First description of bla(NDM-1), bla(OXA-48), bla(OXA-181) producing Enterobacteriaceae strains in Romania

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) pose a significant global health threat.
• The emergence and spread of carbapenemase genes like bla(NDM-1), bla(OXA-48), and bla(OXA-181) are critical concerns in healthcare settings.
• Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Romania is essential for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first isolation and characterization of Enterobacteriaceae strains carrying bla(NDM-1), bla(OXA-48), and/or bla(OXA-181) genes in Romania.
• To identify the specific Enterobacteriaceae species harboring these carbapenemase genes.
• To document the prevalence of these resistance genes in an emergency teaching hospital.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial isolates were collected between January 2010 and September 2012.
• Carbapenemase gene presence was confirmed using molecular methods.
• Species identification of Enterobacteriaceae was performed.

Main Results:

• Nine carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae strains were identified.
• bla(NDM-1) was found in Enterobacter cloacae (2), Escherichia coli (1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2).
• bla(OXA-48) was detected in K. pneumoniae (3) and Serratia marcescens (1).
• One K. pneumoniae strain harbored both bla(NDM-1) and bla(OXA-181).

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first report of NDM-1, OXA-48, and OXA-181 producing Enterobacteriaceae in Romania.
• The findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures.
• The presence of these carbapenemase genes highlights a growing challenge in combating multidrug-resistant infections.