Free fatty acids may be as effective as antibiotics in treating catheter infections

(Lifespan) Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital, Veterans Affair Medical Center in Providence and University of Rhode Island have found that a free fatty acid, made up of compounds similar to those naturally made in the body, may be as effective at fighting certain infections as antibiotics. More and more bacteria are developing resistance to commonly used antibiotics, and this study shows that clinicians may have an alternative to treat infections caused by intravenous catheters.