E. Coli strain resistant to antibiotics

SHENZHEN, China, June 4 (UPI) -- The strain of E. Coli bacteria that has killed at least 18 people in Europe is resistant to eight classes of antibiotics, Chinese scientists said Saturday.

Scientists at the Beijing Genomics Institute said they have sequenced the genome of the strain, Xinhua, the official government news agency, reported. They reported the bacterium possesses genes giving it resistance to sulfonamide, cephalothin, penicillin, streptomycin and other antibiotics.

The work was done this week after collaborating scientists in Germany supplied the lab, the largest DNA sequencing center in the world, with samples of the strain. On Thursday, scientists at the Shenzhen lab described the strain as highly toxic and infectious.

At least 2,000 people in Europe have been sickened in one of the largest E. Coli outbreaks ever. The outbreak is centered in Northern Germany, although cases have been reported in 11 countries.

The source of the infection is still unclear. Suspicion about European produce has hurt sales of fruit and vegetables.