In many rural areas of Uganda, febrile patients presenting to health facilities are prescribed both antimalarials and antibiotics, contributing to the overuse of antibiotics. We identified the prevalence and correlates of inappropriate antibiotic management of patients with confirmed malaria. Methods We utilized individual outpatient data from 36 health centers from January to September … [Read more...]
Malarial Attack Recurring
QUESTION My Father aged 65 years was diagnosed with malaria 15 days back and was on medication. Fever was recurring frequently and he had developed a lung infection. Three days back fever stopped and did not occur for 2 days and malarial infection was reducing. Now the Fever has started coming but other parameters are normal. Can you please suggest what needs to be done? ANSWER If your … [Read more...]
Naturally Drug-Resistant Cave Bacteria Possible Key to New Antibiotics
New research findings suggest the key to finding a whole new variety of antibiotics to treat drug-resistant infections may lie with the resident bacteria in one of the most isolated caves in the world. The U.S. scientists who conducted the study say bacteria collected from Lechuguilla Cave in the state of New Mexico appear to possess an innate resistance to antibiotics, despite never having … [Read more...]
Bioengineered Antibiotic Could Lead to Improved Malaria Therapy
A natural antibiotic long known for its power to fight bacteria, viruses and tumors has recently shown strength against malaria, but its extreme toxicity has impeded its use in medicine. However, a bioengineering breakthrough has opened a new avenue in the global battle against malaria. Scientists at Oregon State University have engineered several new versions of the antibiotic pactamycin … [Read more...]
Anti-Infective Drugs Market to Reach $66 Billion by 2013, Says Report
The anti-infective drugs market will jump to $66 billion by 2013, according to a recently published report. Anti-infective drugs include: anti-viral therapeutics, antibiotics, anti-fungal agents and prophylactic treatments such as vaccines. Six infectious diseases -- pneumonia, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, malaria, measles and HIV/AIDS -- account for half of all premature deaths worldwide. … [Read more...]