Pandemic fears: Irish scientists discover gene that makes superbugs antibiotic resistant

Irish experts have said the discovery of a gene that makes bacteria resistant to the last line in antibiotic defences is worrying.

Researchers in China have identified a gene which makes infectious bacteria, such as E-coli, highly resistant to polymyxins — the last group of antibiotics left after all others have failed.

The discovery suggests the gene can easily be transferred to bacteria with the potential to cause epidemics.