Outbreak of vim-1-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae in a pediatric intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (MBL-Enterobacteriaceae) infections are uncommon in pediatric populations.
• Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) pose a significant threat due to resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics.

Observation:

• This report describes three cases of pediatric infections caused by VIM-1-producing clonal Enterobacter cloacae.
• The affected children were treated with amikacin and cotrimoxazole.

Findings:

• The blaVIM-1 gene, responsible for metallo-β-lactamase production, was identified.
• This gene was located within a class 1 integron and an IncHI2 incompatibility group plasmid, indicating potential for horizontal gene transfer.

Implications:

• The emergence of MBL-Enterobacteriaceae in pediatric patients is a critical concern.
• These findings underscore the need for surveillance and effective treatment strategies for carbapenem-resistant infections in children.