Latest news with #S.aureus
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Fitness Enthusiasts Warned in US, UK After Rise In Superbug Infections
A recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report highlights the growing concern of MRSA superbugs spreading in community settings, particularly in gyms and health clubs, according to The Times. A similar trend has also been reported in the United States, with experts warning against sharing personal items like towels or razors that may come into contact with infected skin or blood. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. MRSA cases are increasingly found outside hospitals, with gyms being a significant source of transmission. The officials are closely monitoring the situation, with locals in the United Kingdom being urged to avoid sharing personal items. According to the report, a total of 175 people were infected outside of hospitals, up 47 per cent from 119 community-onset cases in the same period in 2019, The Independent reported. The bacteria can spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces and equipment. Poor hygiene practices, such as not cleaning equipment or not showering after workouts, can increase the risk of transmission. Colin Brown, a director of antimicrobial assistance and healthcare-related infections at the UKSHA, told The Times, "The overall risk of MRSA bloodstream infections to the public in hospital and community settings remains low [and] substantially below the last peak observed in the early 2000s." "It is too early to conclude whether the current rise represents a sustained shift; however, the trend is being monitored closely through surveillance and analysis to better understand the underlying drivers. This will include further analysis of patient characteristics, such as residential type. "Outbreaks of these infections in community settings can be managed through maintaining good general hygiene, including regular handwashing and not sharing items such as towels and razors." As per UKHSA data published last month, the infection rates increased by 4.1 per cent in the first three months of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, a rise of 39.4 per cent as compared with the same quarter of 2019. As per Andrew Edwards, who is the associate professor of molecular biology at Imperial College London, younger patients who catch it outside of hospitals are often on sports teams or gym users. "We need to keep a very close eye on whether we are seeing a lot more community transition of MRSA between otherwise healthy people ... and watch to see whether this is a blip in the numbers or the beginning of a worrying new trend," he said. While urging gym users, he said, "Check yourself carefully and be aware you might have abrasions that are not immediately obvious. If you do have any, cover those and just be aware." Cases in the US Simon Clarke, of the University of Reading, said cases were "creeping up but... not exploding". He said historically S. aureus was "considered a hospital pathogen and only infected sick people, old people. But it is now more likely to be able to infect younger, fitter people. This bug has evolved. No question about it." Of potential transmission in gyms, he said: "It's a possibility. However, nobody's ever done any real, proper epidemiological studies on this, or gone and swabbed things in gym equipment." Earlier this year, in the summer, a warning had been issued in the US over MRSA being spread in gyms and changing rooms. The authorities in the UK do not record where patients contracted the bug outside of hospitals. Meanwhile, officials from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said: "MRSA spreads fast in athletic facilities, locker rooms, gyms and health clubs because of shared equipment and skin-to-skin contact."
UPI
14-08-2025
- Health
- UPI
Trial shows promise for new bloodborne staph infection treatment
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said a new treatment for bloodborne staph infections showed promise in a clinical trial. File Photo by Tamas Soki/EPA A new way to battle bloodborne staph infections could help save lives while combating the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to new clinical trial results. Two intravenous doses of the antibiotic dalbavancin delivered seven days apart worked just as well as daily IV doses of conventional antibiotics in quelling Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections, researchers reported Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "Given the small number of antimicrobial drugs available to treat Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections and the bacteria's growing drug resistance, establishing dalbavancin as a beneficial therapy for these severe infections gives us a vital new alternative to treat them," Dr. John Beigel said in a news release. He's acting director of microbiology and infectious diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. NIAID sponsored and funded the trial, which involved 200 hospitalized adults with complicated staph blood infections treated at 23 medical centers in the U.S. and Canada. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either two doses of dalbavancin or daily IV antibiotics, with overall treatment lasting four to eight weeks. In all, 100 received dalbavancin and the same number had standard antibiotics. Dalbavancin is a relatively recent antibiotic discovery, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2014, according to The standard antibiotics used depended on the type of staph a person had. Cefazolin or penicillin were used for regular staph, while vancomycin or daptomycin were implemented against antibiotic-resistant staph, also known as MRSA. Results showed that dalbavancin worked about as well as standard therapy, providing doctors a new option for treating a severe staph infection. "Our findings give patients and health care providers the data to support an extra choice when deciding on treatment for complicated S. aureus bacteremia," lead researcher Dr. Nicholas Turner, an assistant professor at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C., said in a news release. What's more, the dalbavancin was easier to deliver. People receiving daily antibiotics needed an implanted catheter that remained in place for the full duration of their treatment -- something that can lead to complications like blood clots and additional infections. By comparison, people receiving dalbavancin only needed a short catheter inserted twice for about an hour each time, researchers said. As a result, side effects like blood clots occurred more often in the standard treatment group compared to the dalbavancin group, researchers found. Serious side effects were about as common with dalbavancin as with standard antibiotics -- 40 cases versus 34 cases, results show. However, severe events leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 12% of the standard treatment patients compared to 3% of those treated with dalbavancin. Researchers next plan to compare the cost-effectiveness of the two approaches. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more about staph infections. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
7 best menstrual cup sterilizers to level up your period hygiene
Switching to a menstrual cup is a sustainable choice but keeping it clean is just as important as choosing the right one. Proper sterilization isn't just about hygiene, it is about protecting your intimate health every cycle. Boiling your cup in a pan might work, but let's be honest, it's messy and inconvenient. This is where a menstrual cup sterilizer comes in. From compact steamers to portable UV devices, these smart gadgets are designed to make your period routine safer, cleaner, and stress-free. In this guide, we have highlighted the best menstrual cup sterilizers to help you simplify hygiene without compromising on care. Steeping menstrual cups in boiled water for 5 minutes after washing with soap or water effectively eliminates S. aureus, suggesting a safer, simpler alternative to continuous boiling between periods (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health). However, to make things simpler for you, we have selected the top-rated menstrual cup sterilizers that you can try: Sterilize your menstrual cup effortlessly in just 3 minutes with the Sirona Steam Sterilizer. This BPA-free menstrual cup sterilizer uses high-temperature steam to kill 99.9% of germs without the use of detergent or boiling. Simply plug it in, add water, and let it do the work. Its automatic shut-off ensures safety, and its compact design makes it perfect for discreet storage between cycles. Sirona Menstrual Cup Sterilizer | Clean your Period Cup Effortlessly | Kills 99% of Germs in 3 Minutes with Steam | BPA Free | Automatic Power-Off | 1 Unit,White Skip the stove and clean your cup the smart way with Pee Safe's Steam Sterilizer. This compact, BPA-free menstrual cup sterilizer kills 99.9% of germs in just 3-5 minutes and auto shuts off when done. Ideal for menstrual cups, discs, or kegel balls, it offers a no-mess, no-fuss solution to period hygiene. Plug it in, add water, and relax, your hygiene is sorted. Pee Safe Menstrual Cup Steam Sterilizer | Clean Your Cup With Ease | Kills 99.9% Germs in 3 Minutes with Steam | White, For women, BPA Free & Auto Power Cut-Off This 2-in-1 steamer and kit from YTYOMUR comes with two reusable medical-grade silicone menstrual cups and an adorable egg-shaped sterilizer. One-button operation, high-temperature steam, and compatibility with most cup brands make it an efficient, travel-friendly cleaner. The steamer doubles as a storage case and offers a quick, 3-minute clean, which makes this menstrual cup sterilizer ideal for women who want an all-in-one hygiene solution on the go. YTYOMUR Menstrual Cup Steamer Sterilizer with 2 Reusable Period Cups, Menstrual Cups Cleaner Wash Kit, One Button Control Automatic High Temperature Steam Sterilization for Women Feminine Hygiene Care Get a complete hygiene solution with Pee Safe's combo of a soft, reusable menstrual cup and a steam sterilizer. The cup offers 12 hours of leak-free comfort, while the menstrual cup sterilizer makes cleaning quick and safe in just 5 minutes. Together, they reduce the risk of rashes and infections, making your period eco-friendly, economical, and worry-free. Pee Safe Menstrual Cups For Women | Medium Size With Menstrual Cup Sterilizer | Clean Your Menstrual Cup Hassle Free In Just 5 Minutes, Kills 99.9% Of Germs Azah's advanced steam sterilizer ensures 99.9% germ removal in just 3 minutes, increasing your cup's lifespan while protecting your intimate health. Designed for use at home or while travelling, this menstrual cup sterilizer in India doubles as a discreet storage case. With BPA-free silicone and auto shut-off, it is a safe and eco-conscious way to keep your cup clean. ALSO READ: 10 top-rated sunscreens for dry skin that protect without causing dryness Azah Menstrual Cup Sterilizer | Portable Sterilizer for Menstrual Cup for Women & Girls | Clean Your Cup With Ease | Kills 99.9% Germs in 3 Minutes with Steam | BPA Free & Auto Power Cut-Off SAFECUP brings you a no-kitchen-needed sterilizing solution, just plug it into your bedroom or bathroom. It heats to 100°C and steams your cup clean in 5 minutes. Designed with a mesh base so your cup never touches the bottom, and featuring auto shut-off for worry-free use, this menstrual cup sterilizer encourages regular cleaning. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty for added confidence. SAFECUP Menstrual Cup Sterilizer for women, Clean Your Period Cup In a Hygenic Way,Automatic Switch Off,No Risk Of Melting Cup, Plug it in Room or Bathroom, No Kitchen/No Vessels,Pack of 1 piece,Pink Pure Ella's microwave-safe sterilizer is a collapsible, BPA-free silicone cup designed for effortless cleaning. Just add water and microwave your menstrual cup for 2 minutes. It folds flat for compact storage and comes with a discreet bag, making it ideal for travel. You can also use boiling water directly for steaming if a microwave isn't available. Pure Ella Menstrual Cup Sterilizer - Microwave Safe, Collapsible and BPA Free Silicone Period Cup Cleaner - Ecofriendly Feminine Hygiene ● Rinse the cup: Wash your menstrual cup with mild soap and water to remove any residue. ● Add water: Pour the recommended amount of clean water (usually 5–10 ml) into the menstrual cup sterilizer. ● Place the cup: Insert the cup upside down inside the best menstrual sterilizer in India. ● Cover and start: Close the lid, plug in the device and start the sterilization. ● Auto shut-off or cool down: Now, wait for the auto shut-off or let it cool after microwaving. • Ready to use: Once cool, your cup is sterilized and ready for use or storage. Best pickleball paddles for low-impact exercises: Get fit without joint pain with our top 8 picks Menstrual Hygiene Day: 10 must-have period products for a stain and stress-free cycle Best biotin supplements in India (2025): 8 trusted picks to fight hair fall naturally You should sterilize your menstrual cup before and after every menstrual cycle. Daily rinsing during your period is enough, but deep cleaning ensures hygiene. Yes! Microwave sterilizers are a safe and effective alternative. Just add water, place the cup inside, and microwave for 2-3 minutes with the lid loosely closed. Yes, daily sterilization is safe if done properly. Steam sterilizers don't damage medical-grade silicone and can actually help extend your cup's hygiene and life. If there's no auto shut-off, monitor the process manually. Unplug after 3-5 minutes to prevent overheating. Always check the product manual for exact timing and safety tips. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fungi on Your Skin Could Produce a Potent Antibiotic to Fight Infections
A deadly superbug that sometimes claims the lives of more than a million people globally a year may have a nemesis that lives right under your nose. Quite literally. It dominates your skin microbiome, where it seems to keep staph infections at bay. The overlooked agent is a species of natural yeast, called Malassezia sympodialis – one of the most prevalent microorganisms on healthy human skin. New research suggests that as it cleans oil and fat from your body's exterior, the fungi can produce a fatty acid that stops the development and growth of a staph infection. According to lab experiments, led by scientists at the University of Oregon (UO), M. sympodialis can antagonize Staphylococcus aureus bacteria through its acidic byproducts. Because the yeast-produced acid is often present in healthy skin, researchers think it stops S. aureus from over-colonizing the microbiome. S. aureus is a normal component of the skin microbiome, but if it takes over, or if it penetrates the tissue or bloodstream, it can seed dangerous infections. Skin and soft tissue infections involving result in approximately 500,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States, and the bacterium is capable of becoming resistant to every class of antibiotics we currently have in our arsenal. This means new drug therapies must be continuously put forward to stay ahead of its deadly toll. The fact that our skin microbiome has natural defenses against staph infections is worth exploring further. "There are lots of studies that identify new antibiotic structures," says lead author and evolutionary biologist Caitlin Kowalski from UO, "but what was fun and interesting about ours is that we identified (a compound) that is well-known and that people have studied before." The compound in question is called 10-hydroxy palmitic acid (10-HP), and in the past, scientists probably overlooked its antimicrobial powers because it only unleashes its toxic effects in a low pH environment, like the skin, and not under normal lab conditions. Using human skin biopsies from healthy donors, Kowalski and colleagues found the acid was produced by resident Malassezia yeast. "It was like finding a needle in a haystack but with molecules you can't see," says Kowalski's adviser, biologist Matthew Barber. In the lab, Barber, Kowalski, and their colleagues tested how M. sympodialis yeast impacts various strains of S. aureus. After two hours of the yeast treatment, most S. aureus strains showed greater than a 100-fold reduction in viability. Over time, S. aureus strains developed some resistance to M. sympodialis' 10-HP, and the dangerous bacteria did so in a similar way to how they develop tolerance to clinical antibiotics. Interestingly, researchers found that other species of Staphylococcus bacteria, which do not pose the same threat as S. aureus, had already figured out similar ways to coexist with the M. sympodialis yeast. "Given the prevalence of Malassezia within the mammalian skin microbiota, we are likely just scratching the surface of its roles in shaping microbial interactions and colonization resistance in this niche," write the authors. Kowalski is now planning to do a deep dive into the genetic mechanisms of antibiotic-resistant staph infections to better understand how the bacteria rapidly mutates to avoid a whole range of antimicrobial agents. "We still have a lot of work to do in understanding the microorganisms, and also finding new ways that we can possibly treat or prevent those infections," says Barber. The study was published in Current Biology. The First Synthetic 'Mini Prion' Could Help Study Diseases Like Alzheimer's Here's Why You Should Try 'Jeffing' to Run Longer And Farther Childhood Adversity May Damage The Brain's White Matter, Study Finds
Jordan News
26-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
A Common Mistake That Could Contaminate Your Toothbrush with Germs - Jordan News
Dr. Samuel Choudhury, a resident doctor in Singapore, revealed a common mistake many people make when using their toothbrush without realizing its potential health risks. اضافة اعلان In a video posted on Instagram, Choudhury explained that placing your toothbrush near the toilet exposes it to bacteria, viruses, and even airborne fecal particles. He explained that flushing the toilet can cause bacteria to rise up to 6 feet (about 1.83 meters) in the air, making the toothbrush vulnerable to these contaminants if placed near the toilet. He emphasized that simply using a toothbrush cover doesn't protect it. In fact, it could increase bacteria growth due to the humid environment it creates. Choudhury referenced a 2015 study on toothbrushes in student dorms, which found that 60% of them were contaminated with fecal matter, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. He further explained that plastic covers, which many people believe protect their toothbrushes, may actually increase the risk of bacteria growth instead of preventing it. To protect your toothbrush from contamination, Choudhury offered some practical advice: Store the toothbrush vertically to ensure proper drainage of water and reduce moisture buildup. Replace the toothbrush or its head every 3 to 4 months to maintain cleanliness and effectiveness. Keep the toothbrush away from the toilet and close the lid when flushing to prevent airborne particles from spreading. Store the toothbrush in a well-ventilated area to allow it to dry quickly, reducing bacteria growth. As for UV sterilizers or mouthwash cleaning, Choudhury noted that these are not entirely necessary if the basic steps are followed. This warning comes after scientific studies highlighted that flushing the toilet releases microscopic droplets containing bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus, which can cause gastrointestinal infections or respiratory diseases if inhaled. Dr. Wajid Ali, a researcher at the China University of Earth Sciences, confirmed that improving bathroom ventilation systems and strengthening exhaust fans can reduce the concentration of these particles in the air, contributing to public health protection.
