The Health Protection Agency (UK) said that new strains of bacteria, called Enterobacteriaceae, have been identified in UK hospital patients, a majority of whom was treated (plastic surgery, organ transplants) in India or Pakistan.
So closely linked are the bacteria to the Indian subcontinent that a strain has an enzyme identified as NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-1). The bacteria can arm other bacteria with this enzyme and may result in "Super Superbug" that spread all over in UK.
These bacteria are now in circulation since nine affected patients have no immediately identifiable overseas links. A total of 22 bacteria with the NDM-1 enzyme have been identified from 19 patients at 17 hospitals. One instance of possible transmission between two patients has also been identified.
The risk from infections which are more difficult to treat due as the recent emergence of a new group of enzymes (carbapenemases) carried by some bacteria is of concern because these enzymes prevent carbapenem (the only strictly controlled last antibiotics) working effectively, making the bacteria resistant.
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The Health Protection Agency (UK) said that new strains of bacteria, called Enterobacteriaceae, have been identified in UK hospital patients, a majority of whom was treated (plastic surgery, organ transplants) in India or Pakistan.
So closely linked are the bacteria to the Indian subcontinent that a strain has an enzyme identified as NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-1). The bacteria can arm other bacteria with this enzyme and may result in "Super Superbug" that spread all over in UK.
These bacteria are now in circulation since nine affected patients have no immediately identifiable overseas links. A total of 22 bacteria with the NDM-1 enzyme have been identified from 19 patients at 17 hospitals. One instance of possible transmission between two patients has also been identified.
The risk from infections which are more difficult to treat due as the recent emergence of a new group of enzymes (carbapenemases) carried by some bacteria is of concern because these enzymes prevent carbapenem (the only strictly controlled last antibiotics) working effectively, making the bacteria resistant.
August 20, 2009 - 12:43amThis Comment
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