Virulent Strain Of Superbug Linked To Patients' Deaths

Elderly, vulnerable patients have been dying in local hospitals because of an acquired infection – with a new, even more virulent strain now been identified.

Sixteen deaths in hospitals in the Northern Trust area in recent months have been linked to an outbreak of the superbug Clostridium difficile's new strain.

The death certificates of 10 elderly patients who died in Antrim Area Hospital in the last six months cite C. difficile as a contributory factor.

In the last three months, five deaths in Whiteabbey and one in Braid Valley Hospital have also been linked to the bug.

The bacterium, C. difficle is recognised as being largely a hospital-acquired infection. It causes diarrhoea and can even rupture the bowel.

Now, an even worse, more virulent strain called ribotype 027 has been identified by the Northern Trust, which it says is directly linked to the 16 deaths.

It is believed to be the first time this strain has emerged in Northern Ireland.

Thirteen patients who have also contracted the bug in the Northern Trust area are being treated, with a special ward being set aside at Antrim hospital to dealt with the outbreak.

(BMcC)