It has been reported that researchers in Hong Kong have identified an identical gene in both humans and animals for antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Pak-Leung and colleagues at the Carol Yu Centre for Infection at the University of Hong Kong examined Escherichia coli bacteria, responsible for human urinary tract infections, in samples from both humans and food-producing animals.

The reports further said that the researchers found the identical gene in similar proportions and location and say this suggests the likelihood of gene transfer between bacteria residing in different hosts.

Published in Journal of Medical Microbiology, the study identified the gene resistant to the antibiotic gentamicin, called aacC2, in approximately 80 percent of human and animal samples. Moreover, in addition to the identical gene sequences, the gene was found on sections of DNA known to swap between different bacterial populations.

Ho said in a statement, "Health authorities need to closely monitor the transmission of resistance between food-producing animals and humans and assess how such transfers are affecting the effectiveness of human use of antibiotics. With the international trading of meats and food animals, antibiotic resistance in one geographic area can easily become global." (With inputs from Agencies)