MCR-1 on NPR - Another sign of the antibiotic apocalypse

Just a quick heads up that there will be a discussion on the newly discovered plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mechanism (MCR-1) during the second hour of "On Point" with Tom Ashbrook today on your local NPR station, podcast and online. This strain was recently detected in animal, raw meat and patient samples in China and was just reported in Lancet ID. After this discovery, investigators in Denmark scanned their collection of approximately 3000 salmonella and E coli samples and found one patient who was infected (bacteremia) with an MCR-1 with five additional food samples positive for MCR-1. An overview by Mary McKenna of the original report can be found over at National Geographic (here) and she continued the great coverage of the emergence of MCR-1 with further strains detected in Denmark and the UK. (new post here)

The radio program/podcast will feature Maryn McKenna, Lance Price from George Washington University and Robert Skov from Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen. Three fantastic discussants. Hope you have time to listen.