FAQ about the antibiotic Colistin and transferrable Colistin resistance in bacteria
Updated BfR FAQ, 3 August 2021
Colistin is an antimicrobial which is used predominantly in veterinary medicine to treat infections. In November 2015, a new mechanism was discovered which allows bacteria pass on colistin resistance properties to other bacteria. This scientific insight has led to a public discussion about the use of this antibiotic in animal husbandry and about the spread of resistance to colistin. This has prompted the BfR to put together a FAQ on colistin.