New gene that makes common bacteria resistant to last-line antibiotic found in animals and patients in China

A new gene (mcr-1) that enables bacteria to be highly resistant to polymyxins, the last line of antibiotic defence we have left, is widespread in Enterobacteriaceae [1] taken from pigs and patients in south China, including strains with epidemic potential, according to new research published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The mcr-1 gene was found on plasmids, mobile DNA that can be easily copied and transferred between different bacteria, suggesting an alarming potential to spread and divers...