Resistant bacteria can remain in the body for years

(Image: Pixabay CC0) Fighting disease-causing bacteria becomes more difficult when antibiotics stop working. People with pre-existing conditions in particular can carry resistant germs and suffer from repeated infections for years, according to a study by the University and University Hospital of Basel. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis: diseases like these can become fatal without antibiotics. Some bacteria have developed the ability to break down beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins, making them ineffective. Once a patient's body has been colonized by these resistant bacteria, they can persist for a long time, reports Professor Sarah Tschudin Sutter's research group in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The team at the Department of Clinical Research of the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel analyzed multiple samples taken from over 70 individuals over a period of ten years. The researchers looked at a much longer period of time than previous studies and focused on older people with pre-existing conditions.