The mcr-1 gene, which transfers antibiotic resistance to the bacteria it's found in, has stepped into the global spotlight in recent months, finally making its way to the U.S. in E. coli just weeks ago. The proliferation of the gene has kicked awareness about antibiotic stewardship, and the role hospitals and the healthcare industry plays, into overdrive.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control released a report outlining the current situation and detailing options for response to mcr-1's growing presence. The organization recommends labs adopt improved methods for detecting bacterial resistance to last-resort drug treatments; improving global, national and local surveillance of bacteria carrying the resistance gene to identify and monitor the spread of resistance; and more timely clinical management of treating resistant infections. This includes testing microbiological samples for their colistin susceptibility before administering the drug.
The report also outlines antimicrobial stewardship program must-haves for hospitals, as well as infection control precautions related to device reprocessing and hygiene, among other factors, that play a role in controlling the spread of superbugs.
Read the full report here.