How is Imported Seafood Contributing to Colistin Resistance?
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Synopsis
A new study reveals how imported seafood is a pathway for colistin resistance genes, posing risks to public health. This research underscores the need for better screening of imported food to combat rising antibiotic resistance. The implications are significant, as colistin is a last-resort antibiotic for severe infections.
Key Takeaways
- Colistin resistance genes are found in seafood.
- Imported seafood constitutes 90% of U.S. shrimp consumption.
- Standard screening fails to detect all antimicrobial resistance genes.
- Plasmids can transfer resistance between bacteria.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health threat.
New York, June 22 (NationPress) A group of researchers from the United States has recently uncovered a concerning method by which genes responsible for colistin resistance—an essential last-resort antibiotic—are disseminating through imported seafood.
Colistin is primarily reserved for treating severe bacterial infections in humans that have become resistant to other antibiotics, although it is not an infallible solution.
Globally, the increase in colistin resistance is alarming, further restricting treatment options and elevating risks for those infected.
Researchers from the University of Georgia have pinpointed a pathway for the transmission of colistin resistance genes.
In their latest study, microbiologist Issmat Kassem and his team successfully isolated colistin-resistance genes from bacteria in imported shrimp and scallops sourced from eight food markets around Atlanta.
“Many consumers are unaware that a significant portion of the seafood eaten in the U.S. is imported,” Kassem stated, noting that about 90 percent of shrimp are sourced from abroad.
Imported seafood undergoes screening for various contaminants; however, this process often fails to detect all threats, particularly antimicrobial resistance genes. “The bacteria carrying colistin resistance genes are typically not included in standard screenings,” he added.
Kassem's team also discovered that some of the resistance genes were located on plasmids—circular pieces of genetic material capable of transferring between bacteria.
The global toll of antimicrobial resistant infections is staggering, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives yearly, and this poses an escalating public health crisis.
Colistin was first introduced in the 1950s to combat infections caused by pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, but it has significant side effects, including heightened risks of nerve and kidney damage.
Although it was withdrawn in the U.S. during the 1980s, other nations continued to use colistin in agricultural contexts, both for treating infections and enhancing livestock growth.
Ultimately, colistin was reintroduced for human use due to the limited options available for treating certain bacterial infections. The World Health Organization classifies colistin as a critically important antibiotic, essential for treating severe human infections.
Researchers caution that while they have identified one source of colistin resistance, there may be additional pathways, and these are likely proliferating.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the urgent need for enhanced screening protocols for imported seafood. Given the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, understanding how these genes spread is crucial for public health. We must prioritize transparency in food safety to protect our communities.
NationPress
22/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colistin and why is it important?
Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. It is crucial for managing life-threatening conditions.
How are colistin resistance genes spreading?
Research indicates that colistin resistance genes are spreading through imported seafood, particularly shrimp and scallops, highlighting gaps in food safety screening.
What are the health risks associated with colistin resistance?
Infections caused by colistin-resistant bacteria limit treatment options and pose significant health risks, potentially leading to higher mortality rates.
What measures can be taken to address this issue?
Enhanced screening for antimicrobial resistance genes in imported seafood and raising public awareness about food safety are essential steps in combating this issue.
Why was colistin discontinued in the U.S.?
Colistin was discontinued in the U.S. during the 1980s due to its severe side effects, but it has since been reintroduced due to its necessity in treating specific infections.
