Researchers led by Georgetown University Medical Center have uncovered "widespread" levels of resistance to critical antibiotics, carbapenems and polymyxins, in 11 out of eight Southeast Asian countries. In a study published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, the researchers said a "serious public health threat" was emerging, as carbapenem and polymyxin-resistant strains of E. coli and Klebsiella have become more prevalent in recent years, citing the use of antibiotics in Asia's food animal production as one of the reasons.
Researchers led by Georgetown University Medical Center have uncovered "widespread" levels of resistance to critical antibiotics, carbapenems and polymyxins, in eight out of 11 Southeast Asian countries. In a study published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, the researchers said a "serious public health threat" was emerging, as carbapenem and polymyxin-resistant strains of E. coli and Klebsiella have become more prevalent in recent years, citing the use of antibiotics in Asia's food animal production as one of the reasons.