Breaking: Imported Seafood Linked to Colistin Resistance Spread

Atlanta, Ga. – In a concerning progress for public health, new research indicates that imported seafood may be contributing to the increasing spread of colistin resistance. Scientists have detected genes resistant to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, in bacteria found within imported shrimp and scallops sold in markets around Atlanta.

The Rise of Colistin Resistance: A Growing Threat

Colistin is a powerful antibiotic used to combat life-threatening bacterial infections when other drugs fail.The increasing colistin resistance globally poses a notable threat, limiting treatment options and endangering individuals with severe infections. This revelation highlights a previously underappreciated pathway for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes.

Microbiologist Issmat Kassem, Ph.D., and his team at the University of Georgia, presented thier findings at the ASM Microbe 2025 meeting in Los Angeles. Their research pinpoints imported seafood as a potential vector for the spread of these resistant genes.

Imported Seafood: an Unsuspected Carrier

The Research Team said that the United States imports a significant portion of its seafood. While imported seafood undergoes screening for contaminants, these tests typically do not detect antimicrobial resistance genes, potentially allowing resistant bacteria to enter the food supply undetected.

“We love our seafood, but much of it comes from abroad,” said the lead researcher, emphasizing that standard screening processes often miss these resistance genes. The team discovered that some resistance genes are carried on plasmids,which are easily transferable between bacteria.

Global Implications of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health crisis, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Colistin, initially introduced in the 1950s, was later discontinued in the U.S. due to its severe side effects. Its reintroduction underscores the critical need for choice treatment options.

Did You Know? The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies colistin as a critically significant antibiotic, essential for treating serious infections.

Mobile Resistance Genes: A Game Changer

The discovery in 2016 of mobile colistin resistance genes (mcr) that can be transferred between bacteria marked a turning point. Previously,resistance was believed to be inherited,not shared,limiting its spread.

Food as a Transmission Route

The Lead researcher said that the global sourcing of food increases the risk of transmission of resistance. Different countries have varying regulations regarding antibiotic use in food production, making imported food a potential vehicle for spreading resistance.

In Georgia, researchers found the same bacteria, plasmids, and genes in imported seafood that they had previously found in wastewater samples. Locally produced seafood, though, did not show the presence of these resistance genes.

The Need for Enhanced Monitoring and Collaboration

While identifying imported seafood as a source of colistin resistance is a crucial step, researchers caution that other sources likely exist. The interconnected nature of global travel and trade necessitates enhanced monitoring systems and international collaboration to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively.

Pro Tip: Support local seafood suppliers who adhere to stringent antibiotic use policies to minimize potential exposure.

Comparing Antibiotic Resistance Detection Methods

What steps do you think should be taken to better monitor antibiotic use in imported foods? How can consumers make informed choices to reduce their risk?

Share this article to raise awareness about the risks of antibiotic resistance. What are your thoughts on these findings? Leave a comment below.

Superbugs in Shrimp: Colistin Resistance & The Threat to Seafood Safety

The world of seafood is facing a growing crisis: the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly in shrimp. This article delves into the critical issue of colistin resistance, its impact on seafood safety, and the potential consequences for consumers. we will explore the use of antibiotics in shrimp farming, the spread of colistin-resistant genes, and what proactive measures are being taken to protect our food supply.

The Colistin Conundrum: What is it & Why Does it Matter?

Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic used to treat severe infections that resist other medications. Though, its widespread use in animal agriculture, including shrimp farming, has led to the growth of colistin-resistant bacteria. This resistance poses a important threat because it leaves fewer options for treating life-threatening infections in humans.

understanding Colistin Resistance

The problem stems from the spread of plasmid-borne colistin resistance genes (mcr). These genes allow bacteria to become resistant to colistin. This resistance is not isolated; it can spread from animals to humans through contaminated food, including shrimp.

Shrimp Farming & Antibiotic Use: A Risky combination

shrimp farming practices, particularly in regions where regulations are less stringent, often involve the prophylactic use of antibiotics to prevent disease outbreaks. This practice contributes considerably to the selection and proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The overuse of antibiotics creates an surroundings where only resistant strains survive and multiply.

The Role of Aquaculture

Aquaculture, or fish farming, is a rapidly expanding industry that supplies a significant portion of the seafood consumed globally. Understanding the role of aquaculture in the spread of antimicrobial resistance is key in protecting the food supply.

Impact on Seafood Safety

The presence of colistin-resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues in shrimp raises serious seafood safety concerns.Consumers risk exposure to these resistant bacteria through consumption, potentially leading to infections that are difficult to treat.

The Risk to Consumers

consumption of contaminated shrimp can lead to a range of health issues. These can include:

• Infections resistant to multiple antibiotics, including colistin.
• Increased risk of hospital-acquired infections.
• Prolonged illness and higher healthcare costs.

Case Study: Real-World Examples

While specific case studies are constantly evolving, the presence of mcr-1 gene, which is associated wiht colistin resistance has been documented in various livestock, including shrimp. This highlights the need for global surveillance and control measures. (Source: ijvr.shirazu.ac.ir)

Protecting Yourself: practical Tips for Consumers

Consumers have a role to play in minimizing their risk of exposure to colistin-resistant bacteria. Key steps to take include:

• Buy from Reputable Sources: Choose seafood from suppliers with strong food safety standards.
• Ask About Antibiotic Use: Inquire about the farming practices of the shrimp you purchase.
• proper Cooking: Cook shrimp thoroughly to eliminate any potential bacteria.
• Follow Food Safety Guidelines: Practice good hygiene, including washing hands and surfaces thoroughly, to avoid cross-contamination.

The Future of Seafood: Addressing the Colistin resistance Crisis

addressing the problem of colistin resistance requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter regulations on antibiotic use in aquaculture, improved farming practices, and global surveillance efforts.

What Needs to be Done

• Stricter Regulations: Implement and enforce regulations that limit the use of antibiotics in aquaculture.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Promote sustainable farming methods to reduce the reliance on antibiotics.
• Surveillance and Monitoring: Enhance global surveillance and monitoring programs to track antibiotic resistance.