Objective: To highlight the prevalence and epidemiology of New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase-1. producers in pus samples.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2018 at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Balochistan University of Information Technology Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Hi-tech Laboratory, Centre for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, University of Balochistan, Quetta and Microbiology Laboratory, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan. Biochemical and molecular approaches were used for the identification of the isolates and Modified Hodge Test for the phenotypic detection of class-A carbapenemase activity. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was performed using E-test and broth microdilution method. Molecular basis of carbapenemase activity was ascertained by the recognition of blaNDM-1 gene in the isolates.
Results: Of the 300 pus samples taken from surgical/burn units, 6(2%) blaNDM-1 harbouring isolates were found; 3(50%) each being Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Klebsiella. pneumoniae isolates were extensively drug-resistant. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates displayed resistance against 21 antibiotics of tetracyclines, quinolones, b-lactams, aminoglycosides, monobactams, sulphonamides, macrolides, cephalosporins, phosphonic acid and polypeptide groups, suggesting pan-drug resistance.
Conclusions: The resistance pattern of the bacterial isolates poses a significant clinical threat in the region.
Keywords: blaNDM-1, Carbapenemase, XDR, PDR, Quetta.