Concerns Rise Over Colistin-Resistant Bacteria in Imported Shrimp

In 2024, the United States imported a staggering 762,804 metric tons of shrimp. A recent study from the University of Georgia has raised alarms about a potential health threat: the entry of colistin-resistant bacteria through these seafood imports.

The Role of Colistin in Medical Treatment

Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, has been utilized for over 50 years primarily to combat severe infections in critically ill humans. While it also has applications in livestock, its oversight differs significantly across countries, leading to concerns about antibiotic resistance.

New Findings from Atlanta’s Food Markets

Microbiologist Issmat Kassem and his research team collected samples from eight food markets in Atlanta, Georgia, revealing the first documented instance of colistin-resistance genes present in bacteria found in imported shrimp and scallops. Kassem expressed the significance of this discovery, stating, “This work reveals for the first time a potential extrinsic source for these genes in the country.”

The Global Nature of Food Sourcing

In a Q&A with the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Kassem elaborated, “Our food is sourced from various global locations. A meal might include ingredients from several countries, many of which lack stringent regulations regarding antibiotic use in food animal production.” This reality presents a risk, as imported food could serve as a vector for transmitting resistant bacteria.

Rethinking Antimicrobial Resistance

Kassem emphasized the importance of focusing on imported seafood, especially since the genes detected were found in bacteria that typically evade monitoring. He explained that the resistant genes are located on plasmids, small circular pieces of genetic material that can be shared among bacteria, a significant departure from the previously held belief that colistin resistance is solely inherited.

The Global Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance

According to research on antimicrobial-resistant infections, over 39 million deaths could occur globally due to these rising threats by 2050. Kassem’s team aims to trace the sources of antimicrobial resistance to develop innovative strategies to mitigate the spread of colistin resistance within the US.

Presentation of Findings

These groundbreaking findings were presented during the American Society for Microbiology meeting held in Los Angeles, California, from June 19-23.

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