Drug-resistant salmonella found

Taiwan researchers say they have found a new form of drug-resistant salmonella bacterium.

Taiwan researchers say they have found a new form of drug-resistant salmonella bacterium. Salmonella usually causes infections that require anti-microbial treatment. But, reporting in the Lancet Thursday, J.T. Ou, from Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, and colleagues, isolated a strain of salmonella enterica serotype choleraesuis that was resistant to all anti-microbials commonly used to treat salmonellosis. The drug-resistance was due to changes in the genes of the bacteria, including some in a genetic element that can potentially be transmitted between bacteria, it was reported. The authors warned that multidrug-resistant salmonella is a serious matter and urged “constant surveillance” to “prevent its further spread.” (Source: United Press International, April 2004)