10 June 2016: Enterobacteriacea with plasmid-mediated transferable colistin resistance, public health implications in the Americas - Epidemiological Alert

Due to the detection in several countries in the Region of the Americas of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mechanism encoded by the mcr-1 gene, isolated from animals and humans, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) urges Member States to implement and maintain the capability to detect, prevent and control transmission of colistin resistance mcr-1 microorganisms. PAHO / WHO also calls on Member States to take measures leading to prohibiting the use of these antimicrobials for prophylaxis and as growth promoters in animals destined for human consumption.