London (12.6.09)
– For years there have been ongoing arguments about whether the use
of antibiotic resistance markers in the preparation of GM food crop plants
represents any hazard for generating such antibiotic resistance in possible
pathogens. Those concerned fear it might, however slight the evidence but
the unworried point out that many microorganisms are already antibiotic-resistant
and that much of the resistance developed by pathogens arises from excessive
use of antibiotic drugs and because some patients feel better and fail to
complete their courses of treatment.
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA panels were asked to
offer a scientific opinion on the use of antibiotic resistance genes as markers
in GM plants.
A consolidated review of the matter by two of EFSA’s expert panels has
just published with the conclusion that, on the basis of existing evidence
(all that one can go on), adverse effects on human health and the environment
resulting from the transfer of the genes nptII and aadA from GM plants to
bacteria, associated with use of GM plants, are unlikely. Uncertainties with
sampling and detection were recognised together with problems in estimating
exposure levels and the inability to assign transferable resistance genes
to a defined source.
In another opinion, the GMO panel concluded that their earlier risk assessment
held and that no new evidence had emerged.
In giving their opinions, the panels noted that the antibiotic resistance
genes occur at different frequencies in different bacterial species and strains,
and in different environments. Resistance to kanamycin, neomycin and streptomycin
were present in all the environments investigated. The presence of antibiotics
in the environment and antibiotic usage are key factors in driving the selection
and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
More details and the full report are available at (2).
Sources:
1. EFSA evaluates antibiotic resistance marker genes in GM plants.
European Food Safety Authority (11.6.09) (http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902569389.htm)
2. Consolidated presentation of the joint Scientific Opinion of the GMO
and BIOHAZ Panels on the “Use of Antibiotic Resistance Genes as Marker
Genes in Genetically Modified Plants” and the Scientific Opinion of
the GMO Panel on “Consequences of the Opinion on the Use of Antibiotic
Resistance Genes as Marker Genes in Genetically Modified Plants on Previous
EFSA Assessments of Individual GM Plants”. European Food Safety
Authority (11.6.09) Download the summary from http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902569520.htm
and the full report from http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/Statement/gmo_biohaz_st_ej1108_ConsolidatedARG_en.pdf?ssbinary=true
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