We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBETECH PUBLISHING LLC

Download Mobile App




Intestinal Coating Replaces Antibiotics After Surgery

By HospiMedica staff writers
Posted on 10 Feb 2004
By injecting a protective coating into the intestines to pacify bacteria, researchers were able to protect mice from infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa after major surgery without the need for antibiotics. More...
Their experiment was reported in the February 2004 issue of Gastroenterology.

Pseudomonas is a frequent cause of hospital-acquired infections, especially after major surgery. It can detect an ill host's vulnerability by sensing chemicals that indicate stress, and it has tools that allow it to evade and even disable the host's immune system. Pseudomonas resists antibiotics and secretes toxins similar to those used by diphtheria or anthrax. However, the researchers found that a coating with a high molecular-weight polymer can form a surrogate bioshield and stop the process before it begins by preventing the stress signals from reaching bacteria and triggering the virulent response.

The researchers tested the approach by performing major surgery on mice, then introducing Pseudomonas into the bowel, a model that kills all the mice within two days. One treatment with PEG 15-20, injected into the bowel at the time of infection, however, completely protected the mice. A solution taken by mouth four to eight hours after infection also protected treated mice. A lighter weight PEG did not protect the mice.

"An unhappy parasite is programmed to kill the host and move on. So we decided to look for ways to gratify them, to please these powerful microbes and keep them content,” explained John Alverdy, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the University of Chicago (IL, USA) and the director of the study.





Related Links:
U. of Chicago

Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Gold Member
STI Test
Vivalytic Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Array
New
Hemostatic Agent
HEMOBLAST Bellows
New
Antimicrobial Mat
MULTIMAT
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to HospiMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Hospital Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of HospiMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of HospiMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of HospiMedica International in digital format
  • Free HospiMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have taken a major step toward cuff-free blood pressure monitoring (Photo courtesy of Gwyneth Moe/Boston University)

Cuff-Free Blood Pressure Monitoring Device to Improve Early Detection and Management of Hypertension

Hypertension affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S. and remains the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Regular and accurate blood pressure monitoring is essential for managing this condition,... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The revolutionary automatic IV-Line flushing device set for launch in the EU and US in 2026 (Photo courtesy of Droplet IV)

Revolutionary Automatic IV-Line Flushing Device to Enhance Infusion Care

More than 80% of in-hospital patients receive intravenous (IV) therapy. Every dose of IV medicine delivered in a small volume (<250 mL) infusion bag should be followed by subsequent flushing to ensure... Read more

Business

view channel
Image: A research collaboration aims to further advance findings in human genomics research in cardiovascular diseases (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Bayer and Broad Institute Extend Research Collaboration to Develop New Cardiovascular Therapies

A research collaboration will focus on the joint discovery of novel therapeutic approaches based on findings in human genomics research related to cardiovascular diseases. Bayer (Berlin, Germany) and... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.