Data from E.coli blood poisoning, which has doubled in the last ten years to over 17,000 cases annually, shows antibiotic resistance increased from 2 percent to 6 percent of cases from 2001-2004, giving the government cause for concern.
The Health Protection Agency says this latest outbreak was caused by a strain known as ESBL-producing E.coli. The agency says urinary tract infections also need to be monitored and is calling for more research on how the infection is spread.
There is evidence the ESBL-producing E.coli can be carried in the stomach, making food a potential source.
Dr. Georgia Duckworth of the HPA's Centre for Infections, says most of the infections struck elderly who were already sick with other medical conditions.
