The Occurrence of the Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-1 in the Haihe River (China)

• Main Authors: Dong Yang, Zhigang Qiu, Zhiqiang Shen, Hong Zhao, Min Jin, Huaying Li, Weili Liu, Jun-Wen Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-05-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: colistin-resistance gene; mcr-1; water environments; dissemination; public health
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/6/576

Antibiotic failure is occurring worldwide. In a routine surveillance study on antibioticresistance genes (ARGs) in natural water bodies, we noted the detection of colistin-resistance gene mcr-1, previously identified in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from human beings and animals in several countries. The mcr-1 gene might be present in water environments, because aquatic ecosystems are recognized as reservoirs for antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and ARGs. In this study, a qPCR assay was developed to monitor and quantify the mcr-1 gene in the Haihe River, China. The results showed that all 18 samples collected from different locations over 6 months along the Haihe River were positive for the mcr-1 gene, and the highest level of mcr-1 reached 3.81 × 105 gene copies (GC) per liter of water. This is the first study to quantify mcr-1 in a natural water system by qPCR. Our findings highlight the potential for this antibiotic resistance determinant to spread extensively, suggesting a significant health and ecological impact.