The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday it found the bacteria, discovered from the bodies of the three of the four dead newborns at Ewha Womans University Medical Center, had identical sequences of DNA bases that had a resistance to antibiotics.

Earlier on Monday, the KCDC detected the anti-biotic resistant strain of Citrobacter freundii from blood cultures of the babies, taken before their deaths at the intensive care unit on Saturday.

To confirm the identity of anti-biotic genes, the KCDC analyzed the bacteria’s sequences of the DNA bases. The authorities finally confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the bacteria from the three bodies had the identical sequences in DNA bases.

Now, the KCDC is working to find the exact infection source and transmission routes.

The detected bacteria were resistant to extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-related antibiotics.

Representative beta lactam antibiotics include penicillin group, cephalosporin group, and cefotaxime. To treat the infection of Citrobacter freundii, physicians should carefully choose the right kind of antibiotics.

“We set up a cooperative body with the National Forensic Service to find out the cause of the infection and the death, actively cooperating in investigations and tests,” the KCDC said. “We will also make efforts to prevent an infection for the rest of the ICU’s babies, who went home or moved to another hospital.”

Copyright © KBR Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited