A new “superbug” is being called a killer. Medically resistant bacteria are spreading across the country, and that includes the Mid-South.

The “superbug” is generally spread by person-to-person contact. It attacks the immune system, producing pneumonia-like symptoms. In many cases- it produces death.

Dr. Bryan Simmons, head of infection control for Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare said, “We have seen in Memphis, a bacterium, a type of germ that is resistant to all antibiotics we have, except for an antibiotic that’s currently not available on the market. So, basically it is untreatable.”

“CRKP” has infected hundreds in California, where the numbers show that 40 percent of all infected die within a month.

“It’s just now hitting this area and it hasn’t really spread yet. But, my fear is that it will spread into populations such as oncology patients that are severely immuno-compromised; or transplant patients or nursing homes.”

While lab workers research potential anomalies in the blood of local patients, all acknowledge that traditional medications like cipro, and penicillin don’t work against the “superbugs.”

“We have not developed antibiotics that have kept up with resistance and nothing is in the pipeline,” said Simmons.

The “superbugs” can now be found in 35 states, including Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.

“When you look at the map that the Center for Disease Control has generated,” said Simmons, “it shows that it is extensively spread throughout the country.”

It has not reached epidemic status yet, but it is present and spreading.

http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/klebsiella/klebsiella.html
http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story/New-Drug-Resistant-Superbug-Causing-Concern-in/M9w-sBNJPkeKVQOlDnJWJA.cspx?rss=59
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRKP