The gene was first isolated in China in late 2015, followed by cases in Denmark, Canada and eventually the U.S. The latest case in Brazil was identified in a 60-year-old patient with diabetes. The patient tested positive for a type of E. coli carrying the mcr-1 gene. After going through multiple courses of antibiotic treatment for a foot infection, which did not improve, the patient’s foot was amputated, according to the paper.
The researchers used whole genome analysis to determine that cell structures within the the resistant E. coli are surprisingly similar to those found in other bacteria that have been found to carry mcr-1. This strongly suggests the parts of infectious bacteria that are able to self-replicate may be contributing to the spread of the resistant gene, the authors concluded.
More articles on antibiotic resistance:
4 thoughts on antibiotic resistance from expert Dr. Barbara Murray
HHS forms international partnership to develop new antibiotics: 10 things to know
CDC to provide $67 million to health departments for fight against antibiotic resistance
