Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli in Mauritania: A Major Public Health Threat

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) are an emerging public health threat due to limited treatment options. This retrospective study investigated the epidemiology and resistance patterns of CR-GNB isolated at the National Hospital Center of Nouakchott, Mauritania, between January 2020 and June 2022. Among 565 Gram-negative bacilli isolates, 25 were carbapenem-resistant, corresponding to a prevalence of 4.42%. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were the most frequently identified species, and most isolates were recovered from urine samples. High resistance rates were observed to beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones, whereas colistin, tigecycline, and amikacin retained good activity. Although the prevalence remains relatively low, continuous surveillance and appropriate infection control and antimicrobial stewardship measures are required to prevent the spread of carbapenem resistance.