In just two months, scientists in 19 countries have detected the presence of the MCR-1 gene that can make bacteria resistant to the antibiotic colistin, given to patients when other antimicrobials are ineffective, reports Bloomberg. The gene, along with colistin-resistant bacteria, was first identified by researchers in China, who published their finding in mid-November. An environmental group, the Natural Resources Defense Council, says that since then, the MCR-1 gene has been found in bacteria from farm animals, retail meat and people. Bloomberg says in many cases, researchers are finding the gene is samples taken months or even years ago. “The gene hasn’t been identified in samples from the U.S. yet.”
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, drug companies called for more investment in new antibiotics, said Bloomberg. The NRDC says discovery of the MCR-1 gene also is a warning to use antibiotics more carefully as a way to prevent bacteria from developing resistance. Livestock account for the bulk of antibiotic use in the United States. The FDA is in the final year of a three-year phase-out of the use of medically important antibiotics in cattle, hogs and poultry to promote weight gain.