This is the sixth time an E. coli isolate with the mcr-1 gene has been identified in the U.S. Its first U.S. appearance was in Pennsylvania in April 2016.
Los Angeles public health officials believe the E. coli infection was acquired during international travel, and they do not believe it has spread in the healthcare environment.
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“The appearance of mcr-1 in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the importance of infection control measures and antibiotic stewardship,” the LA County health alert says.
The health alert urges hospital-based healthcare providers to follow Standard and Contact Precautions for patients with suspected or confirmed colonization or infection with bacteria that are mcr-1 positive.
More articles on antibiotic resistance:
E. coli can develop antibiotic resistance in just days, researchers find
Hospira recalls antibiotic used to treat MRSA
Antibiotics primary driver for rise in C diff infections, study finds
