An NUI Galway study has confirmed that spiders can transmit harmful antibiotic bacteria through bites.
A team of zoologists and microbiologists from the university have published their findings in the international journal Scientific Reports.
The research confirms a theory which has been debated among spider and healthcare specialists for many years, and explains a range of symptoms experienced by victims bitten by the invasive noble false widow spider in Ireland over the past decade.
The study shows that not only do spiders carry harmful bacteria, but those germs can be transmitted when a spider uses its fangs to bite.
Meanwhile, the presence of this antimicrobial resistance bacteria can make treating spider bites more difficult.
Co-lead author of the study and PhD student at NUIG's School of Natural Sciences Neyaz Kahn says the findings are particularly significant for healthcare professionals - to hear more, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour...
