E.coli superbug just one gene away from becoming untreatable

Researchers have suggested that a superbug that causes bladder and blood infections could evolve and become untreatable.

Queensland researchers have discovered an E. coli strain was just one gene away from becoming resistant to almost all drugs, News.com.au reported.

The bacteria had evolved and spread rapidly worldwide over the past five years.

Study co-author Dr Nouri Ben Zakour said the spread of the multi-drug resistant ST131 strain may lead to a spike in urinary tract and blood infections.

The study has been published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.