Antibiotic-resistant "Super Bug" found in people of Hutt Valley

By Ellen O 'Dwyer

A rare "super bug" resistant to antibiotics was found in five people in the Hutt Valley.

Carbapenam-producing enterobacteria (CPE) are a family of bacteria resistant to almost all antibiotics.

Matthew Kelly, an infectious disease physician at the Hutt Valley District Health Board, said that only one of the five people had developed the infection and that it had been treated successfully.

The other four people were porters. Two cases were identified at the hospital and three in the community.

People should not be too worried, said Dr. Kelly.

"For most people with this bacteria, they will not know it and it will not cause them any harm, and there is no need to be alarmed or tested."

"The bacteria can cause an infection in vulnerable people if it gets into the wrong place, for example in the urinary tract or a surgical wound.

"If this bacteria causes an infection that will look like any other infection, and if they consult their health care provider and do the appropriate investigations, it will likely be detected."

However, Dr. Kelly said that it was a reminder to maintain the standards of hygiene.

"The first line of defense against bacteria is the careful and frequent washing of the hands, especially after going to the bathroom and before preparing and eating food."

Dr. Kelly said that nearly 50 people across the country had already discovered CPE this year.

"It's rare, but unfortunately, it's increasing, it's coming from overseas, it's gone overseas, and we're seeing cases in New Zealand, but almost all of those in New Zealand have caused by people who have traveled abroad. "

The increase in the number of trips, globalization and antibiotic resistance rates in the world have been one of the reasons for the progression of these insects.

There have been very few new classes of antibiotics in the last 20 years and, unless this situation changes, New Zealand will encounter more bacteria that can not be treated effectively, has it? he declares.

"If we can use antibiotics wisely and responsibly, it will not only reduce the development of these insects, but also their spread."