Australian researchers to develop drugs for new superbug

Australian researchers revealed on Wednesday they are rushing to develop drugs to fight off a new superbug that is killing people overseas.

Professor David Paterson, who works for Queensland Health and the University of Queensland, has won a state government grant to aid the development of the new drugs.

He noted there is no sign yet of the new superbug in Australian hospitals, but there is a risk it could be brought here by travelers.

"In some parts of Asia, Israel, Greece, Brazil and even New York City there are patients dying from infections resistant to every antibiotic commercially available," Paterson told reporters.

"So far we haven't had that in Australia but obviously we are frightened there's a potential we could have these super resistant bugs come to Australia.

"The superbug is virtually at our doorsteps in cities that many Australians frequent," he said.

Paterson's research will concentrate on developing new antibiotics to kill the superbugs, which have evolved from the Acinetobacter pathogenic bacteria.

Source: Xinhua