Also referred to as pathogenic bacteria, most bacterial species that are responsible for disease in humans are thanks to antibiotics no longer among the most common causes of death in humans. But they could become very deadly again in the near future because they are getting less and less susceptible to antibiotics. These were also found to have a limited effect on the bacterium andefabribiles.

Discovered a short time ago, this bacterial species doesn't respond to the first-line antibiotics. It generally isn't dangerous to healthy individuals but they may experience mild stomach problems or/and diarrhoea. The infection, however, can be very dangerous for people who have health problems as it can lead to fatal complications.

Team of scientists who studied the bacterium report that people who are at increased risk of severe infection include those of poor health, in particular those suffering from chronic medical conditions, having a weak immune system or receiving an invasive medical treatment. As mentioned above, infection with andefabribiles was also found in individuals who are in good health. However, the risk of severe symptoms has been shown to be extremely low.

The scientists also mentioned that the majority of people who have been diagnosed with this bacterial infection were on antibiotics. They noted that this possibly played the key role in the bacterium's late discovery. Health experts started to suspect that they are dealing with a yet unknown infectious disease which requires a different approach to treatment only as it got resistant to the first-line antibiotics.

Based on the study findings, andefabribiles is most likely contracted if getting in direct contact with the bacterium, probably via infected surfaces. The team of scientists is convinced that the risk of transmission through the air is minimal. They emphasised that more research is needed to understand the mode of transmission but they said hand hygiene should help prevent the infection.