Highlights
- • This paper identifies different global environmental reservoirs carrying CRE.
- • First study focusing on carbapenem-resistant genes in all environmental reservoirs.
- • Carbapenemase-producing genes were identified in water, animals, food, and soil.
- • There have been two reported human infections from environmentally sourced CRE.
- • Quantitative dynamics of CRE transmission and exposure is needed for management.
Abstract
Environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance (AR) are a growing concern that are gathering more attention as potential sources for human infection. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are extremely dangerous, as carbapenems are often drugs of last resort that are used to treat multi-drug resistant infections.
Image by Peter H from Pixabay
The post The threat of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in the environment: Evidence of widespread contamination of reservoirs at a global scale appeared first on Healthier Environment Living Program.