Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of the First Canadian Case of Ambler Class A Carbapenemase FRI-8

This study investigated the mechanism of carbapenem resistance in an Enterobacter cloacae complex positive by the modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) but negative by the Rosco Neo-Rapid Carb Kit, β CARBA, and conventional PCR for common carbapenemase genes (KPC, NDM, OXA-48, IMP, VIM, GES, and IMI/NMC). Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data we confirmed the identification of Enterobacter asburiae (ST1639) and the presence of bla_FRI-8 located on a 148kb IncFII(Yp) plasmid. This is the first occurrence of a clinical isolate harboring the FRI-8 carbapenemase and the second occurrence of FRI in Canada. This study highlights the need to use both WGS and phenotypic screening methods for detection of carbapenemase-producing strains if we consider the growing diversity of carbapenemases.