First nosocomial outbreak of VIM-16-producing Serratia marcescens in Argentina

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are enzymes that confer resistance to a wide range of β-lactam antibiotics.
• Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious nosocomial infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially those producing MBLs, pose a significant threat to public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first nosocomial outbreak of metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Argentina.
• To characterize the genetic features of the multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens isolates involved in the outbreak.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial isolates were recovered from patients in a neonatal ward.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.
• Molecular methods were used to detect metallo-β-lactamase genes and characterize the genetic relatedness of the isolates.

Main Results:

• Seven metallo-β-lactamase-positive Serratia marcescens isolates were identified from three patients.
• All isolates were multidrug-resistant.
• The isolates belonged to a single clone and carried a blaVIM-16 -containing class I integron structure.

Conclusions:

• This study documents the first nosocomial outbreak of metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Argentina, involving a single clone of multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens.
• The presence of blaVIM-16 -containing class I integron highlights the potential for rapid dissemination of MBL genes.
• This outbreak underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.