SIX cases of a superbug described as, 'almost untreatable' by experts were identified at a Glasgow hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed one patient treated at the Spinal Injuries Unit, based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, was infected with CPE Klebsiella.

The other cases had been in contact with the first patient but did not require treatment.

However, the health board is carrying out screening of patients who may have been in contact with the infected case.

CPE is carried harmlessly in the gut, but may kill if it enters the bloodstream through a wound of a patient who is already sick or frail.

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The bug is more common in patients who have been treated in hospitals overseas. Figures show about 40-50% of patients with a CPE bloodstream infection die.

The health board said the first case, which was identified in June, had not had any healthcare abroad but subsequent screening of other patients who were deemed contacts of the first case identified a patient who had been in treated overseas.

NHSGGC said the screening of other patients who were discharged to other health board areas was 'ongoing.'

A statement said: "A patient in the Spinal Unit building on the QEUH campus tested positive for a Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and was treated with antibiotics.

"No further cases have been identified in the unit since control measures were put in place.

"Contact screening remains ongoing at other hospitals who have received spinal patients."