MCR-1
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MCR-1 (Mobilized Colistin Resistance) is a gene that confers resistance to the antibiotic colistin. Colistin is considered a last-resort antibiotic for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The discovery of MCR-1 has raised significant concerns in the medical community due to its potential to spread colistin resistance among various bacterial species.
Discovery[edit | edit source]
MCR-1 was first identified in 2015 in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from pigs, raw pork meat, and a small number of human patients in China. The gene is located on a plasmid, which is a mobile piece of DNA that can be easily transferred between different bacteria, facilitating the spread of resistance.
Mechanism of Resistance[edit | edit source]
The MCR-1 gene encodes a phosphoethanolamine transferase enzyme that modifies the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharides in the bacterial outer membrane. This modification reduces the binding affinity of colistin to the bacterial cell membrane, rendering the antibiotic ineffective.
Public Health Impact[edit | edit source]
The spread of MCR-1 is a significant public health concern because it compromises the effectiveness of colistin, which is often used as a last-line treatment for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and other multidrug-resistant organisms. The presence of MCR-1 in bacteria from both animals and humans suggests that the use of colistin in agriculture may contribute to the dissemination of this resistance gene.
Surveillance and Control[edit | edit source]
Efforts to monitor and control the spread of MCR-1 include:
- Enhanced surveillance of antibiotic resistance in both clinical and agricultural settings.
- Restricting the use of colistin in livestock to reduce selective pressure.
- Developing new antibiotics and alternative therapies to treat infections caused by MCR-1 carrying bacteria.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
