Immunization with the vaccines for pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus reduces the rates of acute respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections in small children, thus reducing the need for antibiotic medications. Researchers say if universal childhood vaccination is achieved, an additional 40 million cases of antibiotic-treated illnesses could be prevented each year.
Epigallocatechin (EGCG), a natural antioxidant found in green tea, may help in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. EGCG restores the activity of aztreonam, an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections caused by P. aeruginosa. The bacteria is resistant to major classes of antibiotics and is currently treated with a combination of drugs.