Scientists say they have discovered a new gene among bacteria that are highly resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics. Experts say the superbug, originally found in India and other parts of South Asia, is showing up in patients in Europe and the United States and is at the root of life-threatening pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
Scientists warn the superbug has already been identified in patients from Britain, The United States, Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands. All of these patients had traveled to India for more affordable medical care.
The discovery was made in a new gene, called New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase or NDM-1. NDM-1 is carried in bacteria that are resistant to almost all existing antibioti
