UNE microbiologist interviewed about superbug found in Pennsylvania
University of New England Associate Professor Meghan May, Ph.D., shared her expertise in microbiology and infectious disease after a woman in Pennsylvania was diagnosed with an infection caused by a drug-resistant form of E. coli.
Both WGME and WCSH interviewed May about the diagnosis. The strain of bacteria is resistant to Colistin, which is an antibiotic used by physicians as a last resort to treat infections when other drugs fail. May explained that while reports indicate that this patient will recover through use of unconventional treatment methods, it is critical that we deploy a global strategy to regulating the use of antibiotics. She also emphasized that this case indicates that the surveillance system for these types of infections is working, and consumers should not hesitate to take antibiotics when needed to cure an infection.