Antibiotic resistant superbug

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Scientists have discovered a new superbug gene that is resistant to the powerful antibiotic, colistin a drug often used as a last resort. Experts say the superbug is no match for today’s modern medicine. 3 cases of the gene, known as MCR-1 were discovered in Ontario. The science community is calling for better regulation of antibiotics.

A study published in the British Medical Journal “The Lancet” says the superbug can easily spread from one strain of bacteria to another. MCR-1 produces an enzyme that makes bacteria resistant to colistin, a highly toxic antibiotic only used when all other drugs have failed.

“As bacteria became more and more resistant to the lesser antibiotics, infectious disease specialists pulled colistin back off the shelve and started using it to treat infections we otherwise wouldn’t be able to treat.” Says Dr. Gerry Wright from McMaster University.

MCR1 was first reported in November by scientists in China. Since then at least a dozen other countries have found traces of the drug resistant gene, including Canada.

An investigation by Health Canada discovered the superbug gene in three different samples of e-coli. One of the samples belonged to a 62-year-old patient in Ottawa and the other two were found in ground beef sold in Ontario.

While colistin is not used in Canada because of its toxicity, the antibiotic is used heavily in China, predominately to help grow livestock. More than 20% of slaughterhouse pigs in China tested positive for the MCR-1 gene. Antiobiotics like colistin are used heavily in livestock farming in that area.

While there are no reported deaths connected to MCR-1, Dr. Gerry Wright says there needs to be more regulation on antibiotic use on humans and on livestock.