Latest news with #antibioticResistance
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
New ‘poo pills' could flush out killer bugs that kill one million Brits each year
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. 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.
The Independent
7 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Expert warns of spread of super-gonorrhoea resistant to antibiotics
Health officials have issued a warning over a "concerning jump" in cases of gonorrhoea that are resistant to strong antibiotics. New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that the number of cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea, which are resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone, has already surpassed the total number of cases recorded in the previous year. While overall gonorrhoea cases in England saw a 16 per cent decrease in 2024, with 71,802 diagnoses compared to 85,370 in 2023, the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains remains a significant concern for health authorities. However, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently – with 14 in the first five months of 2025 compared with 13 in the whole of the previous year. Six of the 14 cases this year have been 'extensively drug-resistant', which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and then to second-line treatment options, according to the UKHSA. Ceftriaxone is a strong antibiotic and the main treatment for gonorrhoea. Experts are therefore concerned when infections fail to respond to it. Most of these drug-resistant cases are linked with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high. Elsewhere, among people in England, early-stage syphilis diagnoses rose 1.7%, from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024. The overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. Chlamydia fell 13%, from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 to 168,889 in 2024, while people diagnosed for the first time with genital warts also dropped. Among women aged 15 to 24 who are recommended to be screened through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), there was a 10.7% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests carried out, from 673,102 to 601,295. Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing. 'These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners – particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas – get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with. 'From August, eligible people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years – please take up the vaccine if you are offered it.' Professor Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: 'Whilst it is encouraging to see a fall in the total number of STI diagnoses this year, we nonetheless continue to see historically high rates of sexual infection, with particularly worrying continued increases in infections such as syphilis, which are at their highest-ever levels, and the continued spread of antibiotic-resistant disease. 'It is vital that clear steps are put in place to reverse these trends. He added: 'Sexual health services remain under immense pressure and these new tools risk being deployed into overstretched systems unable to support them effectively. 'We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the long-term viability of sexual health services in this country. 'Only a joined-up, ambitious national strategy can ensure that we are prepared not just for today's sexual health challenges, but for those we know are coming.'
The Independent
7 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Experts warn of ‘concerning jump' in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea
There has been a 'concerning jump' in cases of gonorrhoea resistant to strong antibiotics, health officials have warned. New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have been more cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea that are resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone so far in 2025 than the whole of last year. Overall, there was a 16% drop in gonorrhoea cases in 2024 in England, with 71,802 diagnoses, compared with 85,370 in 2023. However, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently – with 14 in the first five months of 2025 compared with 13 in the whole of the previous year. Six of the 14 cases this year have been 'extensively drug-resistant', which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and then to second-line treatment options, according to the UKHSA. Ceftriaxone is a strong antibiotic and the main treatment for gonorrhoea. Experts are therefore concerned when infections fail to respond to it. Most of these drug-resistant cases are linked with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high. Elsewhere, among people in England, early-stage syphilis diagnoses rose 1.7%, from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024. The overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. Chlamydia fell 13%, from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 to 168,889 in 2024, while people diagnosed for the first time with genital warts also dropped. Among women aged 15 to 24 who are recommended to be screened through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), there was a 10.7% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests carried out, from 673,102 to 601,295. Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing. 'These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners – particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas – get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with. 'From August, eligible people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years – please take up the vaccine if you are offered it.'
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BiomX CEO Jonathan Solomon to Present at Biomed Israel 2025 Conference
NESS ZIONA, Israel, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BiomX Inc. (NYSE American: PHGE) ('BiomX' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage company advancing novel natural and engineered phage therapies that target specific pathogenic bacteria, today announced that Jonathan Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Biomed Israel 2025 conference, reviewing the Company's topline Phase 2 results for BX211 in DFO. The conference is being held between May 20 - 22, 2025, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Presentation Details 'Leading the innovation of phage therapies, BiomX's programs target persistent, antibiotic-resistant infections in chronic diseases that can result in devastating impacts, including substantially increased morbidity and mortality, for patients,' said Jonathan Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of BiomX. 'At Biomed Israel, the premier biopharma conference in the region, we have the opportunity to showcase the positive topline Phase 2 results for our BX211 program in DFO associated with Staphylococcus aureus. We are grateful for key opinion leader endorsements we've received and to the organizations that have provided vital support for this program, and we look forward to presenting our BX211 Phase 2 findings at an upcoming, peer-reviewed scientific forum.' BX211 Topline Phase 2 Trial Results Available: Here About BX211 BX211 is a phage treatment for the treatment of DFO associated with S. aureus. DFO is a bacterial infection of the bone that usually develops from an infected foot ulcer and is a leading cause of amputation in patients with diabetes. In March 2025, BiomX announced positive topline results from the Phase 2 trial in which BX211 was demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated and patients receiving BX211 exhibited statistically significant1 and sustained reduction of ulcer size (PAR)(p = 0.046 at week 12; p=0.052 at week 13), with a separation from placebo starting at week 7 and a difference greater than 40% by week 10. In addition, BX211 also produced statistically significant1 improvements in both ulcer depth at week 13 (in patients with ulcer depth defined as bone at baseline, ulcer depth was classified according to deepest tissue involved as measured by swab) (p=0.048), and in reducing the expansion of ulcer area (p=0.017). Over the 12-week treatment period, all patients (treatment and placebo) were treated in accordance with standard of care, including with systemic antibiotic therapy as appropriate. BiomX is currently planning a Phase 2/3 trial, pending discussions and feedback from the Food and Drug Administration ('FDA'). About BiomX BiomX is a clinical-stage company leading the development of natural and engineered phage cocktails and personalized phage treatments designed to target and destroy harmful bacteria for the treatment of chronic diseases with substantial unmet needs. BiomX discovers and validates proprietary bacterial targets and applies its BOLT ('BacteriOphage Lead to Treatment') platform to customize phage compositions against these targets. For more information, please visit the content of which does not form a part of this press release. Safe Harbor This press release contains express or implied 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: 'target,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'will,' 'may,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'would,' 'positioned,' 'future,' and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. For example, when BiomX refers to its anticipated timing of its future clinical trials as well as the design thereof, expected discussions with the FDA and other regulatory authorities and results thereof, and the potential of its candidates to address the substantial unmet needs of patients with intractable infections, it is using forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on BiomX management's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of BiomX's control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that BiomX may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors, including risks inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, such as: adverse results in BiomX's drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development activities, the risk that the results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials may not be replicated in later clinical trials, BiomX's ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials, and the risk that any of its clinical trials may not commence, continue or be completed on time, or at all; decisions made by the FDA and other regulatory authorities; decisions made by investigational review boards at clinical trial sites and publication review bodies with respect to our development candidates; BiomX's ability to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights for its platform and development candidates; its potential dependence on collaboration partners; competition; uncertainties as to the sufficiency of BiomX's cash resources to fund its planned activities for the periods anticipated and BiomX's ability to manage unplanned cash requirements; and general economic and market conditions. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements and should review the risks and uncertainties described under the caption 'Risk Factors' in BiomX's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on March 25, 2025, and additional disclosures BiomX makes in its other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and except as provided by law BiomX expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update forward-looking statements. Contacts: BiomX, Inc. Ben Cohen Head Corporate Communications [email protected] ________________________ 1 All p-values described in this release are non-adjusted
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning as deadly superbug reaches the UK thanks to cosmetic surgery patients getting cheap ops abroad
British patients who have cheap surgery abroad are bringing dangerous superbugs back to the UK, nurses have warned. Some NHS hospitals have seen a 30 per cent spike in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria–which can be fatal if it enters the blood stream–triggered by patients returning from operations overseas. NHS nurses said they had seen a surge in cases of 'horrific wounds', infection, sepsis and patients dying over the past two years from complications after having overseas surgery-and suggested foreign clinics should pay the NHS compensation when things go wrong. Growing numbers of British patients who face lengthy NHS waiting lists and high costs for private surgery in the UK are travelling abroad for cheap surgery, most often to Turkey and Eastern European nations. Around 5,000 patients had weight-loss procedures abroad in 2024-more than the 4,500 people who had the procedure on the NHS in 2021-22, according to a BMJ report. Waiting times for weight-loss surgery on the NHS can be up to four years. Some UK patients are enticed abroad by social media marketing which promotes major surgery-like gastric bypass operations or cosmetic procedures - as part of 'luxury package holidays', the Royal College of Nursing annual conference heard this week. But infection control measures in countries outside the EU can be significantly less rigorous than those in the UK. Here, strict rules ensure operating theatres have regular inspections, are well-ventilated and surgeons use new or sterilised equipment for each patient. Nykoma Hamilton, an infection control nurse from Fife, in Scotland, said patients returning from treatment abroad were increasingly infected with bacteria resistant to the strongest antibiotics used to treat the most severe infections - a group of drugs called carbapenems. She told the conference: 'Our concerns relate to the fact that a lot of people are colonised with a lot of extensively drug-resistant organisms.' NHS hospitals and clinics in her area had recorded a 'near 30 per cent' increase in detection of carbapenem-resistant bacteria, she said, describing the superbug as the 'absolute granddaddy of resistance'. District nurse Nicola Smith, from Slough, said she had been 'really shocked' by some of the 'horrendous wounds' and infections she had seen in people who had come back from surgery abroad. WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In 2019, the WHO warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Without antibiotics, C-sections, cancer treatments and hip replacements will become incredibly 'risky', it was said at the time. In one case, she treated a young woman who surgery abroad for skin removal after weight loss. Two week's later, patient's large thigh wound was only loosely held together with stitches, the tissue was dying and she had developed sepsis. 'It's really sad as this procedure was sold to her like a holiday package - all she told me about was how fantastic the hotel was after she'd had her surgery and that they took her back to a posh car,' she said. 'A hotel is lovely but it's no place to be when you're in pain, when there's an infection, when you've got serious complications. 'There was no blood pressure testing, no aftercare for this woman at all. In fact, I'm surprised she made it back on the flight. It's really scary.' The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has issued a warning about the infection risk of surgery abroad, saying: 'Some people are returning with multi-resistant bacteria that are hard to treat and may infect other people'. The number of antibiotic-resistant infections across the UK has grown by 7 per cent before the pandemic, up from around 62,000 in 2019 to nearly 67,000 in 2023, figures from the UK Health Security Agency show. Nurses told the RCN debate patients should be free to choose where to have treatment but needed better information about how to check clinics were safe and what aftercare would be provided. And they suggested the NHS should not have to shoulder the burden for mistakes made abroad. Ms Hamilton said foreign clinics should have to cover patients with an insurance policy, so that the NHS could claim compensation if it had to treat complications later. An investigation published by the BBC last year found NHS hospitals were spending more treating complications from people having cheap surgery abroad than they were on providing the treatment to NHS patients. Complications included infections, sepsis, excessive bleeding and severe malnutrition. Speaking after the debate, RCN head of nursing Carli Whittaker said: 'The trend of patients travelling to other countries for treatment can pose difficulties, including adequate aftercare once home and the risk of infection post-operation. 'Very high waiting lists are a prominent factor, with some deciding to pursue treatment overseas rather than be forced to wait months, sometimes years, in the UK. Nursing staff will always provide the best care for those suffering from the complications of surgery abroad, but the issue must be tackled at its root.' Wes Streeting, the health secretary, has urged people to 'think very carefully' before going overseas for surgery — warning that the NHS is left to 'pick up the pieces'.
