[First isolates of Enterobacter cloacae complex co-producing KPC and NDM in a second level hospital in City of...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are a significant global health threat.
• KPC and NDM-1 are prevalent carbapenemases, conferring resistance to most antibiotics.
• Dual carbapenemase production in Enterobacterales represents a novel and critical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first detection of Enterobacter cloacae complex co-producing KPC and NDM carbapenemases in Panama.
• To highlight the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital settings.
• To emphasize the importance of robust epidemiological surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of Enterobacter cloacae complex.
• Detection of carbapenemase genes (KPC and NDM-1) through molecular methods.
• Clinical surveillance in a second-level hospital.

Main Results:

• Two isolates of Enterobacter cloacae complex identified as co-producers of KPC and NDM carbapenemases.
• These isolates exhibit resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics.
• This represents the first documented instance of dual carbapenemase production in this species in Panama.

Conclusions:

• The emergence of Enterobacterales co-producing KPC and NDM carbapenemases is a new challenge for Panama.
• Strengthening hospital epidemiological surveillance is crucial for early detection.
• Timely detection enables the implementation of effective control measures against multidrug-resistant organisms.