Scientists say antibiotic-resistant salmonella strain may spread worldwide

"Scientists have identified an emerging 'superbug' strain of salmonella that is highly resistant to the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin, or Cipro, often used for severe salmonella infections, and say they fear it may spread around the world," according to a study published online Tuesday in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, Reuters reports (Kelland, 8/3).

The salmonella strain, called S. Kentucky, has been identified in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, according to the researchers, who said the study "highlights the importance of public health surveillance in a global food system," Xinhua notes (8/3).