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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Screening Foodstuffs for Class 1 Integrons and Gene Cassettes
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Screening Foodstuffs for Class 1 Integrons and Gene Cassettes

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Investigation of First Identified mcr-1 Gene in an Isolate from a U.S. Patient - Pennsylvania, 2016

Kelly E Kline, Jordan Shover, Alexander J Kallen

    MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
    |September 16, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    The plasmid-encoded mcr-1 gene, conferring resistance to the antibiotic colistin, emerged in 2015. In 2016, mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli was first isolated from a U.S. patient with a urinary tract infection.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Genetics
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • The emergence of antibiotic resistance genes, such as mcr-1, poses a significant threat to public health.
    • Colistin is a critical last-resort antibiotic for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

    Observation:

    • In 2015, the plasmid-encoded mcr-1 gene conferring resistance to colistin was reported.
    • In May 2016, mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli was isolated from a U.S. patient presenting with a urinary tract infection.

    Findings:

    • The isolated E. coli was extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and showed reduced susceptibility to colistin.
    • The patient had no recent international travel or livestock exposure, suggesting potential community or healthcare-associated transmission.

    Implications:

    • The presence of mcr-1 in E. coli signifies the potential for pandrug-resistant bacteria.
    • This finding underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures to prevent the spread of colistin resistance.

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