A new study has identified an antimicrobial resistant gene in bacteria found in sewer water in Georgia. The MCR-9 gene is a significant concern for public health because of its resistance to the strongest antibiotic, known as colistin. Researchers at the University of Georgia collected sewage water from an urban area in Georgia and were surprised to find evidence of MCR in the first sample they took. One of the study’s researchers explained this suggests the MCR gene is becoming established in the U.S. This gene can also spread to other types of bacteria fairly easily through plasmid transmission. 

According to Jennifer Reynolds from the University of Georgia, “This means that bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella that commonly cause outbreaks in humans can potentially carry MCR, turning them from treatable illnesses to potentially deadly infections.” The researchers believe this threat could become more prevalent going forward, and thus requires joint action from the government, infrastructure, healthcare, and scientific communities to work toward a solution. Read more at Phys.org.