Swedish scientists have discovered and classified a hitherto unknown species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the same family as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The history of the discovery of the bacteria is described in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.
The microorganisms were found in an infected wound of an adult patient at Kungelv Hospital north of Gothenburg back in 2014, but only now have researchers been able to characterize and classify new species. In their work, they used next-generation genomic DNA sequencing. It turned out that the microorganisms belong to a completely new genus of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. However, accurate identification of species requires further comprehensive research and analysis.
“This is a prime example of how important it is to be able to identify the immediate causes of an infection. If the bacteria are accurately identified, doctors can prescribe specific antibiotics rather than relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics,”- Francisco Salva Serra, study co-author.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics help develop antibiotic resistance in bacteria, including those causing the disease, Serra said. As a result, this leads to a decrease in the potential for treating infectious diseases.
