microbes. DeLeon said it's a better way forward for fecal transplants. "The microbes that were supposed to be there are better suited for it," said DeLeon, "so they're more naturally going to fill it even in the presence of other microbes." DW approached the research group for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. Ed Kuijper, an expert at the Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands, who was not involved in the study, told DW via email that the research "clearly demonstrates that FMT […] affects the microbiota composition throughout the entire intestinal tract, in both humans and mice." But Kuijper said he had concerns with the conclusion that FMT leads to "microbiota mismatches" and "unintended consequences" in various regions of the intestinal tract. Just as the research team acknowledged the limitations of only investigating seven human subjects over a month, Kuijper said a more extensive assessment in patients would be important to conclusively assess the potential negative health outcomes of fecal transplants. "A more appropriate conclusion would be that FMT induces changes in both the small and large intestines in mice, with systemic effects that vary depending on the region affected. It remains unclear if these changes persist in humans." In Europe, an inter-organization group called EurFMT exchanges research and information, and maintains a continental registry for patient follow-up. Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Should You Consider Taking Antacids For The Long Run?
Antacids are among the most commonly used over-the-counter medications to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. They offer quick relief by neutralising stomach acid, making them a go-to remedy for millions. But while they are effective in the short term, long-term use of antacids is a growing concern among healthcare professionals. According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), prolonged use of antacids, especially without medical supervision, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, altered gut function, and increased risk of kidney and bone issues. So, should you consider taking antacids for the long haul? Let's explore the science behind long-term use and what you should watch out for. Understanding how antacids work and their implications Antacids work by neutralising excess stomach acid, offering temporary relief from symptoms like heartburn and bloating. However, they don't treat the root cause of acid reflux or indigestion, and prolonged use can suppress natural digestive functions. Here are some key concerns and complications linked to continuous or unsupervised use of antacids. 1. Nutrient deficiencies Long-term use of antacids, especially proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients such as the following mentioned below. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that prolonged PPI use has been linked with osteoporosis-related fractures. a. Vitamin B12 Low stomach acid affects absorption, increasing the risk of anaemia and neurological issues. b. Calcium and magnesium Reduced absorption can lead to weaker bones and muscle cramps. c. Iron Essential for haemoglobin, iron levels may drop over time, leading to fatigue and weakness. 2. Risk of kidney problems Some studies suggest that long-term antacid use may be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. PPIs in particular have been shown to potentially cause the risk of following health conditions. It is advisable to undergo periodic kidney function tests if you're using antacids regularly. a. Damage kidney tissues b. Contribute to the development of interstitial nephritis c. Lead to long-term renal impairment if left unmanaged 3. Increased risk of infections By suppressing stomach acid, long-term antacid use may reduce the stomach's natural defence mechanism, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that reducing stomach acid can compromise your gut's immune function. This may include the following health risks. a. Increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infections b. Lead to bacterial overgrowth in the gut c. Make one more prone to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea 4. Masking of underlying conditions Relying on antacids for too long can mask more serious gastrointestinal disorders such as the following. If symptoms like heartburn, bloating, or nausea persist for weeks, a proper medical evaluation is crucial. a. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) b. Peptic ulcers c. Helicobacter pylori infection d. Stomach cancer 5. Rebound acidity When stopped suddenly after long-term use, especially with PPIs, the stomach may produce even more acid than before, a phenomenon known as rebound hyperacidity. This can worsen symptoms and create a dependency loop on antacids. When and how to use antacids safely If you need antacids occasionally, they are generally safe. However, for long-term relief, consider the following. Also, consider alternatives like H2 blockers, only under professional guidance. a. Consulting a gastroenterologist before prolonged use b. Exploring dietary and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms c. Using the lowest effective dose under supervision d. Regularly monitoring nutrient levels and kidney function While antacids are a convenient solution for occasional discomfort, they aren't designed for long-term use without medical advice. Prolonged use can lead to serious health complications and mask underlying conditions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and leading gastroenterologists, it's best to address the root cause of acidity through medical care, lifestyle changes, and proper dietary habits for long-term wellness. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Los Angeles Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Pseudomembranous Colitis (Clostridium Difficile Infection): Risks and Treatment Strategies
Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is an antibiotic associated severe inflammatory condition of the colon caused by an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), a toxin producing bacterium. It's known for forming yellow-white plaques – called pseudomembranes – on the lining of the colon which can be seen during colonoscopy or on histology [1], [6]. Although often linked to antibiotic use, PMC can present with a wide range of severity from mild diarrhea to life threatening colitis. While Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) is the primary organism behind PMC, it's not the only one. Other pathogens have occasionally been found to cause similar colonic inflammation and pseudomembrane formation [1], [3]. But C. difficile is the most common and clinically relevant. The process starts with antibiotics. These medications while useful for treating bacterial infections can disrupt the balance of normal colonic flora in the gut. This gives C. difficile – often present in small amounts in the intestines – the opportunity to flourish [2], [7], [9]. Spores that were once dormant now find an environment ripe for growth. C. difficile produces two potent toxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB). These toxins bind to cells lining the colon, damaging them and setting off a cascade of inflammation. In severe cases the body's immune response and cell damage leads to the hallmark pseudomembranes seen in PMC [5]. Not all antibiotic therapy is created equal, but broad spectrum agents like clindamycin, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones are often implicated. These drugs wipe out a wide range of gut flora making room for C. difficile to flourish [10]. PMC symptoms often start during or shortly after antibiotics: These symptoms can overlap with other conditions but the timing, especially after antibiotics, is a key clue. PMC doesn't affect everyone the same way. While some people have mild diarrhea others can spiral into severe colitis and complications like: These cases need urgent medical attention. Healthcare providers consider PMC when a patient on antibiotics develops sudden or worsening diarrhea, so rapid diagnosis is key. But diagnosing it isn't always easy. Metronidazole: Metronidazole is used for mild to moderate PMC. It's effective, cheap and oral [1], [8]. But it's being replaced by other treatments due to higher relapse rates and slower symptom resolution. Vancomycin: Oral vancomycin is now the go to for severe or complicated C. difficile infections. It stays in the gut (where it's needed) without being absorbed into the bloodstream so it targets the infection locally. PMC relapses so recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection is common. Some patients may need extended vancomycin tapers, fidaxomicin (a newer antibiotic) or even fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT involves restoring healthy gut bacteria by transplanting stool from a donor—a treatment that's showing promising results in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection cases [4]. One of the best ways to prevent PMC is smart antibiotic prescribing. Avoiding unnecessary prescriptions especially broad spectrum antibiotics can help preserve the natural gut microbiome and prevent C. difficile overgrowth. Hospitals and healthcare facilities also have a role to play by enforcing infection control measures such as hand hygiene and isolation protocols to limit the spread of C. difficile spores. Pseudomembranous colitis is more than just a complication of antibiotic use—it's a serious gastrointestinal illness that needs timely diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the underlying disruption of gut microbiota and toxin production is key to managing and preventing this condition. As we learn more about PMC the emphasis remains on prevention through good antibiotic stewardship and early intervention when symptoms occur. [1] Surawicz, C. M., & McFarland, L. V. (1999). Pseudomembranous colitis: causes and cures. Digestion, 60(2), 91–100. [2] Janoir C. (2016). Virulence factors of Clostridium difficile and their role during infection. Anaerobe, 37, 13–24. [3] Tang, D. M., Urrunaga, N. H., & von Rosenvinge, E. C. (2016). Pseudomembranous colitis: Not always Clostridium difficile. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 83(5), 361–366. [4] Surawicz, C. M., & McFarland, L. V. (2000). Pseudomembranous Colitis Caused by C. difficile. Current treatment options in gastroenterology, 3(3), 203–210. [5] Castagliuolo, I., & LaMont, J. T. (1999). Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. The Keio journal of medicine, 48(4), 169–174. [6] Farooq, P. D., Urrunaga, N. H., Tang, D. M., & von Rosenvinge, E. C. (2015). Pseudomembranous colitis. Disease-a-month : DM, 61(5), 181–206. [7] Trnka, Y. M., & Lamont, J. T. (1984). Clostridium difficile colitis. Advances in internal medicine, 29, 85–107. [8] Brar, H. S., & Surawicz, C. M. (2000). Pseudomembranous colitis: an update. Canadian journal of gastroenterology = Journal canadien de gastroenterologie, 14(1), 51–56. [9] Counihan, T. C., & Roberts, P. L. (1993). Pseudomembranous colitis. The Surgical clinics of North America, 73(5), 1063–1074. [10] Weymann L. H. (1982). Colitis caused by Clostridium difficile: a review. The American journal of medical technology, 48(11), 927–934.
