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Comprehensive Analysis of Imipenemase (IMP)-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase: A Global Distribution Threatening Asia
Pisut Pongchaikul1,2,3, Paninee Mongkolsuk1
1Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand.
Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance, particularly beta-lactam resistance, is a major problem worldwide. Imipenemase or IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) has become a more prominent enzyme, especially in Asia, since it was discovered in the 1990s in Japan. There are currently 88 variants of IMP-type enzymes. The most commonly identified variant of IMP-type enzymes is IMP-1 variant. IMP-type MBLs have been detected in more than ten species in Enterobacterales. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequent carrier of IMP-type enzymes worldwide. In Asia, IMP-type MBLs have been distributed in many countries. This work investigated a variety of currently available IMP-type MBLs at both a global level and a regional level. Out of 88 variants of IMP-type MBLs reported worldwide, only 32 variants were found to have susceptibility profiles. Most of the bacterial isolates carrying IMP-type MBLs were resistant to Carbapenems, especially Imipenem and Meropenem, followed by the 3rd-generation cephalosporins, and interestingly, monobactams. Our results comprehensively indicated the distribution of IMP-type MBLs in Asia and raised the awareness of the situation of antimicrobial resistance in the region.
Insights
Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) resistance, specifically IMP-type, is a growing global threat, particularly in Asia. This study details IMP-type MBL variants and their resistance patterns, highlighting urgent antimicrobial resistance concerns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance, a significant global health challenge, is exacerbated by enzymes like Imipenemase (IMP)-type metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs).
- IMP-type MBLs, first identified in Japan in the 1990s, have emerged as a prominent concern, with 88 variants documented globally.
- These enzymes are increasingly detected in various Enterobacterales species and are frequently carried by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global and regional distribution of IMP-type MBL variants.
- To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates harboring IMP-type MBLs.
- To raise awareness regarding the escalating antimicrobial resistance situation in Asia.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of reported IMP-type MBL variants worldwide.
- Analysis of susceptibility data for bacterial isolates carrying IMP-type MBLs.
- Regional assessment of IMP-type MBL distribution, with a focus on Asia.
Main Results:
- Out of 88 identified IMP-type MBL variants, only 32 possess documented susceptibility profiles.
- Bacterial isolates with IMP-type MBLs exhibit high resistance to carbapenems (Imipenem, Meropenem), third-generation cephalosporins, and monobactams.
- IMP-type MBLs are widely distributed across numerous Asian countries, indicating a significant regional resistance issue.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence and diversity of IMP-type MBLs pose a substantial threat to effective antibiotic treatment.
- Understanding the distribution and resistance patterns of IMP-type MBLs is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- Enhanced surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs are urgently needed, especially in Asia, to combat the spread of IMP-type MBL-mediated resistance.
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