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[Metallo-beta-lactamase producing bacteria]
1Laboratory of Drug Resistance in Bacteria, Gunma University School of Medicine.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 18, 2001
Summary
Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBs) are enzymes conferring resistance to carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics. IMP-1 and VIM-1 are key MBs found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with rapid detection methods available.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBs) are a significant class of carbapenemases.
- IMP-1 and VIM-1 are clinically important MBs found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- These enzymes confer resistance to a wide range of beta-lactam antibiotics, excluding monobactams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of IMP-1 and VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamases.
- To discuss their broad substrate specificity and resistance patterns.
- To present methods for detecting clinical strains producing IMP-1.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for gene detection.
- Double-disk synergy assay using enzyme inhibitors and substrate antibiotics.
- Analysis of integron structures and plasmid dissemination.
Main Results:
- IMP-1 and VIM-1 enzymes are prevalent in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- These enzymes provide resistance to carbapenems and most beta-lactams.
- The blaIMP gene is often found on transmissible plasmids within integrons.
Conclusions:
- Metallo-beta-lactamases, particularly IMP-1 and VIM-1, pose a significant threat due to broad-spectrum resistance.
- Efficient detection methods like PCR and double-disk assays are crucial for clinical management.
- The genetic structure, including integrons and plasmids, facilitates the dissemination of these resistance genes among gram-negative bacteria.