A team of researchers from Penn State University has discovered that a deadly superbug commonly found in cattle is spreading to humans and becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Salmonella Dublin, which typically causes severe illness or death among cows, can also result in serious blood infections among people, especially those in close contact with farm animals.
The study found that the bacteria were present in cows, people, and food surfaces, and were incredibly similar, with 72% of the strains differing by only a few DNA changes. The researchers warn that if treatments become less effective, human infections could become more dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, or those with weak immune systems.
The increasing antibiotic resistance means that infections may become harder to treat, potentially leading to longer illnesses or more severe symptoms for people and animals. The US, being a major beef and dairy-producing country, is at an even greater risk of this superbug turning into a widespread health emergency.
To control the spread of Salmonella Dublin, researchers emphasize the need for a ‘One Health’ approach, combining efforts in human, animal, and environmental health to reduce antibiotic use in livestock. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.2 million illnesses every year in the US, with 78% of Salmonella Dublin infections requiring hospitalization and 4.2% resulting in death.
The FDA treats Salmonella outbreaks as high-risk health emergencies, often issuing urgent recalls to prevent their spread. The recent outbreak at Central Valley Meat Company in California highlights the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Dublin, which can cause severe illness or death among people.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15026091/deadly-cattle-borne-superbug-spreading-humans.html