More importantly, the discovery might also provide options for treating the infection.

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Although I remain grateful to Kingston Hospital for treating the infection, I have to say I was not confident about all their hygiene methods.

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Both companies have respectable, if not spectacular, product pipelines, which may lead to some interesting new drugs for treating cancer and infection, as well as strengthening their existing ranges.

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Using imipenem, one of three intravenous antibiotics effective against Acinetobacter, doctors are treating Locker's infection.

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"This is a fascinating and careful piece of research which could lead to important new avenues in treating this chronic gastric infection which is a major risk factor for stomach cancer, " said Dr Richard Sullivan, its head of clinical programmes.

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The IOCDF plans to sponsor a study at the University of South Florida and Harvard next year treating Pandas children with antibiotics whether they have an active infection or not.

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