Pediatric Leukemia Patients in China at Risk after Deadly Outbreak of mcr-1 Klebsiella
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) recently raised the alarm about an outbreak of MCR-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in China. This strain has proven resistant to several antibiotics, including one called colistin, described as a “last resort” medication by CIDRAP. The mcr-1 gene, or mobilized colistin resistance gene, is resistant to this drug.
Mcr-1 was first discovered in China in 2015, but made its way to the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the “CDC, FDA, and USDA began searching for mcr -1 in bacterial samples from human, retail meat, and food animal sources. USDA discovered mcr -1 in bacteria from the intestines of two pigs in spring 2016.”
China might seem too far away, perhaps, for us to worry about an outbreak – but we should be aware that it’s happening. It only took a year for mcr-1 to travel from China to the U.S. last time, and colistin – though an older treatment – is one of the few antibiotics that can successfully combat multi-drug resident bacteria.
Healthcare associated infections are a growing risk in the U.S. and across the globe. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is a premier medical malpractice law firm focusing on infectious diseases and HAIs which are spread by negligence. If you or your loved one developed an illness because of the negligence of a healthcare provider or healthcare facility, we may be able to help. Please call 803-327-7800, or fill out this contact form, to learn more.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
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