According to NBC
News, researchers have found a rare and terrifying superbug gene on a U.S.
pig farm. The gene gives bacteria the ability to resist antibiotics, even
antibiotics of last resort. Consumption of undercooked meat could transfer these
dangerous pathogens to humans.
News, researchers have found a rare and terrifying superbug gene on a U.S.
pig farm. The gene gives bacteria the ability to resist antibiotics, even
antibiotics of last resort. Consumption of undercooked meat could transfer these
dangerous pathogens to humans.
While researchers stressed that the pigs carrying the gene
weren’t slated for slaughter, the mutant gene should not have been on the farm
at all and they have no idea how it got there. That’s scary.
weren’t slated for slaughter, the mutant gene should not have been on the farm
at all and they have no idea how it got there. That’s scary.
The concern is that the gene will get into bacteria that infect
people. Antibiotic-resistant superbugs called carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, are particularly threatening. If they get into the
bloodstream and cause infection, CRE germs kill half their victims.
people. Antibiotic-resistant superbugs called carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, are particularly threatening. If they get into the
bloodstream and cause infection, CRE germs kill half their victims.
The researchers write:
The implication of our finding is
that there is a real risk that CRE may disseminate in food animal populations
and eventually contaminate fresh retail meat products.
Antibiotic-resistant superbugs have been found in factory-farmed
animals before. In September, a strain of antibiotic-resistant salmonella was
discovered in pork from Washington state farms. Last November, Chinese and
British researchers reported a colistin-resistant strain of E. coli in pigs,
raw pork, and even a few people in China. Additionally, the United
States saw its first case of a person infected with an antibiotic-resistant
bacterial strain this year.
animals before. In September, a strain of antibiotic-resistant salmonella was
discovered in pork from Washington state farms. Last November, Chinese and
British researchers reported a colistin-resistant strain of E. coli in pigs,
raw pork, and even a few people in China. Additionally, the United
States saw its first case of a person infected with an antibiotic-resistant
bacterial strain this year.
A study published in Mother Jones predicts 10 million
people will die a year from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050.
people will die a year from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050.
On modern farms, antibiotics are used to make animals grow
faster and keep them alive in conditions that would otherwise kill them.
Bacteria can develop resistance to these antibiotics, making it virtually impossible to treat humans who
become infected by these superbugs.
faster and keep them alive in conditions that would otherwise kill them.
Bacteria can develop resistance to these antibiotics, making it virtually impossible to treat humans who
become infected by these superbugs.
Is it any wonder that cramped, filthy factory farm
conditions are breeding grounds for disease?
conditions are breeding grounds for disease?
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