Antibiotic-Resistant ‘Superbug’ Found in New Delhi Water, Study Says

Bacteria carrying a so-called “superbug” gene that promotes resistance to antibiotics have been found in drinking water supplies, sewer seepage, and puddles where children play in New Delhi, according to a report published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases. Researchers from Cardiff University in Britain found the NDM-1 gene in two of 51 samples collected from tap water and in 51 of 171 samples collected from sewer seepage. The researchers, who were the first to identify the gene, which had been found inside Indian hospitals, say they have now found strains in 11 different types of bacteria, including those that cause cholera and dysentery. In addition to public water supplies, the bacteria was found in heavily populated areas where children play, said Tim Walsh, a professor at Cardiff University and leader of the research team. “The spread of resistance to cholera and to a potential-untreatable strain of dysentery is a cause of great concern,” he said. It is the first time bacteria with NDM-1 have been detected in the environment. Indian officials criticized the study, calling it unscientific and an attempt to target the country’s medial tourism industry.