Six people aged 20 to 85 living in Colorado (USA) were recently infected with resistant “superbug” to the most powerful antibiotics, which until now was only rife in hospitals.
Those 6 new cases suggest that the bacteria has now spread outside healthcare facilities because those infected had not been to the hospital for over a year, nor had they undergone invasive care such as dialysis or catheter placement.
A bacterium that produces enzymes against antibiotics
This superbug represents the worst nightmare of the American health authorities because it is impermeable to all known antibiotics, including those usually used as a last resort. It has acquired the ability to produce enzymes that work against most antibiotics and 50% of patients who are infected die from it.
Authorities are investigating what may be the source of infection for Colorado patients: “It seems that these bacteria could be on the move and that they are moving from health facilities to a community setting” said Sarah Janelle, an epidemiologist in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Read also: Antibiotic resistance kills 23,000 per year in the United States
Of the 6 infected patients, two had underlying medical problems weakening their immune system and one was pregnant, which also suppresses part of the body’s immune system. Another risk factor for this type of infection is taking antibiotics regularly, which increases the likelihood that bacteria will develop a disease. drug resistance.
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