Yes, of course. Bacteria have a genetic profile, so if bacteria is present there will be genes. One gene, the MCR-9 gene, can be a very large problem, however. This particular gene causes the bacteria it resides in to be anti-microbial resistant. Simply put, the bacteria cannot be killed by antibiotics; not even colistin. Colistin (polymyxin E) trade name Colomycin is thought of as the “drug of last resort” when treating people with bacterial infections (particularly pneumonia) that are not responding to more common antibiotics. Death may result if the damages of bacteria cannot be halted.
The presence of the MR-9 gene is being tracked around the world by various groups because of the devastating effects it can have on a population if it enters water supplies or food chains. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the potential damages from this gene’s antimicrobial resistance as “one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity”. The tracking in the US is being headed by Issmat Kassem an assistant professor of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. For the first time, it has been identified in the US as present in sewerage in Georgia. As with Covid-19 testing, the presence of a particular virus or bacteria in sewerage lets investigators know that the population serviced by a particular sewerage treatment system has been exposed to the contaminant.
Now that the MCR-9 gene is in the US, what can be done? We certainly cannot live in a sterile bubble, so common sense should prevail. The human immune system is capable of preventing bacterial infections by bolstering it through proper diet, mineral and vitamin supplementation as needed, proper rest, and stress relief. This is often referred to as the Terrain Philosophy of health. Add to it good hygiene practices and bacteria with the MCR-9 gene will not invade. For those who are immune-compromised for any reason, Ultra Violet (UV) treatment of water entering the home will stop that pathway, rinsing fresh food with ozonated water will stop another and finally, a circulating air filter with a UV inside will round out water, food, and air protection.
