Genetic characterization of <i>mcr-1</i> -bearing plasmids to depict molecular mechanisms underlying dissemination of the colistin resistance determinant

Abstract

The mcr-1 gene can be disseminated via multiple mobile elements including Tn6330, its circular intermediate and plasmids harbouring such elements. It is often co-transmitted with other resistance determinants through IncHI2 plasmids. The functional mechanism of Tn6330, a typical composite transposon harbouring mcr-1, should be further investigated.