A superbug evolves

In September, doctors in New York reported discovering the first germ that is resistant to all drugs approved to treat childhood ear infections. The superbug is a strain of streptococcus (strep) bacteria, called 19A, not included in the pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar. The vaccine was introduced in 2000 to protect against bacteria that cause pneumonia, meningitis and deadly bloodstream infections.

Nine toddlers in Rochester, NY caught the bug caused by 19A bacteria. They developed ear infections that did not respond to two or more antibiotics, including high-dose amoxicillin and multiple shots of another drug. Many children required surgery with ear tubes to drain the excess fluid. Some recovered only after treatment with a newer, powerful antibiotic whose safety in children has not been established, according to news reports.

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