Resistant E-coli cases 'could rise'

They compared the situation with the recent growth in cases of community-acquired MRSA (C-MRSA), where healthy people become infected with the superbug without having been in hospital.

The authors of the new study, reported in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, called for extra funding to track the worldwide spread of resistant forms of E.coli in hospitals and the community.

They uncovered a number of surveys since 2000, from countries including the UK, showing a trend of E.coli developing resistance to antibodies.

The authors, from the University of Calgary in Canada, said: "These bacteria have become widely prevalent in the community setting in certain areas of the world and they are most likely being imported into the hospital setting."

Escherichia coli, or E.coli, is a very common bacteria found in the human gut which is normally harmless. But some strains - including the potentially lethal E.coli O157 associated with several food poisoning scandals - can cause diseases in humans.

The Canadian researchers looked at an antibiotic resistant strain of E.coli that produces extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). ESBLs are enzymes that can be produced by bacteria making them resistant to the most widely-used antibiotics in many hospitals.

The Health Protection Agency said: "The HPA has been investigating the emergence of this organism (E.coli) as a cause of human infections for a number of years.

"Since 2003 the agency has been working closely with NHS hospital microbiologists to ensure they are aware of these infections and are able to advise and provide information to their local GPs and hospitals about the diagnosis and treatment.

"The agency has also issued advice directly to GPs via its website and leaflets. It continues to review the activity of new antibiotics against bacteria with these particular enzymes. Like MRSA this isn't something we can eradicate completely, but we can offer advice and guidance to try and raise awareness and minimise the problem."