New Super Bacteria Spread in Hospitals

`Ultra Super` bacteria with unique enzyme, which are immune to any existing antibiotics are spreading rapidly throughout the nation`s hospitals.

There is no effective cure for these bacteria. The medical world is on full alert because if a patient contracts these bacteria, it might lead to death due to Sepsis or blood poisoning.

On 16th July, a special finding was announced by research team of professor Lee Gyung-won, MD of Laboratory Medicine Department of Medical College, Yonsei University.

Between 2000 ~ 2001, the research team has obtained body waste samples from 7,275 patients from nation`s 28 general hospitals. After clinical examination of these samples, they`ve discovered new Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Asineto bacteria from 654 people. These bacteria are immune to Carpapenem, a most powerful antibiotic in existence. From 82 peoples` samples they`ve found a unique enzyme, which neutralizes the effect substances of the antibiotic.

"From 60% of the research subject 17 hospitals, we`ve found a methylo beta lactama type enzyme called `VIM-2`. This enzyme breaks down and destroys antibiotic substances. With presence of this enzyme it would be more difficult to cure even without the immunity to Carpapenem," explained professor Lee.

"This enzyme is especially dangerous because it invade other bacteria and converts them into immune bacteria" added Lee.

The existence of bacteria with antibiotic immune VIM-2 enzymes was first reported in France in 2000. This is the first time it was reported in Asia.

In 1999, there was other report of another type of bacteria called Yellow Staphylococcus (VRSA, a.k.a. `Super Bacteria`). These bacteria were immune to Vancomycin, a latest antibiotic of that time. Currently, there are cures for those bacteria but for the latest discovered bacteria there are none.

Lee`s research team has announced these latest research findings in academic journals of U.S. and Britain, namely `Antibiotics and Chemical Treatment` and two others.

Jin-Han Lee likeday@donga.com