Ireland has highest rate of life-threatening superbug
Consultant microbiologist at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dr Robert Cunney, said there were 152 cases of VRE bloodstream infections reported in Ireland last year – a 47% increase over a five-year period.
Dr Cunney said while the number of VRE cases was small compared to other antibiotic-resistant infections, such as escherichia coli (E Coli) or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Ireland now had the highest rate of VRE in Europe.
There was also concern about the emergence of carbapenem-resistance enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
The first such case in Ireland was reported last year and there have been three more since then.
Dr Cunney pointed out that antibiotic use in hospital in Ireland was high compared to most European countries.
Almost 40% of patients were found to be on antibiotics in a survey of 28 hospitals this year.
The doctor was speaking at the launch in Dublin yesterday of European Antibiotic Awareness Day at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
