BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Strains of E. coli bacteria which are resistant to most types of antibiotics and has already been linked to outbreaks across Britain are increasing rapidly in the country, the government's health agency said Monday.
E.Coli are common bacteria which normally live harmlessly in the gut, but can also cause urinary tract infections and blood poisoning and can be potentially deadly.
In a report to a health conference in Warwick, central England, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the new E. coli strains produce an enzyme called Extended-Spectrum Beta Lactamase, or ESBL, which makes them more resistant to antibiotics and therefore makes the infections harder to treat. In many cases, only two oral antibiotics and a few intravenous antibiotics remain effective.
"Many of the infections have been in elderly people who are already sick with other underlying medical conditions," said Georgia Duckworth of the HPA's Centre for Infections.
"It mainly occurs in those who have been taking antibiotics or who have been previously hospitalised."
The HPA says there is evidence that the new strains are carried in faecal matter, indicating it may be spreading via the food chain because of inadequate hygiene.
"If this is found to be commonplace in the general population, this may point towards the food chain being a potential source."
The HPA are calling for further research into the matter.
(Agencies)
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