Queensland researchers have discovered a new strain of high-risk, drug resistant bacteria in the Middle East.
The University of Queensland's Dr Hosam Zowawi said his team had witnessed rapid growth of variants of existing superbugs in the Gulf States, dubbed 'super-superbugs' for being internationally identified as high-risk.
"(They) can destroy even last-line safe antibiotics," Dr Zowawi said.
Dr Zowawi said he was concerned by the increased prevalence of such bacteria because they could be difficult to treat and could lead to death among immunocompromised or intensive care patients.
"We knew that some clones could thrive inside individual hospitals and spread from one-patient to another, but it's the first time we've identified a clone scattered across the entire Arabian Peninsula," he added.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Infection control and surveillance plans are in place to stop them spreading further.
