LEICESTER, England, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- One of Britain's top hospital organizations says a "hypervirulent" infection has killed at least 49 patients in nine months.

The Sunday Observer reported that Britain's "superbug," Clostridium difficile, is spreading due to unsanitary wards and a shortage of beds. The infection, which causes severe illness and sometimes death in patients who have undergone surgery, has reportedly turned into a more virulent strain as a result of antibiotics used to fight other infections.

Also, the Observer reported that the bacterium has become more deadly as it has genetically mutated, making it even more resistant to treatments.

Saturday, three hospitals in Leicester admitted that the bug is likely to have claimed the lives of 28 patients and contributed to another 21 since the beginning of 2006.

After finding unsanitary conditions at some area facilities, hospital officials in Leicester have suggested steam cleaning of wards and isolation of infection patients.