Global travelers pick up numerous genes that promote microbial resistance
Dutch researchers worked with microbiologists from Washington Univ. in St. Louis to prove that antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes can spread by hiding in human gastrointestinal tracts of foreign travelers.
Using metagenomic sequencing they were able to appreciate the acquisition of these genes using 190 Dutch travelers who had recently traveled abroad. Using pre- and post-travel fecal sampling, they were able to identify 56 unique AMR genes upon return. Among those identified were mobile genetic element-associated AMR genes including qnr fluoroquinolone resistance genes, blaCTX-M family extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and the plasmid-borne mcr-1 colistin resistance gene. This final gene mcr-1 is of particular concern to the CDC. The mcr-1 genes protect bacteria from colistin. This last-resort treatment for infections by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria may cause future outbreaks. If colistin resistance spreads to bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics, those bacteria could cause truly untreatable infections.
Please read the complete study here.
