NEWS
New antibiotic mechanism
triggers AMR hope
Scientists have discovered two new mechanisms for how a well-established antibiotic works, paving the way for potential development of new antibiotic treatment. A team based at the University of Exeter studied the bacterium Coxiella burnetii to investigate why it is so sensitive to doxycycline. One of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, doxycycline is effective even at low concentrations. Cells build proteins in the ribosomes. Newly built proteins leave this via an exit channel. In their research, recently published in Nature Communications, the team discovered that in C. burnetii, antibiotic molecules stack upon each other to block the ribosome exit channel, revealing a new mechanism for how doxycycline disarms the bacteria. They hope this finding could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotic derived from doxycycline. Professor Nicholas Harmer, at the
University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute, who led the research, said: “In this study we used electron microscopy, and recent advances allow us to observe molecular structures in greater detail than ever before. We were surprised to yield a number of important findings, including an entirely new mechanism for how doxycycline works against Coxiella. We now need to investigate whether we can expand this to other forms of bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics, which could open up a really exciting avenue for new treatments.” The search for new antibiotics is an
international research priority, against a crisis of antibiotics increasingly failing to work as bacteria evolve resistance, meaning previously treatable infections can be deadly. The study – funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory – primarily examined C. burnetii. This bacterium is prevalent in animals and can be inhaled by humans, causing severe flu-like symptoms which can lead to death. People who work with farm animals are particularly high risk. Stuart WS, Isupov MN, McLaren M, et al. Cryo-EM reveals multiple mechanisms of ribosome inhibition by doxycycline. Nat Commun. 2026;17(1):7049. doi:10.1038/ s41467-026-73421-5
Maternal RSV vaccine reduces ICU admissions
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published new data which show around 50% fewer infants under six months being admited to intensive care with RSV disease in England. The figures, contained in the Surveillance of respiratory syncytial virus: winter 2025 to 2026 annual report, demonstrate the annual impact of the NHS RSV maternal vaccination programme for the first time. Last winter (2025-26), in the 20 NHS
trusts taking part in the surveillance there were 63 infants under aged six months admited to intensive care units (ICU) or higher dependency units (HDU) with confirmed RSV chest infection. UKHSA collates data on ICU and HDU RSV admission in England through the SARI Watch sentinel surveillance system with 20 trusts taking part in 2024-25 and 2025- 26. The previous year, the same 20 trusts reported 131 similar patients admited to ICU or HDU. This 50% reduction demonstrates the strong impact that the first full year of the maternal programme
has had in protecting newborns from severe RSV disease. While the maternal RSV programme
started in September 2024, the full impact of the programme on reducing the number of cases and severity of RSV in infants wasn’t expected to be seen until last winter, 2025-26, as more pregnant women became eligible over the course of the past year. The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns, who are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV. The annual report shows that in the 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026, 61.7% of women giving birth had received an RSV vaccine. Earlier this year a UKHSA study
presented at the ESCMID conference showed a dose of the maternal vaccine provides over 80% protection to the new- born infant against hospital admission. The vaccine is recommended to be given in week 28 or soon afterwards, so it can protect most preterm babies.
Challenges in forensic pathology
A new report from The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) highlights serious forensic pathology workforce issues. Forensic Pathology Workforce 2026 shows how the mixed model of service delivery and employment models across the UK contributes to geographic inequity in vacancies and restricted training opportunities. Despite repeated calls for reform in forensic pathology, litle action has been taken to address the challenges facing the workforce. Bereaved families report experiencing
a service that is fragmented, disjointed and inconsistent in its standards and delivery. Inadequate staffing numbers and facilities are causing families to wait months for post-mortem results and slowing down legal investigations. Delays in reporting are frequently driven by dependencies on other specialist services that are critical for complex cases, including toxicology, neuropathology, and paediatric and perinatal pathology, which are facing workforce shortages. Professor Ralph Bouhaidar, Chair of
the College Specialty Advisory Commitee for Forensic Pathology, said: “Forensic
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pathology is a cornerstone of the justice system, providing vital evidence in the investigation of suspicious and unexplained deaths. Urgent action is needed to strengthen the training pipeline and secure the future of forensic pathology service.” 30% of the consultant forensic pathology workforce are expected to retire within the next 10 years. On top of filling existing vacancies, it is estimated that there is a need for an additional 16 consultant forensic pathology posts. The report provides solutions to
address these challenges through investment and commitment from all four UK governments to enable the provision of resilient and sustainable forensic pathology services.
AdobeStock / Ian
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