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First identification of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Czech Republic
J Hrabák1, M Fridrichová, M Stolbová
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Plzen, Charles University in Prague, Plzen, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Since 2005, invasive isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been collected in the Czech Republic as part of the European Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS). Forty-eight microbiology laboratories throughout the country including approximately 81% of the population provide consecutive isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Surprisingly, no metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) was found in 1,259 invasive isolates tested over the past three years until the detection of two MBL-producing strains in mid-2008. Both strains were isolated from patients hospitalised in one regional hospital. The MBL was identified as IMP-7, which had been seen previously in Canada, Japan, Malaysia and Slovakia.
Insights
Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were absent in the Czech Republic for three years. Two IMP-7 MBL-producing strains were detected in 2008, highlighting the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen.
- Invasive isolates are monitored in the Czech Republic via the European Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) since 2005.
- Surveillance covers 48 laboratories and approximately 81% of the population, analyzing blood and cerebrospinal fluid isolates.
Observation:
- Over a three-year period, 1,259 invasive Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were tested.
- No metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing strains were detected until mid-2008.
- Two MBL-producing strains were identified in isolates from a single regional hospital.
Findings:
- The detected metallo-beta-lactamase was identified as IMP-7.
- IMP-7 is a carbapenemase previously reported in Canada, Japan, Malaysia, and Slovakia.
- This marks the first detection of MBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in invasive isolates in the Czech Republic.
Implications:
- The emergence of IMP-7 in the Czech Republic necessitates enhanced surveillance for MBL-producing bacteria.
- This finding underscores the dynamic nature of antimicrobial resistance spread across geographical regions.
- Understanding the epidemiology of IMP-7 is crucial for guiding infection control strategies and antibiotic stewardship.
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