Emergence of Morganellaceae Harboring blaIMP-27 Metalloenzyme in Canada

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David A Boyd1, Laura F Mataseje2, Tanis Dingle3

  • 1Antimicrobial Resistance & Nosocomial Infections, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada david.boyd@canada.ca.

Msphere
|May 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) are a growing threat. A study found a sudden increase in IMP-27 carbapenemase-producing Morganellaceae in Canada, posing diagnostic challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Antimicrobial resistance

Background:

  • Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) are a significant threat to healthcare, compromising last-line antibiotic therapies.
  • Class B metalloenzymes, including IMP types, are globally distributed resistance mechanisms.
  • The emergence of novel carbapenemase variants like IMP-27 requires ongoing surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the emergence of IMP-27-harboring Morganellaceae in Canada.
  • To characterize the genetic context and phylogenetic diversity of these isolates.
  • To highlight potential challenges in detecting these carbapenem-susceptible CPOs.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for carbapenemase detection.
  • Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for genetic analysis.
  • Phylogenomic analysis to assess isolate relationships.

Main Results:

  • An increase in IMP-type metalloenzyme-positive isolates, primarily among Morganellaceae, was detected in 2018-2019.
  • Whole-genome sequencing identified the bla_IMP-27 gene within a Tn7 element in 23 Morganellaceae isolates.
  • Phylogenomics revealed isolate diversity and geographical dispersion, with some clonal spread.

Conclusions:

  • The study documents the emergence of IMP-27-producing Morganellaceae in Canada.
  • These isolates may evade detection due to carbapenem susceptibility and false-negative phenotypic tests.
  • Further research on IMP-27's genetic and clinical impact is warranted.
Keywords:
Morganellaceaeantimicrobial resistancemetallo-beta-lactamase

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