High Rates of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase Carbapenemase Genes in Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Nicaragua

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Feb;102(2):384-387. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0561.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis. Much of the burden of AMR in resource-limited settings remains unknown. This pilot study characterized clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods (MDR-GNRs) from Nicaragua. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) carbapenemase genes were detected in 60% of isolates. Enterobacteriaceae had the highest rates of NDM detection, with 92% (50/54 isolates) positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed patterns of clustering among isolates by two factors: plasmid profiles and year of culture. These findings of very high rates of NDM-carbapenemase genes in MDR-GNRs from hospitals throughout Nicaragua are alarming. Further research is needed to determine clinical and epidemiologic factors associated with multidrug-resistant isolates and to guide interventions to limit further spread.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Nicaragua
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactamases
  • beta-lactamase NDM-1