Environmental mediation of colistin resistance in the African context. A systematic scoping review
Objectives
The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Gram-negative bacteria is a major global health concern. Resistance to last-resort antibiotics like colistin is particularly alarming. This study reviews how environmental factors have contributed to colistin resistance in the African context, where reports of colistin-resistant Gram-negative organisms are emerging.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted using multiple databases to identify articles on environmental mediation of colistin resistance in Africa. Search terms included “environment,” “colistin,” “mobile colistin resistance gene,” and related keywords. Articles from 2015 to 2021 focusing on Africa were included. Data on country, genes detected, methods used, and bacterial species were extracted.
Results
Out of 847 articles identified, 26 were included in the final review. Studies were predominantly from Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Congo. The mobile colistin resistance (mcr-1) gene was the most common genetic variant detected. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the predominant organism spreading mcr genes. Colistin-resistant genes were found in humans, animals, and environmental samples including manure, soil, water bodies, and wildlife.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance (JGAR) is a quarterly online journal run by an international Editorial Board that focuses on the global spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes.
JGAR is a dedicated journal for all professionals working in research, health care, the environment and animal infection control, aiming to track the resistance threat worldwide and provides a single voice devoted to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Featuring peer-reviewed and up to date research articles, reviews, short notes and hot topics JGAR covers the key topics related to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic resistance.