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The gene carried by this bacterium is incredibly resistant to even our strongest antibiotics. That is exactly what has scientists worried right now.
What exactly is NDM-1?
New Delhi-Metallo-1, or NDM-1, is a bacterial gene that shows extreme resistance to high-level antibiotics. This specific trait is causing significant concern among researchers.
Why does this matter?
NDM-1—essentially the DNA code for this particular enzyme—can jump from one bacterial strain to another quite easily. Scientists are concerned that this could lead to the emergence of even more resilient bacteria. Ultimately, this could result in dangerous infections that spread rapidly between people, making an epidemic nearly impossible to contain.
Can it be treated or prevented?
There are several ways to try and wipe out these bacterial infections, but it is a massive and difficult task involving complex combinations of antibiotics. Some scientists have already isolated strains that are resistant to every known antibiotic we have.
How would I know if I am infected?
A number of Americans who recently traveled to India or Pakistan for medical treatment have contracted the infection there. Some of them then spread the infection to other hospitals back in the States. The severity ranges from moderate to serious, and can even be fatal.
So far, two types of bacteria carrying the NDM-1 gene have been identified. One is E.coli, which causes urinary tract and respiratory infections, and the other is Klebsiella pneumonia, which attacks the lungs. Both can lead to sepsis. Usually, these kinds of systemic issues are noticeable.
Can we stop it from spreading?
Experts say the way to halt an epidemic is through strict monitoring, rapid identification of the bacteria, and the immediate isolation and hospitalization of infected patients. Robust infection control measures can successfully stop the spread.
NDM-1 is currently present in India, the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands. Experts fear a global epidemic could occur. They argue there is an urgent need for a cure that can treat these most resistant strains.
Are there any new antibiotics that might help?
Most existing antibiotics, according to scientists, simply won't work. The reason is that most of the bacteria being studied and treated have different characteristics than those carrying the NDM-1 code.
What happens next?
The HPA, or the CDC, is continuing to monitor the situation closely. They will provide regular updates to all major institutions and agencies as new data comes in. In the meantime, hospitals should do everything in their power to prevent a potential outbreak. (BBC)
What exactly is NDM-1?
New Delhi-Metallo-1, or NDM-1, is a bacterial gene that shows extreme resistance to high-level antibiotics. This specific trait is causing significant concern among researchers.
Why does this matter?
NDM-1—essentially the DNA code for this particular enzyme—can jump from one bacterial strain to another quite easily. Scientists are concerned that this could lead to the emergence of even more resilient bacteria. Ultimately, this could result in dangerous infections that spread rapidly between people, making an epidemic nearly impossible to contain.
Can it be treated or prevented?
There are several ways to try and wipe out these bacterial infections, but it is a massive and difficult task involving complex combinations of antibiotics. Some scientists have already isolated strains that are resistant to every known antibiotic we have.
How would I know if I am infected?
A number of Americans who recently traveled to India or Pakistan for medical treatment have contracted the infection there. Some of them then spread the infection to other hospitals back in the States. The severity ranges from moderate to serious, and can even be fatal.
So far, two types of bacteria carrying the NDM-1 gene have been identified. One is E.coli, which causes urinary tract and respiratory infections, and the other is Klebsiella pneumonia, which attacks the lungs. Both can lead to sepsis. Usually, these kinds of systemic issues are noticeable.
Can we stop it from spreading?
Experts say the way to halt an epidemic is through strict monitoring, rapid identification of the bacteria, and the immediate isolation and hospitalization of infected patients. Robust infection control measures can successfully stop the spread.
NDM-1 is currently present in India, the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands. Experts fear a global epidemic could occur. They argue there is an urgent need for a cure that can treat these most resistant strains.
Are there any new antibiotics that might help?
Most existing antibiotics, according to scientists, simply won't work. The reason is that most of the bacteria being studied and treated have different characteristics than those carrying the NDM-1 code.
What happens next?
The HPA, or the CDC, is continuing to monitor the situation closely. They will provide regular updates to all major institutions and agencies as new data comes in. In the meantime, hospitals should do everything in their power to prevent a potential outbreak. (BBC)