Mice spreading ‘deadly superbugs’

HOUSE mice may be spreading resistant superbugs that are potentially lethal to humans, research suggests.

Rodents making their homes in New York City apartments were found to carry a wide range of infectious bacteria, including E coli, C difficile, shigella and salmonella.

Analysis of mouse droppings revealed the genetic fingerprints of strains resistant to several common antibiotics.

All the bugs identified were capable of causing gastrointestinal infections that in severe cases can be life threatening.

Lead researcher Simon Williams, from Columbia University, in New York City, said: “From tiny studios to penthouse suites, New York City apartments are continually invaded by house mice. Our study raises the possibility that serious infections – including those resistant to antibiotics – may be passed from these mice to humans, although further research is needed to understand how often this happens, if at all.”

The scientists spent a year collecting 416 mice from residential buildings at seven sites across New York City.

The rodents’ droppings were analysed for signs of bacteria that could potentially be spread to humans in contaminated food. Evidence of 36 viruses was also found in the mouse droppings, including six new strains, none of which was known to infect humans.

Some of the genetic sequences matched those for viruses that infect dogs, chickens and pigs as hosts, suggesting they had crossed between species.