Salmonella Dublin, common in cattle, has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and is spreading to humans via contaminated beef, milk, cheese, or direct contact with infected cows. Comparison of 2,150 Salmonella Dublin strains from cattle (581), humans (664), and the environment (905) found high genetic similarity across sources, facilitating cross-species spread. Cattle strains show the highest levels of antibiotic resistance, notably to tetracycline and cephalosporins, reducing treatment effectiveness. Rising resistance could lead to longer, more severe illnesses and increased fatality risk in vulnerable groups. Whole-genome sequences from the NCBI Pathogen Isolate Browser and the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System enabled detailed gene-level comparisons.
A dangerous superbug commonly found in cattle can jump to humans, and researchers warn that infections may soon become untreatable. A team from Penn State University discovered that Salmonella Dublin has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and is spreading to humans through contaminated beef, milk, or cheese, or through direct contact with infected cows. Researchers studied 2,150 Salmonella Dublin strains from cattle, humans, and the environment and found they were all genetically similar, making it easier for the bacteria to spread across species.
This bacterium typically causes severe illness or death among cows, but it can also result in serious blood infections among people, especially those in close contact with farm animals. In severe cases, Salmonella Dublin can kill people. Making matters worse, the new study revealed that cattle strains have the highest levels of antibiotic resistance, particularly to drugs meant for treating infections, such as tetracycline and cephalosporins.
The increasing antibiotic resistance means that infections may become harder to treat, potentially leading to longer illnesses or more severe symptoms for people and animals. If treatments become less effective, human infections could become more dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, or those with weak immune systems. Study authors added that the US, being a major beef and dairy-producing country, is at an even greater risk of this superbug turning into a widespread health emergency.
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