OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae causing bacteremia, United Arab Emirates

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Science

Background:

• The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat.
• Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a major concern due to limited treatment options.
• OXA-48 is a common carbapenemase found in Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and K. pneumoniae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of OXA-48-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae among bacteremic isolates.
• To compare the prevalence of OXA-48 in Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing versus non-ESBL-producing isolates.
• To establish baseline data for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Abu Dhabi.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of bacteremic isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
• Identification of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production.
• Detection of OXA-48 carbapenemase-encoding genes using molecular methods.

Main Results:

• OXA-48-producing isolates were identified in approximately 4% of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
• Less than 1% of non-ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates carried the OXA-48 gene.
• The study was conducted at the largest tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Conclusions:

• OXA-48-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae are present in bacteremic patients in Abu Dhabi.
• ESBL-producing strains show a higher prevalence of OXA-48 compared to non-ESBL-producing strains.
• These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance for carbapenemase resistance.