KEY POINTS:
A new superbug is on the rise in New Zealand, and nowhere more than in Hawke's Bay.
A report from Environmental Science and Research shows Hawke's Bay has the highest prevalence of ESBL (Extended- spectrum B-lacatamases) bacteria, new strains which cause urinary infections and are resistant to multiple antibiotics.
ESBL is produced by two bowel bacteria - Klebsiella and E.Coli.
In 2000 no Klebsiella in New Zealand was found to be causing ESBL, but in 2006 4.2 percent of Klebsiella was ESBL-causing.
In Hawke's Bay the rate was seven times higher than anywhere else with 40 percent of Klebsiella now causing ESBL, a figure the National Party's associate health spokeswoman Jackie Blue said was staggering.
The main cities, Wellington, Auckland and Canterbury had rates of 5.7 percent, 5.3 percent and 2.1 percent respectively.
"There's something going on in Hawke's Bay. It stands out like a sore thumb." Dr Blue said.
"There needs to be an urgent investigation and I mean urgent with a capital u."
ESBL-causing E.Coli was also highest in Hawke's Bay (3.2 percent).
Dr Blue says that while the cost and potential impact of ESBL on hospitals of would be considerable, of greater concern was that antibiotic options would eventually run out.
"Urinary infections normally respond to oral antibiotics, however with the new strains people may need hospitalisation and access to IV antibiotics."
Dr Blue said guidelines needed to be urgently developed to prevent cross infection, monitoring and treatment.
"These new superbug strains are already established internationally.
"Fatal outbreaks of the easily spread bug have been recorded in England, the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.
"While New Zealand has lagged behind because of its relative isolation, these new superbugs are here," Dr Blue said.
"We don't have the luxury of being complacent."
Hawke's Bay District Health Board was unable to comment this morning.
