Bacteria that are resistant to drugs are a growing problem worldwide. These so-called “superbugs” can cause serious infections, and are difficult to treat. Now, new research suggests that drug resistant bacteria can travel from the gut to the lungs, increasing the risk of infection.
The study, published in the journal Science, found that drug resistant bacteria can hitch a ride on tiny particles of food and water, and be breathed in by people. Once in the lungs, the bacteria can cause infections.
The findings suggest that drug resistant bacteria are more widespread than previously thought, and that people are at increased risk of infection.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, who analyzed data from a large, international study of drug resistant bacteria. They found that drug resistant bacteria are present in the gut of many people, and that these bacteria can be transferred to the lungs.
The findings highlight the need for better hygiene and more vigorous cleaning of public places, such as hospitals, to prevent the spread of drug resistant bacteria.
According to a new study published in the journal Cell, researchers have found the first evidence that drug resistant bacteria can travel from the gut to the lungs, increasing infection risks.
The study was undertaken by a team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and the University of Colorado Boulder.
According to the study, when mice were given a course of antibiotics, the levels of certain drug resistant bacteria in their guts increased. These bacteria then went on to colonize the lungs of the mice, and caused more lung infections when the mice were exposed to a viral infection.
The findings suggest that antibiotic use in humans could lead to an increased risk of developing drug resistant lung infections.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Robert Schiestl, said that the findings “have important implications for human health.”
“Our study provides the first evidence that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can travel from the gut to the lungs, where they can cause serious infections,” said Dr. Schiestl.
He added that the findings “raise the possibility that the overuse of antibiotics in humans may contribute to the development of drug-resistant lung infections.”
The study’s lead author, Dr. Joshua Mueller, said that the findings “support the need for more judicious use of antibiotics.”
“These results suggest that the overuse of antibiotics may promote the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and increase the risk of lung infections,” said Dr. Mueller.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
