Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Europe: a survey among national experts from 39 countries, February 2013

Carriage of multidrug-resistant organisms in a tertiary university hospital in Albania-a point prevalence survey

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance has been recognised as a serious global Public Health problem. Prevalence of Multiple-Drug-Resistant (MDR) organism carriage in Albania is largely unknown since no national surveillance system is in place and few publications are accessible in the literature.

METHODS

A 1-day point-prevalence-survey (PPS) screening for nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and rectal MDR Gram-negative carriage was carried out at the high-dependency wards in the country's only tertiary care hospital, in Tirana.

RESULTS

A total of 106 nasal and 104 rectal swabs were collected. 14.2 % of patients (95 % Confidence Interval [95 CI]: 8.1-22.3 %) were MRSA nasal carriers. Resistance to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones was common in these isolates (≥80 %) but no resistance was identified against glycopeptides, nitrofurantoin and the relatively newer agents, tigecycline and linezolid. Fifty Enterobacteriaceae isolates were cultivated from 33 of 104 screened patients (31.7 % [95 CI: 22.9-41.6 % 95 CI]). The prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production in Enterobacteriaceae was 41.3 % (95 CI: 31.8-51.4 %). The two more commonly isolated Enterobacteriaceae were E. coli ([n = 28], 24 ESBL positive; 1 AmpC positive and 3 without an identified mechanism of resistance) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ([n = 13], all ESBL positive; 1 also AmpC and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) positive). Susceptibility to carbapenems (≥98 %), fosfomycin (90 %) and amikacin (70 + 20 % intermediate) was high but a high level of resistance to all other agents tested was noted. Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli were less commonly isolated {22 isolates: Acinetobacter baumannii (9); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (5)}.

CONCLUSION

Although a significant rate of MRSA carriage was identified, the main resistance challenge in Albania appears to be linked with Gram-negative organisms, particularly ESBL in Enterobacteriaceae.

Epidemiology of Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections in Mediterranean Countries

Infections by Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), in particular, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKp), are a significant public health challenge worldwide. Resistance to carbapenems in enterobacteriaceae is linked to different mechanisms, including the production of the various types of enzymes like KPC, VIM, IMP, NDM, and OXA-48. Despite several attempts to control the spread of these infections at the local and national level, the epidemiological situation for CRKp had worsened in the last years in the Mediterranean area. The rate and types of CRKp isolates greatly differ in the various Mediterranean countries. KPC-producing K. pneumoniae is diffused particularly in the European countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and is endemic in Greece and Italy. On the contrary, OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae is endemic in Turkey and Malta and diffused at inter-regional level particularly in some

North African and Middle East countries. The spread of these multiresistant pathogens in the world and the Mediterranean countries has been related to various epidemiological factors including the international transfer of patients coming from endemic areas.

Genomic Microbial Epidemiology Is Needed to Comprehend the Global Problem of Antibiotic Resistance and to Improve Pathogen Diagnosis

Contamination of waste effluent from hospitals and intensive food animal production with antimicrobial residues is an immense global problem. Antimicrobial residues exert selection pressures that influence the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in diverse microbial populations. Despite these concerns there is only a limited understanding of how antimicrobial residues contribute to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, rapid detection of emerging bacterial pathogens and strains with resistance to more than one antibiotic class remains a challenge. A comprehensive, sequence-based genomic epidemiological surveillance model that captures essential microbial metadata is needed, both to improve surveillance for antimicrobial resistance and to monitor pathogen evolution. Escherichia coli is an important pathogen causing both intestinal [intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC)] and extraintestinal [extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC)] disease in humans and food animals. ExPEC are the most frequently isolated Gram negative pathogen affecting human health, linked to food production practices and are often resistant to multiple antibiotics. Cattle are a known reservoir of IPEC but they are not recognized as a source of ExPEC that impact human or animal health. In contrast, poultry are a recognized source of multiple antibiotic resistant ExPEC, while swine have received comparatively less attention in this regard. Here, we review what is known about ExPEC in swine and how pig production contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Spread and persistence of VIM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in three German swine farms in 2011 and 2012

The occurrence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in livestock is considered as a threat for public health. In Germany, VIM-1-producing Escherichia (E.) coli sequence type (ST) 88 and Salmonella Infantis isolates harbouring bla_VIM-1IncHI2 plasmids have been isolated from swine and poultry farms. A retrospective study was performed to determine if there was a broader distribution of VIM-1-positive isolates in any of the carbapenemase-positive swine farms. Selective incubation (carbapenem-containing broth) of 249 conserved cultures collected in three farms (2011-2012), allowed the detection of 40 bla_VIM-1-positive isolates. Apart from the already known non-motile Salmonella Infantis isolate R25 (farm S1) and R27 (S2), a third isolate was recovered from farm S3. For E. coli, additional to isolates R29 and R178 (S2), 35 new isolates were identified in the same farm during all the sampling periods (three dates, 2011) and in samples from different animals, farm environment, manure and flies. The newly identified E. coli and Salmonella isolates showed similar genetic and phenotypic characteristics (XbaI-PFGE profiles, antimicrobial resistance patterns, plasmid content, phylogroups, antigenic formula) to those in the previously described strains, suggesting microevolution within the clonal lines within one fattening period. The study shows that persistence of carbapenemase-producing clonal lines in livestock farms is possible, and underlines the need for harmonised monitoring and surveillance studies to follow up the occurrence of such bacteria in European livestock.

High Prevalence of Infectious Diseases and Drug-Resistant Microorganisms in Asylum Seekers Admitted to Hospital; No Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae until September 2015

Introduction

The current refugee crisis emphasizes the need for information on infectious diseases and resistant microorganisms in asylum seekers with possible consequences for public health and infection control.

Methods

We collected data from asylum seekers admitted to our university hospital or who presented at the Emergency Department (n = 273). We collected general and demographic characteristics including country of origin, the reason of presentation, and the screening results of multi-drug resistant organisms.

Results

67% of the patients were male with a median age of the study group of 24 years (IQR 15–33); 48% of the patients had an infectious disease—predominantly malaria with P. vivax or tuberculosis. Patients also reported with diseases which are less common—e.g. leishmaniasis, or even conditions rarely diagnosed in Europe—e.g. louse borne relapsing fever. A carriage rate of 31% for multi-drug resistant microorganisms (MDRO) was observed, with ESBL-expressing E.coli (n = 20) being the most common MDRO. No carriage of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae was found.

Conclusion

The current refugee crisis in Europe challenges hospitals to quickly identify and respond to communicable diseases and the carriage of MDRO. A rapid response is necessary to optimize the treatment of infectious diseases amongst asylum seekers to maximize infection control.

LN-1-255, a penicillanic acid sulfone able to inhibit the class D carbapenemase OXA-48

OBJECTIVES

Carbapenemases are the most important mechanism responsible for carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. Among carbapenemases, OXA-48 presents unique challenges as it is resistant to β-lactam inhibitors. Here, we test the capacity of the compound LN-1-255, a 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted penicillanic acid sulfone, to inhibit the activity of the carbapenemase OXA-48.

METHODS

The OXA-48 gene was cloned and expressed in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in order to obtain MICs in the presence of inhibitors (clavulanic acid, tazobactam and sulbactam) and LN-1-255. OXA-48 was purified and steady-state kinetics was performed with LN-1-255 and tazobactam. The covalent binding mode of LN-1-255 with OXA-48 was studied by docking assays.

RESULTS

Both OXA-48-producing clinical and transformant strains displayed increased susceptibility to carbapenem antibiotics in the presence of 4 mg/L LN-1-255 (2-32-fold increased susceptibility) and 16 mg/L LN-1-255 (4-64-fold increased susceptibility). Kinetic assays demonstrated that LN-1-255 is able to inhibit OXA-48 with an acylation efficiency (k2/K) of 10 ± 1 × 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and a slow deacylation rate (koff) of 7 ± 1 × 10(-4) s(-1). IC50 was 3 nM for LN-1-255 and 1.5 μM for tazobactam. Lastly, kcat/kinact was 500-fold lower for LN-1-255 than for tazobactam.

CONCLUSIONS

In these studies, carbapenem antibiotics used in combination with LN-1-255 are effective against the carbapenemase OXA-48, an important emerging mechanism of antibiotic resistance. This provides an incentive for further investigations to maximize the efficacy of penicillin sulfone inhibition of class D plasmid-carried Enterobacteriaceae carbapenemases.

Multisite Evaluation of Cepheid Xpert Carba-R Assay for Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms in Rectal Swabs

Rapid identification of patients who are colonized with carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) is included in multiple national guidelines for containment of these organisms. In a multisite study, we evaluated the performance of the Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay, a qualitative diagnostic test that was designed for the rapid detection and differentiation of the bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_VIM, bla_OXA-48, and bla_IMP-1 genes from rectal swab specimens. A double rectal swab set was collected from 383 patients admitted at four institutions (2 in the United States, 1 in the United Kingdom, 1 in Spain). One swab was used for reference culture (MacConkey broth containing 1 mg/liter of meropenem and subcultured to a MacConkey agar plate with a 10-μg meropenem disk) and for sequencing of DNA obtained from carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates for carbapenemase identification. The other swab was used for the Xpert Carba-R assay. In addition to the clinical rectal swabs, 250 contrived specimens (108 well-characterized CPO and 142 negative controls spiked onto negative rectal swabs) were tested. Overall, 149/633 (23.5%) samples were positive by the Xpert Carba-R assay. In 6 samples, multiple targets were detected (4 VIM/OXA-48, 1 IMP-1/NDM, and 1 NDM/KPC). The Xpert Carba-R assay detected 155 targets (26 IMP-1, 30 VIM, 27 NDM, 33 KPC, 39 OXA-48) within a time range of 32 to 48 min. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Xpert Carba-R assay compared to those of the reference culture and sequencing results were 96.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.2% to 98.9%), 98.6% (95% CI, 97.1% to 99.4%), 95.3%, and 99.0%, respectively. The Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay is an accurate and rapid test to identify rectal colonization with CPO, which can guide infection control programs to limit the spread of these organisms.

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary-level reference hospital in Turkey

Background

Enterobacteriaceae are among the most common pathogens that are responsible for serious community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and health-care associated infections. The emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have become an increasing concern for healthcare services worldwide. Infections caused by these bacteria have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality and treatment options have been limited. The rapid and accurate detection of carbapenem resistance in these bacteria is important for infection control. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic features of CRE strains isolated in a tertiary-level reference hospital in Turkey.

Methods

A total of 181 CRE strains were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility rates were tested using Vitek 2 system. Modified Hodge test (MHT) was performed using meropenem and ertapenem discs. Metallo-β-lactamase antimicrobial gradient test (E-test MBL strips) were used for evaluation of metallo-β-lactamase production. A multiplex PCR was used for detection of carbapenems resistance genes (IMP, VIM, KPC, NDM-1 and OXA-48).

Results

The OXA-48 gene was detected in 86 strains, NDM-1 gene in six strains, VIM gene in one strain. IMP and KPC genes were not identified. Three strains produced both OXA-48 and NDM-1 and one strain produced both OXA-48 and VIM. In two patients more than one genus of OXA-48 positive CREs was isolated. Ninety-two of the isolates were multidrug-resistant. One hundred and ten isolates were MHT with meropenem (MEM-MHT) positive and 109 isolates were MHT with ertapenem (ERT-MHT) positive. Nine of the isolates were positive with E-test MBL strips. The sensitivity of MEM-MHT and ERT-MHT for detection of OXA-48 was 70.9 and 70.6 %, respectively. MEM-MHT was found highly discriminative for OXA-48 Escherichia coli (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of E-test MBL for NDM-1 was 66.7 %. A statistically significant correlation was observed between OXA-48 gene and MHT positivity and between NDM-1, VIM gene and E-test MBL positivity (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

OXA-48 gene is spreading rapidly to many different species of Enterobacteriaceae in the hospital environment. While OXA-48 is still the most common source of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in our country, NDM-1 is increasingly being isolated from patients without a history of foreign contact.

Prospective evaluation of the OXA-48 K-SeT assay, an immunochromatographic test for the rapid detection of OXA-48-type carbapenemases

OBJECTIVES

There is an urgent need for accurate and fast diagnostic tests to identify MDR bacteria. Here, we evaluated an immunochromatographic assay (the OXA-48 K-SeT assay) to detect OXA-48-like carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from culture colonies.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-one collection isolates with characterized β-lactamase content and 185 non-duplicate consecutive clinical isolates referred to the Associated French National Reference Center between 15 February and 15 March 2015 were used to evaluate the OXA-48 K-SeT assay. Among these 346 isolates, 100 were OXA-48-like carbapenemase producers, 3 were OXA-48-like producers lacking carbapenemase activity and 243 were ESBL, AmpC, oxacillinase and/or non-OXA-48 carbapenemase producers.

RESULTS

All 100 OXA-48-like carbapenemase producers were correctly detected by the OXA-48 K-SeT assay, including OXA-48 (n = 73), OXA-181 (n = 18), OXA-162 (n = 1), OXA-204 (n = 4), OXA-232 (n = 2) and OXA-244 (n = 2) variants. The three OXA-48 variants lacking carbapenemase activity, OXA-163 (n = 2) and OXA-405 (n = 1), were not detected. All non-OXA-48 producers gave a negative result with the OXA-48 K-SeT assay. No cross-reaction was evidenced with the carbapenemases (VIM, IMP, NDM and KPC), ESBLs (TEM, SHV and CTX-M), AmpCs (CMY-2, DHA-2 and ACC-1) and oxacillinases (OXA-1, -2, -9 and -10). Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 100% for OXA-48-like carbapenemase detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The OXA-48 K-SeT assay was efficient, rapid and easy to implement in the routine workflow of a clinical microbiology laboratory for the confirmation of OXA-48-like carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. It could complete the existing panel of tests available for the confirmation of OXA-48-like carbapenemases, especially in countries with high OXA-48 prevalence.

Bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility of ESBLs producers from pus in patients with abdominal trauma associated intra-abdominal infections

PURPOSE

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) caused by ESBLs producing bacteria have become a serious clinical concern worldwide as the prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics continues to increase. The objective of this study was to analyze the bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility of ESBLs producers using pus samples from IAIs patients caused by abdominal trauma.

METHODS

A total of 113 pus samples aspirated from IAIs patients were collected. The BACTEC 9120 and Vitek 2 system were used for detecting positive pathogens and confirming ESBLs production. The results of susceptibility were determined following the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

RESULTS

Among the pathogens causing IAIs, Escherichia coli (E. coli) (29.1 %) was the most commonly isolated, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (22.5 %). The incidence rates of ESBLs production among E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Klebsiella oxytoca were 69.6, 45.1, and 25.0 %, respectively. All pathogens had high resistance rates against studied antibiotics, with imipenem (88.7 %) and ertapenem (90.7 %) remaining the only practical options. Trend analysis documented an increase in ESBLs producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, and a decrease in susceptibility for carbapenems among ESBLs producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae.

CONCLUSIONS

Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae were the major pathogens causing abdominal trauma associated IAIs. The most active agents against ESBLs producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae were ertapenem and imipenem. However, the ESBLs rates were alarmingly high and increasing among IAIs associated gram-negative bacilli infections in China, and most agents exhibited decreased susceptibility against ESBLs producing pathogens.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of a Siderophore Cephalosporin, S-649266, against Enterobacteriaceae Clinical Isolates, Including Carbapenem-Resistant Strains

S-649266 is a novel siderophore cephalosporin antibiotic with a catechol moiety on the 3-position side chain. Two sets of clinical isolate collections were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of S-649266 against Enterobacteriaceae. These sets included 617 global isolates collected between 2009 and 2011 and 233 β-lactamase-identified isolates, including 47 KPC-, 49 NDM-, 12 VIM-, and 8 IMP-producers. The MIC90 values of S-649266 against the first set of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Enterobacter cloacae isolates were all ≤1 μg/ml, and there were only 8 isolates (1.3%) among these 617 clinical isolates with MIC values of ≥8 μg/ml. In the second set, the MIC values of S-649266 were ≤4 μg/ml against 109 strains among 116 KPC-producing and class B (metallo) carbapenemase-producing strains. In addition, S-649266 showed MIC values of ≤2 μg/ml against each of the 13 strains that produced other types of carbapenemases such as SME, NMC, and OXA-48. The mechanisms of the decreased susceptibility of 7 class B carbapenemase-producing strains with MIC values of ≥16 μg/ml are uncertain. This is the first report to demonstrate that S-649266, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, has significant antimicrobial activity against Enterobacteriaceae, including strains that produce carbapenemases such as KPC and NDM-1.

Costs associated with implementation of a strict policy for controlling spread of highly resistant microorganisms in France

OBJECTIVE

To assess costs associated with implementation of a strict 'search and isolate' strategy for controlling highly drug-resistant organisms (HDRO).

DESIGN

Review of data from 2-year prospective surveillance (01/2012 to 12/2013) of HDRO.

SETTING

Three university hospitals located in northern Paris.

METHODS

Episodes were defined as single cases or outbreaks of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriacae (CPE) colonisation. Costs were related to staff reinforcement, costs of screening cultures, contact precautions and interruption of new admissions. Univariate analysis, along with simple and multiple linear regression analyses, was conducted to determine variables associated with cost of HDRO management.

RESULTS

Overall, 41 consecutive episodes were included, 28 single cases and 13 outbreaks. The cost (mean ± SD) associated with management of a single case identified within and/or 48 h after admission was €4443 ± 11,552 and €11,445 ± 15,743, respectively (p<0.01). In an outbreak, the total cost varied from €14,864 ± 17,734 for an episode with one secondary case (€7432 ± 8867 per case) to €136,525 ± 151,231 (€12,845 ± 5129 per case) when more than one secondary case occurred. In episodes of single cases, contact precautions and microbiological analyses represented 51% and 30% of overall cost, respectively. In outbreaks, cost related to interruption of new admissions represented 77-94% of total costs, and had the greatest financial impact (R(2)=0.98, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In HDRO episodes occurring at three university hospitals, interruption of new admissions constituted the most costly measure in an outbreak situation.

Predictors of Persistent Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Carriage upon Readmission and Score Development

BACKGROUND

Carriers of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are often readmitted, exposing patients to CRE cross-transmission.

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of persistent CRE carriage upon readmission, directing a risk prediction score.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University-affiliated general hospital.

PATIENTS

A cohort of 168 CRE carriers with 474 readmissions.

METHODS

The primary and secondary outcomes were CRE carriage status at readmission and length of CRE carriage. Predictors of persistent CRE carriage upon readmission were analyzed using a generalized estimating equations (GEE) multivariable model. Readmissions were randomly divided into derivation and validation sets. A CRE readmission score was derived to predict persistent CRE carriage in 3 risk groups: high, intermediate, and low. The discriminatory ability of the model and the score were expressed as C statistics.

RESULTS

CRE carrier status persisted for 1 year in 33% of CRE carriers. Positive CRE status was detected in 202 of 474 readmissions (42.6%). The following 4 variables were associated with persistent CRE carriage at readmission: readmission within 1 month (odds ratio [OR], 6.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79–17.30), positive CRE status on preceding admission (OR, 5.46; 95% CI, 3.06–9.75), low Norton score (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.26–7.47), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.98–3.44). The C statistics were 0.791 and 0.789 for the derivation set (n=322) model and score, respectively, and the C statistic was 0.861 for the validation set of the score (n=152). The rates of CRE carriage at readmissions (validation set) for the groups with low, intermediate, and high scores were 8.6%, 38.9%, and 77.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CRE carrier state commonly persists upon readmission, and this risk can be estimated to guide screening policy and infection control measures.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(2):188–196

Multiyear, Multinational Survey of the Incidence and Global Distribution of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) hydrolyze all classes of β-lactams except monobactams and are not inhibited by classic serine β-lactamase inhibitors. Gram-negative pathogens isolated from patient infections were collected from 202 medical centers in 40 countries as part of a global surveillance study from 2012 to 2014. Carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were characterized for bla genes encoding VIM, IMP, NDM, SPM, and GIM variants using PCR and sequencing. A total of 471 MBL-positive isolates included the following species (numbers of isolates are in parentheses): P. aeruginosa (308), Klebsiella spp. (85), Enterobacter spp. (39), Proteeae (16), Citrobacter freundii (12), Escherichia coli (6), and Serratia marcescens (5) and were submitted by sites from 34 countries. Of these, 69.6% were collected in 9 countries (numbers of isolates are in parentheses): Russia (72), Greece (61), Philippines (54), Venezuela (29), and Kuwait, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, and Thailand (20 to 25 isolates each). Thirty-two different MBL variants were detected (14 VIM, 14 IMP, and 4 NDM enzymes). Seven novel MBL variants were encountered in the study, each differing from a previously reported variant by one amino acid substitution: VIM-42 (VIM-1 [V223I]), VIM-43 (VIM-4 [A24V]), VIM-44 (VIM-2 [K257N]), VIM-45 (VIM-2 [T35I]), IMP-48 (IMP-14 [I69T]), IMP-49 (IMP-18 [V49F]), and NDM-16 (NDM-1 [R264H]). The in vitro activities of all tested antibiotics against MBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae were significantly reduced with the exception of that of aztreonam-avibactam (MIC90, 0.5 to 1 μg/ml), whereas colistin was the most effective agent against MBL-positive P. aeruginosa isolates (>97% susceptible). Although the global percentage of isolates encoding MBLs remains relatively low, their detection in 12 species, 34 countries, and all regions participating in this surveillance study is concerning.

Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Romania: A Six-Month Survey

This study presents the first characterization of carbapenem-non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates by means of a structured six-month survey performed in Romania as part of an Europe-wide investigation. Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates from different anatomical sites were tested for antibiotic susceptibility by phenotypic methods and confirmed by PCR for the presence of four carbapenemase genes. Genome macrorestriction fingerprinting with XbaI was used to analyze the relatedness of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected from eight hospitals. Among 75 non-susceptible isolates, 65 were carbapenemase producers. The most frequently identified genotype was OXA-48 (n = 51 isolates), eight isolates were positive for blaNDM-1 gene, four had the blaKPC-2 gene, whereas two were positive for blaVIM-1. The analysis of PFGE profiles of OXA-48 and NDM-1 producing K. pneumoniae suggests inter-hospitals and regional transmission of epidemic clones. This study presents the first description of K. pneumoniae strains harbouring blaKPC-2 and blaVIM-1 genes in Romania. The results of this study highlight the urgent need for the strengthening of hospital infection control measures in Romania in order to curb the further spread of the antibiotic resistance.

Evolving epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Portugal: 2012 retrospective cohort at a tertiary hospital in Lisbon

Despite great efforts to enhance European epidemiological surveillance on carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), information from several countries remains scarce. To address CPE epidemiology in Portugal, we have undertaken a retrospective cohort study of adults with CPE cultures identified in the microbiology laboratory of a tertiary hospital, in 2012. Sixty patients from 25 wards or intensive care units were identified. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of clinical data on CPE in Portugal. It shows a hospital-wide CPE dissemination and alerts us to an evolving epidemiological situation not previously described.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Europe: assessment by national experts from 38 countries, May 2015

In 2012, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) launched the ‘European survey of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (EuSCAPE)’ project to gain insights into the occurrence and epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), to increase the awareness of the spread of CPE, and to build and enhance the laboratory capacity for diagnosis and surveillance of CPE in Europe. Data collected through a post-EuSCAPE feedback questionnaire in May 2015 documented improvement compared with 2013 in capacity and ability to detect CPE and identify the different carbapenemases genes in the 38 participating countries, thus contributing to their awareness of and knowledge about the spread of CPE. Over the last two years, the epidemiological situation of CPE worsened, in particular with the rapid spread of carbapenem-hydrolysing oxacillinase-48 (OXA-48)- and New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. In 2015, 13/38 countries reported inter-regional spread of or an endemic situation for CPE, compared with 6/38 in 2013. Only three countries replied that they had not identified one single case of CPE. The ongoing spread of CPE represents an increasing threat to patient safety in European hospitals, and a majority of countries reacted by establishing national CPE surveillances systems and issuing guidance on control measures for health professionals. However, 14 countries still lacked specific national guidelines for prevention and control of CPE in mid-2015.

Carbapenems versus alternative antibiotics for the treatment of bloodstream infections caused by Enterobacter, Citrobacter or Serratia species: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared effects of different antibiotics on mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae with chromosomal AmpC β-lactamase.

METHODS

Databases were systematically searched for studies reporting mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by AmpC producers treated with carbapenems, broad-spectrum β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLIs), quinolones or cefepime. Pooled ORs for mortality were calculated for cases that received monotherapy with these agents versus carbapenems.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42014014992; 18 November 2014).

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed on studies reporting empirical and definitive monotherapy. In unadjusted analyses, no significant difference in mortality was found between BLBLIs versus carbapenems used for definitive therapy (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.32-2.36) or empirical therapy (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.14-1.60) or cefepime versus carbapenems as definitive therapy (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.27-1.38) or empirical therapy (0.60; 95% CI 0.17-2.20). Use of a fluoroquinolone as definitive therapy was associated with a lower risk of mortality compared with carbapenems (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19-0.78). Three studies with patient-level data were used to adjust for potential confounders. The non-significant trends favouring non-carbapenem options in these studies were diminished after adjustment for age, sex and illness severity scores, suggestive of residual confounding.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limitations of available data, there was no strong evidence to suggest that BLBLIs, quinolones or cefepime were inferior to carbapenems. The reduced risk of mortality observed with quinolone use may reflect less serious illness in patients, rather than superiority over carbapenems.

The spread of bla OXA-48 and bla OXA-244 carbapenemase genes among Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter spp. isolated in Moscow, Russia

Background

The spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a great problem of healthcare worldwide. Study of the spread for bla_OXA-48-like genes coding epidemically significant carbapenemases among hospital pathogens is important for the regional and global epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

Antibacterial resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 95) from 54 patients, P.mirabilis (n = 32) from 20 patients, Enterobacter aerogenes (n = 6) from four patients, and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 4) from four patients were collected from January, 2013 to October, 2014 in neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) of the Burdenko Neurosurgery Institute, Moscow. Characteristics of the isolates were done using susceptibility tests, PCR detection of the resistance genes, genotyping, conjugation, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis.

Results

Major strains under study were multi drug resistant (MDR), resistant to three or more functional classes of drugs simultaneously—98.9 % K. pneumoniae, 100 % P.mirabilis, one E.aerogenes isolate, and one E.cloacae isolate. Molecular-genetic mechanism of MDR in K.pneumoniae and P.mirabilis isolates were based on carrying of epidemic extended-spectrum beta-lactamase bla_CTX-M-15 gene (87.2 and 90.6 % accordingly), carbapenemase bla_OXA-48-like gene (55.3 and 23.3 % accordingly), and class 1 (54.8 and 31.3 % accordingly) and class 2 (90.6 % P. mirabilis) integrons. The bla_OXA-48-like-positive K. pneumoniae were collected during whole two-year surveillance period, while P. mirabilis and Enterobacter spp. carrying bla_OXA-48-like genes were detected only after four and 18 months after the research start, respectively. The bla_OXA-48-like gene acquisition was shown for P. mirabilis isolates collected from five patients and for E. cloacae isolate collected from one patient during their stay in the ICU, presumably from bla_OXA-48-like-positive K. pneumoniae. The source of the bla_OXA-244 gene acquired by E. aerogenes isolates and the time of this event were not recognized.

Conclusions

The expanding of CPE in the surveyed ICU was associated with the spread of bla_OXA-48 and bla_OXA-244 carbapenemase genes documented not only among K.pneumoniae, well-known bacterial host for such genes, but among P.mirabilis, E.aerogenes, and E. cloacae.

Isolation of an NDM-5-producing ST16 Klebsiella pneumoniae from a Dutch patient without travel history abroad, August 2015

A New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-5 (NDM-5)-producing ST16 Klebsiella pneumoniae strain was isolated from a Dutch patient in a long-term care facility without recent travel history abroad. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) revealed that the Dutch isolate was clonally related to isolates detected in four patients in Denmark in 2014. Public health experts and clinicians need to be informed; repetitive screening may be needed in patients without known risk factors for carbapenemases-producing Enterobacteriaceae who have undergone antibiotic treatment.

Incidence of colonization and bloodstream infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in children receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy in Italy

Few data are available on the incidence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infection or colonization in children receiving anticancer chemotherapy. We performed a nationwide survey among centers participating in the pediatric hematology-oncology cooperative study group (Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica, AIEOP). During a 2-year observation period, we observed a threefold increase in the colonization rate, and a fourfold increase of bloodstream infection episodes, caused by CPE, with a 90-day mortality of 14%. This first nationwide Italian pediatric survey shows that the circulation of CPE strains in the pediatric hematology-oncology environment is increasing. Given the mortality rate, which is higher than for other bacterial strains, specific monitoring should be applied and the results should have implications for health-care practice in pediatric hematology-oncology.

Report on a transborder spread of carbapenemase-producing bacteria by a patient injured during Euromaidan, Ukraine

Spread of carbapenemase-producing bacteria has been described all over the world. This phenomenon may be accelerated by many factors, including wars and natural disasters. In this report, we described an NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumonia ST11 recovered from a patient injured during the Maidan revolution in Ukraine. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ukraine and one of several reports describing wound colonization/infection of humans injured during war.

Meeting the societal need for new antibiotics: the challenges for the pharmaceutical industry

The rise of antibiotic resistance is leading to clinicians being increasingly faced with clinical failure due to the lack of effective and safe treatment options. New antibiotics are needed now for current multi-drug resistant infections but also in preparation for emerging and anticipated threats. There are significant challenges for the pharmaceutical industry to discover and develop new antibiotics including a business model that balances reasonable reimbursement with appropriate use. This summary reviews the key challenges and collaborative interventions that may contribute to addressing a societal problem.

[Mandatory reporting of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. What should, what can be achieved? : assessment related to the particular facility seems crucial]

Antimicrobial-resistant organisms are regarded as a particular threat to the public health of the European population. In Germany the requirement for a national rollout reporting of positive laboratory test results for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in blood cultures was implemented in 2009. This was followed in 2011 by the introduction of a laboratory-based, rollout reporting system for the detection of gram-negative bacteria with acquired carbapenem-resistance (carbapenem-resistant organisms, CRO) in the federal state of Hessen. This article will present the experience gained in Frankfurt am Main with the existing reporting system. Blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures positive for MRSA were reported from all Frankfurt clinics between 2010 and 2013. The objective of preventing nosocomial infections by introducing a mandatory reporting for MRSA in blood cultures was only partially achieved by the reporting procedure on a population scale. Instead, reporting on a clinic-based scale, i.e., incidence per 1,000 patient days should be used. Moreover, mandatory reporting of clusters of nosocomial colonizations with MRSA could be an appropriate measure for the timely prevention of nosocomial infections with these organisms. CROs were reported from nearly all clinics as well as the ambulatory setting. Different reporting criteria have resulted not only in a greatly varying workload for the institutions and the health authorities but also in vastly different numbers of reported events. Regarding the importance of CRO, mandatory reporting seems reasonable. Criteria of reporting should be simple and easily comprehensible, i.e., all 4MRGN (gram-negative bacteria with resistance against four antibiotic groups such as acylureidopenicillins, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, fluorchinolones, and carbapenems) according to the German Commission on Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) should be considered. Reporting and evaluation of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in a population-based system does not seem to be sufficient regarding these organisms with high importance for hospital hygiene; mandatory reporting on an anonymous clinic-based scale should be used.

Evaluation of Two Phenotypic Screening Tests for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

We evaluated the performance of two rapid tests for detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) strains. The sensitivities and the specificities were 97.6% and 94.4% for the Rapid CARB Screen and 98.8% and 93.1% for the KPC/MBL & OXA-48 Confirm tests, providing the usefulness of these tools for screening CPE in microbiology wards.

Current prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms in long-term care facilities in the Rhine-Main district, Germany, 2013

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and in particular multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms (MRGN) are an increasing problem in hospital care. However, data on the current prevalence of MDRO in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are rare. To assess carriage rates of MDRO in LTCF residents in the German Rhine-Main region, we performed a point prevalence survey in 2013. Swabs from nose, throat and perineum were analysed for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), perianal swabs were analysed for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, MRGN and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). In 26 LTCFs, 690 residents were enrolled for analysis of MRSA colonisation and 455 for analysis of rectal carriage of ESBL/MRGN and VRE. Prevalences for MRSA, ESBL/MRGN and VRE were 6.5%, 17.8%, and 0.4%, respectively. MRSA carriage was significantly associated with MRSA history, the presence of urinary catheters, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes and previous antibiotic therapy, whereas ESBL/MRGN carriage was exclusively associated with urinary catheters. In conclusion, this study revealed no increase in MRSA prevalence in LTCFs since 2007. In contrast, the rate of ESBL/MRGN carriage in German LTCFs was remarkably high. In nearly all positive residents, MDRO carriage had not been known before, indicating a lack of screening efforts and/or a lack of information on hospital discharge.

Coincidental detection of the first outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae colonisation in a primary care hospital, Finland, 2013

In Finland, occurrence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-KP) has previously been sporadic and related to travel. We describe the first outbreak of colonisation with KPC-KP strain ST512; it affected nine patients in a 137-bed primary care hospital. The index case was detected by chance when a non-prescribed urine culture was taken from an asymptomatic patient with suprapubic urinary catheter in June 2013. Thereafter, all patients on the 38-bed ward were screened until two screening rounds were negative and extensive control measures were performed. Eight additional KPC-KP-carriers were found, and the highest prevalence of carriers on the ward was nine of 38. All other patients hospitalised on the outbreak ward between 1 May and 10 June and 101 former roommates of KPC-KP carriers since January had negative screening results. Two screening rounds on the hospital's other wards were negative. No link to travel abroad was detected. Compared with non-carriers, but without statistical significance, KPC-KP carriers were older (83 vs 76 years) and had more often received antimicrobial treatment within the three months before screening (9/9 vs 90/133). No clinical infections occurred during the six-month follow-up. Early detection, prompt control measures and repetitive screening were crucial in controlling the outbreak.

A computational model to monitor and predict trends in bacterial resistance

Current concern over the emergence of multidrug-resistant superbugs has renewed interest in approaches that can monitor existing trends in bacterial resistance and make predictions of future trends. Recent advances in bacterial surveillance and the development of online repositories of susceptibility tests across wide geographical areas provide an important new resource, yet there are only limited computational tools for its exploitation. Here we propose a hybrid computational model called BARDmaps for automated analysis of antibacterial susceptibility tests from surveillance records and for performing future predictions. BARDmaps was designed to include a structural computational model that can detect patterns among bacterial resistance changes as well as a behavioural computational model that can use the detected patterns to predict future changes in bacterial resistance. Data from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) were used to validate and apply the model. BARDmaps was compared with standard curve-fitting approaches used in epidemiological research. Here we show that BARDmaps can reliably predict future trends in bacterial resistance across Europe. BARDmaps performed better than other curve-fitting approaches for predicting future resistance levels. In addition, BARDmaps was also able to detect abrupt changes in bacterial resistance in response to outbreaks and interventions as well as to compare bacterial behaviour across countries and drugs. In conclusion, BARDmaps is a reliable tool to automatically predict and analyse changes in bacterial resistance across Europe. We anticipate that BARDmaps will become an invaluable tool both for clinical providers and governmental agencies to help combat the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Control of emerging extensively drug-resistant organisms (eXDRO) in France: a survey among infection preventionists from 286 healthcare facilities

We performed a multicenter survey in May-June 2012 to assess strategies in preventing the spread of emerging extensively drug-resistant organisms (eXDRO), including glycopeptide-resistant enterococci and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, in a convenient sample of French healthcare facilities (HCFs). The collected data included organization and measures to: (1) identify patients at risk for carrying eXDRO, (2) investigate and control sporadic cases or outbreaks, and (3) describe prior 2010-2012 episodes with one or more colonized patients. Of the 286 participating HCFs, 163 (57 %) and 134 (47 %) reported having a specific procedure to detect repatriates or patients hospitalized in foreign countries within the last year, respectively. Among the 97 HCFs with prior at-risk patient management experience, contact precautions, hospitalization in a single room, and screening for eXDRO carriage were quasi-systematically performed (n = 92/97, 95 %). The alleged time between admission and alert ranged from 24 to 48 h after the patient's admission; 203 (71 %) HCFs recommended obtaining three successive negative screening samples to declare a patient free of eXDRO colonization. During the last two years, 64 HCFs (23 %) had to manage at least one eXDRO case, with a total of 20 outbreaks with more than one secondary case. This first national survey shows that French HCFs were not totally ready to control eXDRO spread in 2012. Their previous experiences and capacities in controlling eXDRO outbreaks are quite heterogeneous from one hospital to another. Further researches are needed in order to understand the constraints in applying national guidance.

Comparable outcomes for β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations and carbapenems in definitive treatment of bloodstream infections caused by cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae

BACKGROUND

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae are often susceptible in vitro to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BLBLI) combination antibiotics, but their use has been limited by concerns of clinical inefficacy. We aimed to compare outcomes between patients treated with BLBLIs and carbapenems for bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by cefotaxime non-susceptible (likely ESBL- or AmpC β-lactamase-producing) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

METHODS

All adult patients with a BSI caused by cefotaxime non-susceptible E. coli or K. pneumoniae were included from May 2012-May 2013. We compared outcomes between patients who had definitive monotherapy with a carbapenem to those who had definitive monotherapy with a BLBLI.

RESULTS

There were 92 BSIs that fulfilled the microbiological inclusion criteria. 79 (85.9%) were caused by E. coli and 13 (14.1%) by K. pneumoniae. Four out of 23 (17.4%) patients treated with carbapenem monotherapy and 2 out of 24 (8.3%) patients treated with BLBLI monotherapy died (adjusted HR for survival 0.91, 95% CI 0.13 to 6.28; p = 0.92). The time to resolution of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria did not vary between the treatment groups (adjusted HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.59; p = 0.97). The length of hospital admission post-positive blood culture was slightly longer in patients treated with BLBLIs (median duration 15 vs. 11 days), although this was not significant (adjusted HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.27 to 1.42; p = 0.26). There were no significant differences in subsequent isolation of carbapenem resistant organisms (4.3% vs. 4.2%, p = 1.0), C. difficile infection (13.0% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.67) or relapsed BSI (0% vs. 2%, p = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

BLBLIs appear to have a similar efficacy to carbapenems in the treatment of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae bloodstream infections. Directed therapy with a BLBLI, when susceptibility is proven, may represent an appropriate carbapenem-sparing option.

Global dissemination of extensively drug-resistant carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: clinical perspectives on detection, treatment and infection control

The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli is on the rise worldwide, posing a major public health threat. Previously, this was mostly a problem in Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, but during the last decade, carbapenem resistance has escalated in medically important species such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. In particular, the rising trend in E. coli is of concern, as this may lead to almost untreatable community-acquired infections. Resistance is conferred by carbapenemases, which are beta-lactamases that can breakdown essentially all beta-lactams. Moreover, bacteria carrying these resistance determinants are often resistant to other treatment options, due to the frequent co-acquisition of non-beta-lactam resistance genes located on the same mobile genetic elements. The detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a challenge, because some carbapenemases produce relatively discrete levels of carbapenem resistance. Current clinical evidence for treatment guidance is limited and based on retrospective observational studies and case reports. Existing data support the use of combination therapy for treatment of severe infections caused by CPE. Combination regimens including colistin, carbapenems, tigecycline, aminoglycosides and fosfomycin have been used. Randomized controlled studies of combination regimens are ongoing and may help to determine the optimal therapy. Novel beta-lactamase inhibitors may also have a role in future treatment of these infections. Strict infection control measures including isolation or cohort care of affected patients as well as contact tracing and active screening are needed to curb the spread of CPE. In this review, we provide a clinical perspective on the management of patients infected or colonized with CPE.

French recommendations for the prevention of 'emerging extensively drug-resistant bacteria' (eXDR) cross-transmission

Controlling the spread of multi- or extensively drug-resistant bacteria (MDR or XDR) includes a dual strategy for reducing antibiotic prescriptions and preventing their spread from patient carriers. Standard precautions are applicable to all health professionals caring for any patients; additional barrier precautions (isolation) are recommended for patients carrying transmissible infectious diseases or MDR bacteria in sporadic or epidemic situations. Moreover, additional precautions may be required for populations at particular risk of infection or colonization by emerging XDR (eXDR), defined in our country as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Our ability to detect and identify eXDR carriers early and ensure their follow-up, through effective communication between all those involved, is a significant challenge for controlling their spread. Thus, the French High Committee for Public Health has updated and standardized all French existing recommendations concerning the prevention of the cross-transmission of these bacteria, and these recommendations are summarized in this review. The recommendations are based on scientific and operational knowledge up to 2013. Different preventive strategies are recommended for patients found to be carrying eXDR and those who are considered to be at risk of having eXDR because of a history of contact. The local context, the experience of the infection control team, the different times at which detection of eXDR takes place (during admission, hospitalization, etc.) and the epidemiological situation (sporadic cases, clusters, outbreaks, widespread epidemic) must be included in risk assessments that in turn inform the control measures that should be applied in each clinical circumstance.

Risk Factors for Recurrence of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Carriage: Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

The natural history of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) carriage and the timing and procedures required to safely presume a CRE-free status are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors for recurrence of CRE among presumed CRE-free patients.

METHODS

Case-control study including CRE carriers in whom CRE carriage presumably ended, following at least 2 negative screening samples on separate days. Recurrence of CRE carriage was identified through clinical samples and repeated rectal screening in subsequent admissions to any healthcare facility in Israel. Patients with CRE recurrence (cases) were compared with recurrence-free patients (controls). The duration of follow-up was 1 year for all surviving patients.

RESULTS

Included were 276 prior CRE carriers who were declared CRE-free. Thirty-six persons (13%) experienced recurrence of CRE carriage within a year after presumed eradication. Factors significantly associated with CRE recurrence on multivariable analysis were the time in months between the last positive CRE sample and presumed eradication (odds ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.89–0.99] per month), presence of foreign bodies at the time of presumed eradication (4.6 [1.64–12.85]), and recurrent admissions to healthcare facilities during follow-up (3.15 [1.05–9.47]). The rate of CRE recurrence was 25% (11/44) when the carrier status was presumed to be eradicated 6 months after the last known CRE-positive sample, compared with 7.5% (10/134) if presumed to be eradicated after 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the CRE-carrier status be maintained for at least 1 year following the last positive sample. Screening of all prior CRE carriers regardless of current carriage status is advised.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(8):936–941

Prospective multicenter study of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from 83 hospitals in Spain reveals high in vitro susceptibility to colistin and meropenem

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Spain in 2013 by describing the prevalence, dissemination, and geographic distribution of CPE clones, and their population structure and antibiotic susceptibility. From February 2013 to May 2013, 83 hospitals (about 40,000 hospital beds) prospectively collected nonduplicate Enterobacteriaceae using the screening cutoff recommended by EUCAST. Carbapenemase characterization was performed by phenotypic methods and confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Multilocus sequencing types (MLST) were determined for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. A total of 702 Enterobacteriaceae isolates met the inclusion criteria; 379 (54%) were CPE. OXA-48 (71.5%) and VIM-1 (25.3%) were the most frequent carbapenemases, and K. pneumoniae (74.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (10.3%), and E. coli (8.4%) were the species most affected. Susceptibility to colistin, amikacin, and meropenem was 95.5%, 81.3%, and 74.7%, respectively. The most prevalent sequence types (STs) were ST11 and ST405 for K. pneumoniae and ST131 for E. coli. Forty-five (54.1%) of the hospitals had at least one CPE case. For K. pneumoniae, ST11/OXA-48, ST15/OXA-48, ST405/OXA-48, and ST11/VIM-1 were detected in two or more Spanish provinces. ST11 isolates carried four carbapenemases (VIM-1, OXA-48, KPC-2, and OXA-245), but ST405 isolates carried OXA-48 only. A wide interregional spread of CPE in Spain was observed, mainly due to a few successful clones of OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae (e.g., ST11 and ST405). The dissemination of OXA-48-producing E. coli is a new finding of public health concern. According to the susceptibilities determined in vitro, most of the CPE (94.5%) had three or more options for antibiotic treatment.

Predominance of KPC-3 in a survey for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Portugal

Among the 2,105 Enterobacteriaceae tested in a survey done in Portugal, 165 were nonsusceptible to carbapenems, from which 35 (26 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3 Escherichia coli, 2 Enterobacter aerogenes, and 3 Enterobacter cloacae isolates and 1 Klebsiella oxytoca isolate) were confirmed to be carbapenemase producers by the presence of 30 Tn4401d-blaKPC-3, 4 intI3-blaGES-5, and one intI1-blaVIM-2 gene, alone or in combination with other bla genes. The dissemination of blaKPC-3 gene carried by an IncF plasmid suggests lateral gene transfer as a major mechanism of dissemination.

Carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria: current epidemics, antimicrobial susceptibility and treatment options

ABSTRACT 

Carbapenemases, with versatile hydrolytic capacity against β-lactams, are now an important cause of resistance of Gram-negative bacteria. The genes encoding for the acquired carbapenemases are associated with a high potential for dissemination. In addition, infections due to Gram-negative bacteria with acquired carbapenemase production would lead to high clinical mortality rates. Of the acquired carbapenemases, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (Ambler class A), Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (Ambler class B), New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (Ambler class B) and many OXA enzymes (OXA-23-like, OXA-24-like, OXA-48-like, OXA-58-like, class D) are considered to be responsible for the worldwide resistance epidemics. As compared with monotherapy with colistin or tigecycline, combination therapy has been shown to effectively lower case-fatality rates. However, development of new antibiotics is crucial in the present pandrug-resistant era.