Molecular epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae among children in China

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and antimicrobial resistance among children are major concerns. The occurrence of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) infections is gradually increasing worldwide, and disinfectant resistance is also being reported. Carbapenem- and disinfectant-resistant hvKp infection has made clinical treatment and nosocomial infection control among children increasingly challenging. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was conducted among 34 Carba NP-positive carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) strains, and the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes and disinfectant resistance genes was determined. Eleven distinct STs were identified, and most of them were ST11 (58.8%). Among the carbapenem resistance genes, KPC-2 was predominant (61.8%), followed by NDM-1 (26.5%) and IPM-4 (11.8%), and no other carbapenemase genes were found. Twelve virulence genes were investigated. All 34 CRKP strains carried the following virulence genes: rcsA/B, entA, fimA/H and mrkA/D. The gene iucB was present in only 3 (8.9%) CRKP strains. The positive detection rates of the iroN and ybtA genes were 94.1% and 64.7%, respectively. None of the strains was found to carry the rmpA and iroB genes. Two disinfectant resistance genes were investigated in this study. Twenty-one (61.8%) strains carried both the qacE and cepA disinfectant resistance genes, 13 (38.2%) CRKP strains carried only the cepA gene, and no strains with only the qacE gene was detected. The correlations among virulence, drug resistance and disinfectant tolerance showed that the virulence and disinfectant resistance genes were distinct among several types of carbapenemase-producing CRKP strains.

Persistence and Dissemination Capacities of a BlaNDM-5-Harboring IncX-3 Plasmid in Escherichia coli Isolated from an Urban River in Montpellier, France

To investigate the capacities of persistence and dissemination of bla_NDM-5 within Escherichia coli and in aquatic environment, we characterized E. coli (sequence type 636) strains B26 and B28 isolated one month apart from the same urban river in Montpellier, France. The two isolates carried a pTsB26 plasmid, which sized 45,495 Kb, harbored bla_NDM-5 gene and belonged to IncX-3 incompatibility group. pTsB26 was conjugative in vitro at high frequency, it was highly stable after 400 generations and it exerted no fitness cost on its host. bla_NDM-5harboring plasmids are widely dispersed in E. coli all around the world, with no lineage specialization. The genomic comparison between B26 and B28 stated that the two isolates probably originated from the same clone, suggesting the persistence of pTsB26 in an E. coli host in aquatic environment.

Pressure response of carbapenems Klebsiella pneumoniae under antibiotic stress

To analyze the drug-resistant phenotype and genetic characteristics of Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in this region, and to study its different expression profiles in RNA level under the pressure of low levels of antibiotics. Trace dilution method and PCR method were used to detect the antibiotic resistance phenotype and antibiotic resistance gene carrying of CRKP strain, simulate the antibiotic stress process, and RNAseq was used to analyze the transcriptomic changes of CRKP strain. 37 CRKP strains, 27 Carbapenem sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae (CSKP) CSKP strains and 42 sensitive strains were detected. The antibiotic resistance rate of CRKP strain was significantly higher than that of other drug-resistant strains, and there were many kinds of antibiotic resistance genes. Transcriptomic analysis showed that CRKP strain showed compensatory rise under meropenem stress at low concentration, and the expression of genes related to biofilm formation, pressure induction, pressure tolerance and transcriptional regulation was significantly changed. It was speculated that mrkAB, fimDH, phoHP and pspABCD clusters significantly altered their expression under the antibiotics stress response in CRKP strain. The detection rate of CRKP strain is high in this area. Under low levels of antibiotic stress, CRKP strain can not only survive by synthesizing antibiotic modified enzyme, but also respond by transcriptional regulation and biofilm changes, resulting in stress compensation. The discovery of this phenomenon explains the failure of treatment due to improper use of higher-order antibiotics from the perspective of genetic interaction.

The present danger of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase: a threat to public health

The evolution of antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative pathogens is a substantial menace to public health sectors, notably in developing countries because of the scarcity of healthcare facilities. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) is a potent β-lactam enzyme able to hydrolyze several available antibiotics. NDM was identified from the clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli from a Swedish patient in New Delhi, India. This enzyme horizontally passed on to various Gram-negative bacteria developing resistance against a variety of antibiotics which cause treatment crucial. These bacteria increase fatality rates and play an integral role in the economic burden. The efficient management of NDM-producing isolates requires the coordination between each healthcare setting in a region. In this review, we present the prevalence of NDM in children, fatality and the economic burden of resistant bacteria, the clonal spread of NDM harboring bacteria and modern techniques for the detection of NDM producing pathogens.

A novel incompatibility group X3 plasmid carrying bla NDM-1 encodes a small RNA that regulates host fucose metabolism and biofilm formation

The emergence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) has become a major health threat to clinical managements of gram-negative bacteria infections. A novel incompatibility group X3 plasmid (IncX3) pNDM-HN380 carrying bla _NDM-1 has recently been found to epidemiologically link with multiple geographical areas in China. In this paper, we studied the metabolic responses of host bacteria E. coli J53 upon introduction of pNDM-HN380. A reduction of bacterial motility was observed in J53/pNDM-HN380. We profiled the RNA repertoires of the transconjugants and found a downregulation of genes involved in flagella and chemotaxis metabolic pathways at logarithmic (log) phase. We also identified a novel intragenic region (IGR) small RNA plas2. The plasmid-transcribed sRNA IGR plas2 was further characterized as a regulator of fucRwhich controls the fucose metabolism. By knockdown of IGR plas2 using an antisense decoy, we managed to inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilm of the host. Our study demonstrated a potential way of utilizing plasmid-transcribed sRNA against infectious bacteria.

Occurrence of Highly Conjugative IncX3 Epidemic Plasmid Carrying bla NDM in Enterobacteriaceae Isolates in Geographically Widespread Areas

The emergence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) in common enterobacterial species is a major concern for healthcare. Early reports have revealed that the spread of NDM involved diverse and heterogeneous plasmids. Recently, the involvement of a rare, IncX3 subtype plasmid has been increasingly recognized. Here, we studied the prevalence of IncX plasmid subtypes in 198 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, originating from a territory-wide active surveillance in Hong Kong in 2016. The complete sequences and biological features of the bla _NDM-carrying plasmids were investigated. A total of 62 NDM-type, 21 OXA-48 type, 14 IMP-type, 8 KPC-type, 4 IMI-type producers, and 89 non-carbapenemase-producers were tested for presence of IncX subtypes. IncX3 (n = 60) was the most common subtype, followed by IncX4 (n = 6) and IncX1 (n = 2). The prevalence of IncX3 subtype in isolates producing NDM, other carbapenemase types and non-carbapenemase producers were 75.8, 21.3, and 3.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). An IncX3 plasmid (size ∼50 kb) was confirmed to carry bla _NDM in 47 isolates of different enterobacterial species. Thirteen IncX3 plasmids originating from six healthcare regions in Hong Kong were completely sequenced. The results showed that the IncX3 plasmids carrying bla _NDM share a high degree of sequence identity with a previously reported plasmid, pNDM-HN380 (GenBank accession JX104760), over the backbone and genetic load regions. A blast search further revealed the occurrence of identical or nearly identical IncX3 plasmids carrying bla _NDM in other part of China, Korea, Myanmar, India, Oman, Kuwait, Italy, and Canada. Two IncX3 carrying bla _NDM were investigated further. Conjugation experiments demonstrated that the IncX3 plasmids could be efficiently transferred to multiple enterobacterial species at frequencies that are comparable or higher than the epidemic IncFII plasmid carrying bla _CTX-M (pHK01). In addition, efficient transfer of the NDM plasmids occurred over a range of temperatures. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the important role played by IncX3 in the dissemination of NDM and the occurrence of pNDM-HN380-like plasmids in geographically widespread areas. The high mobility of IncX3 plasmid across different enterobacterial species highlights the ability of this plasmid replicon to be an important vehicle in worldwide dissemination of NDM.

Molecular Characteristics of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae in Ningxia Province, China

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has become a major public health concern worldwide and a new challenge in the treatment of infectious diseases. The molecular characteristics of Enterobacter cloacae in Ningxia China are unknown. In this study, we reported 10 carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae isolates from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, the largest university hospital in Ningxia between January 2012 and December 2013. Bacteria isolates were identified by Vitek2 compact and the identity of non-duplicate E. cloacae isolates was further confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The drug susceptibility and phenotype identification of these isolates were analyzed by agar dilution method, modified Hodge test (MHT), and EDTA synergy test. Beta-lactamase (bla) genes bla_NDM−1 was found in 8 out of 10 isolates. Most isolates harbored multiple resistance genes including bla_ESBL, bla_AmpC, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and disinfectant resistance genes. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that these E. cloacae isolates were grouped into 6 clusters based on a cutoff of 80% genetic similarity. In conjugative assay, 9 out of 10 isolates transferred carbapenem-resistant genes to Escherichia coli. Our study has revealed that NDM-1-producing isolates are the most prevalent carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae in Ningxia. These isolates also carry several other carbapenem-resistant genes and can transfer these genes to other bacteria through conjugation. These findings highlight an urgent need to monitor these isolates to prevent their further spread in this region.

A Novel Risk Factor Associated With Colonization by Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Addition to Antimicrobial Treatment

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between gastrointestinal colonization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

METHODS

We analyzed 31,526 patients with prospective collection of fecal specimens for CPE screening: upon admission (targeted screening) and during hospitalization (opportunistic screening, safety net screening, and extensive contact tracing), in our healthcare network with 3,200 beds from July 1, 2011, through December 31, 2015. Specimens were collected at least once weekly during hospitalization for CPE carriers and subjected to broth enrichment culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Of 66,672 fecal specimens collected, 345 specimens (0.5%) from 100 patients (0.3%) had CPE. The number and prevalence (per 100,000 patient-days) of CPE increased from 2 (0.3) in 2012 to 63 (8.0) in 2015 (P<.001). Male sex (odds ratio, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.15–3.18], P=.013), presence of wound or drain (3.12 [1.70–5.71], P<.001), and use of cephalosporins (3.06 [1.42–6.59], P=.004), carbapenems (2.21 [1.10–4.48], P=.027), and PPIs (2.84 [1.72–4.71], P<.001) in the preceding 6 months were significant risk factors by multivariable analysis. Of 79 patients with serial fecal specimens, spontaneous clearance of CPE was noted in 57 (72.2%), with a median (range) of 30 (3–411) days. Comparing patients without use of antibiotics and PPIs, consumption of both antibiotics and PPIs after CPE identification was associated with later clearance of CPE (hazard ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.17–0.73], P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant use of antibiotics and PPIs prolonged duration of gastrointestinal colonization by CPE.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1418–1425

Dissemination of NDM-1-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Mediated by the IncX3-Type Plasmid

The emergence and spread of NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae have resulted in a worldwide public health risk that has affected some provinces of China. China is an exceptionally large country, and there is a crucial need to investigate the epidemic of bla_NDM-1-positive Enterobacteriaceae in our province. A total of 186 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates (CRE) were collected in a grade-3 hospital in Zhejiang province. Carbapenem-resistant genes, including bla_KPC, bla_IMP, bla_VIM, bla_OXA-48 and bla_NDM-1 were screened and sequenced. Ninety isolates were identified as harboring the bla_KPC-2 genes, and five bla_NDM-1-positive isolates were uncovered. XbaI-PFGE revealed that three bla_NDM-1-positive K. pneumoniae isolates belonged to two different clones. S1-PFGE and southern blot suggested that the bla_NDM-1 genes were located on IncX3-type plasmids with two different sizes ranging from 33.3 to 54.7 kb (n=4) and 104.5 to 138.9 kb (n=1), respectively, all of which could easily transfer to Escherichia coli by conjugation and electrotransformation. The high-throughput sequencing of two plasmids was performed leading to the identification of a smaller 54-kb plasmid, which had high sequence similarity with a previously reported pCFNDM-CN, and a larger plasmid in which only a 7.8-kb sequence of a common gene environment around bla_NDM-1 (bla_NDM-1-trpF- dsbC-cutA1-groEL-ΔInsE,) was detected. PCR mapping and sequencing demonstrated that four smaller bla_NDM-1 plasmids contained a common gene environment around bla_NDM-1 (IS5-bla_NDM-1-trpF- dsbC-cutA1-groEL). We monitored the CRE epidemic in our hospital and determined that KPC-2 carbapenemase was a major risk to patient health and the IncX3-type plasmid played a vital role in the spread of the bla_NDM-1 gene among the CRE.

NDM-1 encoded by a pNDM-BJ01-like plasmid p3SP-NDM in clinical Enterobacter aerogenes

A carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacter aerogenes strain named 3-SP was isolated from a human case of pneumonia in a Chinese teaching hospital. NDM-1 carbapenemase is produced by a pNDM-BJ01-like conjugative plasmid designated p3SP-NDM to account for carbapenem resistance of 3-SP. p3SP-NDM was fully sequenced and compared with all publically available pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids. The genetic differences between p3SP-NDM and pNDM-BJ01 include only 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms, a 1 bp deletion and a 706 bp deletion. p3SP-NDM and pNDM-BJ01 harbor an identical Tn125 element organized as ISAba125, bla_NDM−1, ble_MBL, ΔtrpF, dsbC, cutA, ΔgroES, groEL, ISCR27, and ISAba125. The bla_NDM−1 surrounding regions in these pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids have a conserved linear organization ISAba14-aphA6-Tn125-unknown IS, with considerable genetic differences identified within or immediately downstream of Tn125. All reported pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids are exclusively found in Acinetobacter, whereas this is the first report of identification of a pNDM-BJ01-like plasmid in Enterobacteriaceae.

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus from a fatal case of pneumonia harboring bla(NDM-1) on a widely distributed plasmid

BACKGROUND

We have recovered one bla(NDM-1)-harboring bacterial strain, designated as XM1570, from a sputum sample obtained from a fatal case of pneumonia in China.

METHODS

Biochemical profiling, 16S rRNA sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed. Conjugation experiments were conducted to determine transmissibility of resistance. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing were performed to identify strain-specific features.

RESULTS

The isolate XM1570 was identified as Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Whole genome sequencing identified two plasmids, pXM1 and pXM2. Comparative analysis showed >99% similarity between XM1570 and A. calcoaceticus PHEA-2. Plasmid pXM1 carried the carbapenemase gene bla(NDM-1) and displayed high homology with previously described plasmids isolated from different Acinetobacter spp., which were collected from human or livestock distributed in China and worldwide. The bla(NDM-1) gene was located on this conjugative plasmid in a transposon-like region flanked by two copies of the insertion sequence ISAba125; and resistance to all tested β-lactams was observed. Transferability of resistance from pXM1 to the transconjugants was identified. Plasmid pXM2 had an insertion sequence ISAba125 and a -35 region of the bla NDM-1 gene promoter but the bla NDM-1 gene was not present. A chromosomally located carbapenemase-encoding gene bla OXA-75 was detected; however, this gene was interrupted by an insertion sequence ISAba22 belonging to IS3 family.

CONCLUSIONS

Location of bla(NDM-1) on different self-transmissible plasmids could facilitate geographically broad dissemination and host range expansion of the bla(NDM-1) gene via horizontal gene transfer. Our findings of this normally environmental species A. calcoaceticus XM1570 further underline the significant clinical challenge and the essential need for surveillance including molecular methods and plasmid analyses.

Strategic measures for the control of surging antimicrobial resistance in Hong Kong and mainland of China

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are either highly prevalent or increasing rapidly in Hong Kong and China. Treatment options for these bacteria are generally limited, less effective and more expensive. The emergence and dynamics of antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria circulating between animals, the environment and humans are not entirely known. Nonetheless, selective pressure by antibiotics on the microbiomes of animal and human, and their associated environments (especially farms and healthcare institutions), sewage systems and soil are likely to confer survival advantages upon bacteria with antimicrobial-resistance genes, which may be further disseminated through plasmids or transposons with integrons. Therefore, antibiotic use must be tightly regulated to eliminate such selective pressure, including the illegalization of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed and regulation of antibiotic use in veterinary practice and human medicine. Heightened awareness of infection control measures to reduce the risk of acquiring resistant bacteria is essential, especially during antimicrobial use or institutionalization in healthcare facilities. The transmission cycle must be interrupted by proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, avoidance of undercooked or raw food and compliance with infection control measures by healthcare workers, visitors and patients, especially during treatment with antibiotics. In addition to these routine measures, proactive microbiological screening of hospitalized patients with risk factors for carrying resistant bacteria, including history of travel to endemic countries, transfer from other hospitals, and prolonged hospitalization; directly observed hand hygiene before oral intake of drugs, food and drinks; and targeted disinfection of high-touch or mutual-touch items, such as bed rails and bed curtains, are important. Transparency of surveillance data from each institute for public scrutiny provides an incentive for controlling antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings at an administrative level.

Epidemiological characteristics of blaNDM-1 in Enterobacteriaceae and the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex in China from 2011 to 2012

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of bla_NDM-1 (encoding New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1) in Enterobacteriaceae and the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex (ABC) in China from July 2011 to June 2012.

Methods

PCR was used to screen for the presence of bla_NDM-1 in all organisms studied. For bla_NDM-1-positive strains, 16S rRNA analysis and Analytical Profile Index (API) strips were used to identify the bacterial genus and species. The ABCs were reconfirmed by PCR detection of bla_OXA-51-like. Antibiotic susceptibilities of the bacteria were assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of them using two-fold agar dilution test, as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Molecular typing was performed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). S1 nuclease-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) and Southern blot hybridization were conducted to ascertain the gene location of bla_NDM-1. Conjugation experiments were conducted to determine the transmission of bla_NDM-1-positive strains.

Results

Among 2,170 Enterobacteriaceae and 600 ABCs, seven Enterobacteriaceae strains and two A. calcoaceticus isolates from five different cities carried the bla_NDM-1 gene. The seven Enterobacteriaceae strains comprised four Klebsiella pneumoniae, one Enterobacter cloacae, one Enterobacter aerogen and one Citrobacter freundii. All seven were non-susceptible to imipenem, meropenem or ertapenem. Two A. calcoaceticus species were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. Three K. pneumoniae showed the same PFGE profiles. The bla_NDM-1 genes of eight strains were localized on plasmids, while one was chromosomal.

Conclusions

Compared with previous reports, the numbers and species containing the bla_NDM-1 in Enterobacteriaceae have significantly increased in China. Most of them are able to disseminate the gene, which is cause for concern. Consecutive surveillance should be implemented and should also focus on the dissemination of bla_NDM-1 among gram-negative clinical isolates.

Characterization of plasmids in extensively drug-resistant acinetobacter strains isolated in India and Pakistan

The blaNDM-1 gene is associated with extensive drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. This probably spread to Enterobacteriaceae from Acinetobacter spp., and we characterized plasmids associated with blaNDM-1 in Acinetobacter spp. to gain insight into their role in this dissemination. Four clinical NDM-1-producing Acinetobacter species strains from India and Pakistan were investigated. A plasmid harboring blaNDM-1, pNDM-40-1, was characterized by whole-genome sequencing of Acinetobacter bereziniae CHI-40-1 and comparison with related plasmids. The presence of similar plasmids in strains from Pakistan was sought by PCR and sequencing of amplicons. Conjugation frequency was tested and stability of pNDM-40-1 investigated by real-time PCR of isolates passaged with and without antimicrobial selection pressure. A. bereziniae and Acinetobacter haemolyticus strains contained plasmids similar to the pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids identified in Acinetobacter spp. in China. The backbone of pNDM-40-1 was almost identical to that of pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids, but the transposon harboring blaNDM-1, Tn125, contained two short deletions. Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter pittii transconjugants were readily obtained. Transconjugants retained pNDM-40-1 after a 14-day passage experiment, although stability was greater with meropenem selection. Fragments of pNDM-BJ01-like plasmid backbones are found near blaNDM-1 in some genetic contexts from Enterobacteriaceae, suggesting that cross-genus transfer has occurred. pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids have been described in isolates originating from a wide geographical region in southern Asia. In vitro data on plasmid transfer and stability suggest that these plasmids could have contributed to the spread of blaNDM-1 into Enterobacteriaceae.

Minimal intervention for controlling nosocomial transmission of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in resource limited setting with high endemicity

OBJECTIVE

To control nosocomial transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in resource-limited healthcare setting with high endemicity.

METHODS

Three phases of infection control interventions were implemented in a University-affiliated hospital between 1-January-2004 and 31-December-2012. The first phase of baseline period, defined as the first 48-months of the study period, when all MRSA patients were managed with standard precautions, followed by a second phase of 24-months, when a hospital-wide hand hygiene campaign was launched. In the third phase of 36-months, contact precautions in open cubicle, use of dedicated medical items, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate daily bathing for MRSA-positive patients were implemented while hand hygiene campaign was continued. The changes in the incidence rates of hospital-acquired MRSA-per-1000-patient admissions, per-1000-patient-days, and per-1000-MRSA-positive-days were analyzed using segmented Poisson regression (an interrupted time series model). Usage density of broad-spectrum antibiotics was monitored.

RESULTS

During the study period, 4256 MRSA-positive patients were newly diagnosed, of which 1589 (37.3%) were hospital-acquired. The reduction of hospital-acquired MRSA per 1000-patient admissions, per 1000-patient-days, and per 1000-MRSA-positive-days from phase 1 to 2 was 36.3% (p<0.001), 30.4% (p<0.001), and 19.6% (p = 0.040), while the reduction of hospital-acquired MRSA per 1000-patient admissions, per 1000-patient-days, and per 1000-MRSA-positive-days from phase 2 to 3 was 27.4% (p<0.001), 24.1% (p<0.001), and 21.9% (p = 0.041) respectively. This reduction is sustained despite that the usage density of broad-spectrum antibiotics has increased from 132.02 (phase 1) to 168.99 per 1000 patient-days (phase 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Nosocomial transmission of MRSA can be reduced with hand hygiene campaign, contact precautions in open cubicle, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate daily bathing for MRSA-positive despite an increasing consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase around the world: An eReview using Google Maps

Gram-negative carbapenem-resistant bacteria, in particular those producing New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1), are a major global health problem. To inform the scientific and medical community in real time about worldwide dissemination of isolates of NDM-1-producing bacteria, we used the PubMed database to review all available publications from the first description in 2009 up to 31 December 2012, and created a regularly updated worldwide dissemination map using a web-based mapping application. We retrieved 33 reviews, and 136 case reports describing 950 isolates of NDM-1-producing bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae (n= 359) and Escherichia coli (n=268) were the most commonly reported bacteria producing NDM-1 enzyme. Several case reports of infections due to imported NDM-1 producing bacteria have been reported in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and Oman. In most cases (132/153, 86.3%), patients had connections with the Indian subcontinent or Balkan countries. Those infected were originally from these areas, had either spent time and/or been hospitalised there, or were potentially linked to other patients who had been hospitalised in these regions. By using Google Maps, we were able to trace spread of NDM-1-producing bacteria. We strongly encourage epidemiologists to use these types of interactive tools for surveillance purposes and use the information to prevent the spread and outbreaks of such bacteria.

High incidence and endemic spread of NDM-1-positive Enterobacteriaceae in Henan Province, China

The emergence and spread of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1)-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) present an urgent threat to human health. In China, the bla(NDM-1 gene has been reported mostly in Acinetobacter spp. but is rarely found in Enterobacteriaceae. Here, we report a high incidence and endemic spread of NDM-1-producing CRE in Henan Province in China. Sixteen (33.3%) of the 48 CRE isolates obtained from patients during June 2011 to July 2012 were positive for bla(NDM-1), and the gene was found to be carried on plasmids of various sizes (∼ 55 to ∼ 360 kb). These plasmids were readily transferrable to recipient Escherichia coli by conjugation, conferred resistance to multiple antibiotics, and belonged to multiple replicon types. The bla(NDM-1)-positive CRE isolates were genetically diverse, and six new multilocus sequence typing (MLST) sequence types were linked to the carriage of NDM-1. Five of the isolates were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates, four of which also carried the fosA3 gene conferring resistance to fosfomycin, an alternative drug for treating infections by CRE. In each bla(NDM-1)-positive CRE isolate, the bla(NDM-1) gene was downstream of an intact ISAba125 element and upstream of the bleMBL gene. Furthermore, gene environment analysis suggested the possible transmission of bla(NDM-1)-containing sequences from Acinetobacter spp. to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca. These findings reveal the emergence and active transmission of NDM-1-positive CRE in China and underscore the need for heightened measures to control their further spread.

Molecular Characterization of an Atypical IncX3 Plasmid pKPC-NY79 Carrying bla KPC-2 in a Klebsiella pneumoniae

The IncX family of plasmids has recently been expanded to include at least four subtypes, IncX1-IncX4. The revised classification provides an opportunity for improving our understanding of the sequence diversity of the IncX plasmids and the resistance genes they carried. We described the complete nucleotide sequence of a novel IncX3 plasmid, pKPC-NY79 (42,447 bp) from a sequence-type 258 Klebsiella pneumoniae strain that was isolated from a patient who was hospitalized in New York, United States. In pKPC-NY79, the plasmid scaffold and genetic load region were highly similar to homologous regions in pIncX-SHV (IncX3, JN247852) and the bla KPC carrying pKpQIL (IncFIIk, GU595196), respectively, indicating that it has possibly arisen through recombination of plasmids. The bla KPC-2 gene, as part of a transposon Tn4401a, was found within the genetic load region. The backbone of pKPC-NY79 differs from pIncX-SHV by a deletion involving the gene tandem hns-topB (encoding H-NS protein and topoisomerase III, respectively) and a putative ATPase gene. Unexpectedly, the impact of the hns-topB deletion on host fitness and plasmid stability was found to be small. In conclusion, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the plasmid platforms carrying bla KPC and of variations in the backbone of the IncX3 plasmids.

Emergence of blaNDM-1 among Klebsiella pneumoniae ST15 and novel ST1031 clinical isolates in China

The emergence of NDM-1 has become established as a major public health threat and represents a new and major challenge in the treatment of infectious diseases. A total of 39 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates collected from patients receiving care at 5 teaching hospitals in Jiangxi province, central China, were analyzed for carriage of resistance genes, including bla(NDM-1). Two carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (NC12 and NC18) were found to harbor bla(NDM-1). In addition to bla(NDM-1), NC12 also carried bla(SHV-1), while NC18 harbored additional resistance genes, including bla(SHV-12), bla(CTX-M-14), armA and bla(TEM-1). NC12 and NC18 belonged to ST15 and novel ST1031 and were clonally unrelated. Carbapenem resistance for NC12 could be transferred to Escherichia coli recipients through conjugation and chemical transformation, while carbapenem resistance for NC18 was only transferred to E. coli recipients by chemical transformation. The EcoR1-digested DNA pattern of plasmids from the transformants of NC12 was identical to that for NC18. Taken together, this is the first report of bla(NDM-1) carriage by K. pneumoniae clinical isolates in mainland China, indicating that bla(NDM-1) is disseminated among Enterobacteriaceae in China. Systemic surveillance should focus on the dissemination of bla(NDM-1) among Gram-negative clinical isolates, especially some major clones, such as K. pneumoniae ST15 which is a major clone among CTX-M-15-producing isolates.

Global spread of antibiotic resistance: the example of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-mediated carbapenem resistance

The rapidity with which new types of antibiotic resistance can disseminate globally following their initial emergence or recognition is exemplified by the novel carbapenemase New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM). The first documented case of infection caused by bacteria producing NDM occurred in 2008, although retrospective analyses of stored cultures have identified the gene encoding this enzyme (blaNDM) in Enterobacteriaceae isolated in 2006. Since its first description, NDM carbapenemase has been reported from 40 countries worldwide, encompassing all continents except South America and Antarctica. The spread of NDM has a complex epidemiology involving the spread of a variety of species of NDM-positive bacteria and the inter-strain, inter-species and inter-genus transmission of diverse plasmids containing blaNDM, with the latter mechanism having played a more prominent role to date. The spread of NDM illustrates that antibiotic resistance is a public health problem that transcends national borders and will require international cooperation between health authorities if it is to be controlled.

Changing bacteriology of abdominal and surgical sepsis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on recent changes in epidemiological aspects of bacteria-induced intra-abdominal infections (IAIs), including the dominant pathogens, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and emerging resistance phenotypes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Enterobacteriaceae species, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, remain the major pathogens contributing to abdominal sepsis, although Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii have recently become common causes of hospital-acquired IAIs. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli, especially those that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), has increased worldwide, although the distribution of those organisms varies from region to region. Furthermore, recent changes in interpretive breakpoints for antimicrobial susceptibility testing recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) have resulted in a marked increase in the reported rates of resistance among Gram-negative bacilli to carbapenems, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. Besides, routine detection and reporting of ESBL phenotypes for clinical isolates have not been recommended after following new interpretive breakpoints. More studies are needed to investigate the impacts of these changes on therapeutic strategies and epidemiological surveillance. In addition, pathogens carrying New Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDMs), K. pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs), and other carbapenemases show extended resistance to currently available antibiotics and rapid transfer between species and countries. Although some of these pathogens are still susceptible to tigecycline and colistin, rates of resistance to these two agents are rising.

SUMMARY

Abdominal sepsis due to multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially ESBL producers, and international and interspecies spreading of metallo-β-lactamase raise key therapeutic problems.

Identification and characterization of a novel incompatibility group X3 plasmid carrying bla NDM-1 in Enterobacteriaceae isolates with epidemiological links to multiple geographical areas in China

The New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) is one of the most important resistance traits in Enterobacteriaceae. We characterized nine bla_NDM-1 producing Enterobacteriaceae recovered from seven patients who have recently travelled or been treated in India (n=1) or mainland China (n=6) during December 2010–May 2012. All the China-linked patients had no links to the Indian subcontinent. The bla_NDM-1 carrying plasmids belonged to the novel IncX3 (∼50 kb, in seven isolates including two Escherichia coli, two Klebsiella pneumoniae, one Citrobacter freundii, one Enterobacter aerogenes and one E. cloacae), IncA/C2 (∼140 kb, in one E. coli) or FII-F1B groups (∼110 kb, in one E. coli). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the seven IncX3 plasmids revealed identical pattern in six and two bands difference in the remaining one. The IncX3 plasmids carrying bla_NDM-1 were epidemiologically linked to Guangzhou (n=1), Hunan (n=4), Haifeng (n=1) and Dongguan (n=1) in mainland China. Complete sequencing of the IncX3 plasmid pNDM-HN380 revealed that it was 54 035 bp long and encoded 52 open reading frames. The bla_NDM-1 gene was found in a transposon-like structure flanked by ISAba125 and IS26, inserted into the plasmid genetic load region. The sequences of the bla_NDM-1 containing module within the two IS elements were identical to those previously described for bla_NDM-1-positive Tn125 in the plasmids or chromosome of Acinetobacter isolates. In summary, this is the first description of IncX3 plasmids carrying bla_NDM-1. The findings indicate the worrisome involvement of an epidemic plasmid in the dissemination of NDM-1 in China.