Gene that makes superbugs found in Canada

Contributed by Siddarth D & Dr. Tamhankar

The MCR-1 gene that makes E. coli and some other species of bacteria resistant to colistin, an antibiotic considered the drug of last resort for infectious diseases has been found by scientists in samples in Canada. Moreover, the MCR-1 gene was found on a free-floating  bit of DNA: the plasmid allowing it to be transferred easily to other micro-organisms.

Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory had launched a nation-wide campaign to test samples for the presence of antimicrobial resistance. The three cases in Canada were reported in Canadian woman returning from Egypt and two from beef samples in Ottawa. This adds to the confirmed cases of the presence of the MCR-1 gene which was first reported in China and shared in this blog. Since then, scientists in other countries, including Britain, Denmark and Laos, have had similar findings.

This finding has reiterated the need to address the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance at the global level with better stewardship and appropriate use.