Intestinal bacteria are accused of spreading resistance to antibiotics

As Xinhua notes, scientists from the University of Arizona and the Norwegian University of Sciences have studied bacteria that live in the intestine of honey bees. The scientists have found that genes for an antibiotic resistance were spread in the bacteria community so that all bacteria without exceptions became resistant.

According to the researchers, the bacterial composition of the intestine of bees and humans has some similarities. Some bacteria in bees and humans are in symbiosis with the hosts. Bacteria studied by the experts are important for the health of bees. Apparently, due to this fact, the antibiotic resistance genes spread this way.

In their study, the scientists have focused on bacteria that are resistant to tetracycline. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is prescribed for pneumonia, bronchitis, endocarditis, angina, scarlet fever and other diseases. It is also used in the food industry.

Source: Xinhua.