Archive · 22 Jun 2025
Study: Imported Seafood Spreading Antibiotic-Resistant Genes
Imagine your body is fighting bad germs that other medicines can't beat.
Doctors sometimes use a special medicine called colistin.
But some germs are learning to ignore colistin.
Scientists found these 'ignore-colistin' genes in some shrimp and scallops bought in stores.
Most seafood we eat comes from other countries, and the process to check them doesn't always catch these resistant genes.
This means the germs that don't care about colistin could spread, making it harder to treat serious infections.
It's like the bad germs are becoming super strong.
US researchers identified colistin-resistance genes spreading via imported seafood.
Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic for life-threatening infections.
Resistance to colistin is increasing globally, reducing treatment options.
The study found resistance genes in bacteria from imported shrimp and scallops.
Most seafood in the US is imported, including about 90% of shrimp.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Georgia.
- What
- US researchers identified colistin-resistance genes spreading via imported seafood.
- When
- Recently.
- Where
- Found in imported shrimp and scallops from food markets around Atlanta.
- Why
- To understand how colistin resistance is spreading, which diminishes treatment options for life-threatening infections.
- Antibiotic Name
- Colistin
- Research Location
- University of Georgia
- Seafood Examined
- Imported shrimp and scallops
- Percentage of Imported Shrimp
- Approximately 90%
- Colistin use
- Treats life-threatening bacterial infections resistant to other drugs.